I. Atrophic Gastritis – Do You Really Understand It?

According to relevant studies, the prevalence of chronic atrophic gastritis in China accounts for over 20% of the population, with the rate rising steadily with age. Yet when many people see "atrophic gastritis" on their gastroscopy report, they often feel confused or even alarmed.

1. What does gastric mucosal atrophy mean?

A key point to clarify: atrophic gastritis does not mean the stomach has shrunk in size or become wrinkled. Rather, the gastric folds become smoother, the mucosal layer thins, and the glands that secrete digestive juices decrease in number.

From a pathological perspective, the core changes of atrophic gastritis are atrophy of the gastric mucosal epithelium and glands, thinning of the mucosa, and sometimes intestinal metaplasia or dysplasia. It is a chronic digestive disorder caused by multiple factors, with common symptoms including dull upper abdominal pain, fullness, belching, and loss of appetite.

2. Keeping the risk of atrophy and cancer in perspective

Regarding the relationship between atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer, a balanced view is essential. Domestic and international data show that the cumulative incidence of gastric cancer among atrophic gastritis patients is approximately 1%–3%, meaning the vast majority of patients will remain in a stable atrophic state throughout their lives without progressing to cancer.

However, it is important to note that when risk factors such as persistent H. pylori infection, long-term high-salt diet, and smoking are present, mucosal atrophy may progress. Therefore, appropriate intervention and regular follow‑up remain necessary health management measures.

II. How Does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) View Gastric Mucosal Atrophy?

1. TCM theoretical framework for atrophic gastritis

From the TCM perspective, the development of atrophic gastritis is linked to multiple internal factors. TCM holds that the spleen and stomach are the "foundation of acquired constitution" and the source of qi and blood production. Atrophy of gastric glands is often associated with patterns such as "spleen-stomach weakness," "stomach yin deficiency," and "stasis-toxin accumulation."

As renowned TCM master Zhang Jingren once noted, the pathological changes of atrophic gastritis tend to involve spleen-stomach disharmony, presenting as a combination of spleen-stomach qi deficiency and gastric collateral stasis – distinct from superficial gastritis. Given the complexity of its etiology and pathogenesis, TCM emphasizes holistic pattern differentiation and comprehensive treatment.

2. Holistic view and diversified TCM modalities

In the prevention and management of atrophic gastritis, TCM offers a wide range of methods with a strong emphasis on individualized care. Through pattern differentiation, various approaches such as herbal decoctions, acupuncture, and acupoint application can be employed, addressing the patient's unique needs while focusing on symptom relief.

Another notable feature of TCM treatment is its high safety profile and low side effects. External therapies – including acupuncture, moxibustion, and acupoint patches – bypass the digestive tract, reducing additional burden on the gastrointestinal system while improving symptoms.

III. Qiteng Therapy: An Innovative Practice in TCM External Treatment

1. What is Qiteng Therapy?

Qiteng Therapy is an innovative evolution of traditional Chinese external treatment methods. Centered on the principles of "unblocking meridians, activating qi and blood, regulating viscera, nourishing tendons and bones, and benefiting joints," it combines high‑temperature herbal fumigation with targeted local application to achieve meridian疏通 and qi‑blood harmonization.

This therapy integrates classical TCM fumigation techniques with modern medical assistance devices, upgrading traditional wisdom through technological refinement. Its core advantage lies in bypassing both gastrointestinal absorption and systemic circulation – active ingredients penetrate through skin pores directly to the target area, greatly reducing the burden on digestive organs and the liver and kidneys.

2. Mechanisms of action of Qiteng Therapy

The therapeutic effects of Qiteng Therapy can be understood at several levels:

• Meridian unblocking: High‑temperature herbal steam penetrates through skin pores into the muscle layer, helping to dissolve meridian stagnation, improve local qi‑blood flow, and restore smooth meridian circulation.

• Metabolic promotion: The thermal stimulation of medicinal vapor raises local skin temperature, dilates capillaries, enhances blood and lymphatic circulation, and accelerates metabolism.

• Holistic regulation: Qiteng Therapy emphasizes combined treatment across multiple meridians and organs, allowing simultaneous improvement of accompanying symptoms and potentially activating the body's self‑repair capacity.

3. Expanding applications in the digestive system

Over more than a decade of clinical practice, the TCM team at Tiandao has observed positive effects of Qiteng Therapy in alleviating various systemic conditions. By unblocking meridians and harmonizing qi‑blood, it also provides adjunctive benefits for overall digestive function improvement.

For digestive disorders, Qiteng Therapy is applied with pattern‑based differentiation combined with external treatment, aiming to enhance gastrointestinal function, relieve discomfort, and consolidate therapeutic outcomes. This holistic external approach is consistent with TCM's core principle of "treating different diseases with the same method" – when the same pattern reflects the same underlying imbalance, similar treatment strategies can be adopted.

IV. Scientific Value of TCM External Treatment for Atrophic Gastritis

1. Unique advantages of external therapies

Managing atrophic gastritis is a systematic process. TCM external therapies – such as fumigation, acupoint patches, and acupuncture – have demonstrated good safety and tolerability in treatment, offering patients more diversified options.

Key advantages include: first, bypassing the digestive tract avoids direct irritation of the gastric mucosa by medications; second, avoiding hepatic first‑pass metabolism reduces liver burden; and third, external and internal therapies can complement each other to form an integrated regimen.

2. The importance of comprehensive treatment

It should be emphasized that managing atrophic gastritis cannot rely on a single approach alone. A standardized treatment plan should include: eradication of H. pylori (if positive), dietary adjustments (low salt, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables), regular sleep patterns and emotional stability, and periodic gastroscopic follow‑up.

As an innovative form of TCM external treatment, Qiteng Therapy plays an adjunctive role in the comprehensive management of atrophic gastritis. By focusing on meridian unblocking and holistic regulation, it helps improve systemic qi‑blood status, thereby exerting a positive influence on gastrointestinal recovery. Of course, all treatments should be administered under medical guidance and tailored to individual conditions – self‑selection without professional advice is not recommended.


Disclaimer:
This content is a summary of clinical experience and observations from TianDao Traditional Chinese Medicine over many years. It is intended for patient education, public awareness, and scientific exchange. It does not constitute a guarantee of cure, safety, or efficacy for any condition, nor is it a promotional promise.