Is Traditional Chinese Medicine Effective in Treating Ulcerative Colitis

Traditional Chinese medicine treatment for ulcerative colitis may have certain effects, but it needs to be judged based on the severity of the condition. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment is mainly suitable for patients in mild to moderate active or remission stages. For patients in severe active or with serious complications, Western medicine treatment should still be the main approach. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment includes oral administration of Chinese medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion, moxibustion, etc., which should be conducted under the guidance of professional Chinese medicine practitioners. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that ulcerative colitis is often caused by spleen deficiency and dampness excess, liver depression and spleen deficiency, or spleen kidney yang deficiency. Treatment should follow the principles of strengthening the spleen, dispelling dampness, soothing the liver and regulating qi, and warming and tonifying the spleen and kidneys. Commonly used formulas such as Shen Ling Bai Zhu San can invigorate the spleen and promote dampness, Tong Xie Yao Fang can harmonize the liver and spleen, and Si Shen Wan can warm the kidneys and spleen. Acupuncture and moxibustion often selects Zusanli, Tianshu and other acupoints to regulate gastrointestinal function, and moxibustion at Shenque, Guanyuan and other acupoints can warm yang and stop diarrhea. Some patients can reduce the frequency of symptom attacks and improve discomfort such as diarrhea and abdominal pain through traditional Chinese medicine treatment. For severe patients with extensive lesions, more than 6 bloody stools per day, or accompanied by toxic megacolon, simple traditional Chinese medicine treatment may delay the condition. At this time, Western medicine treatments such as glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants should be prioritized to control acute inflammation, and surgical intervention may be necessary if necessary. Some traditional Chinese medicines may affect the metabolism of Western medicine or increase the burden on liver and kidney function, and strict monitoring is required when combined with medication. Patients with ulcerative colitis, regardless of the treatment method used, should maintain a low fiber, low-fat, high protein diet and avoid spicy and stimulating foods. In the acute phase, you can choose digestible foods such as yam Congee and lotus root starch. In the remission phase, you can add steamed apples, carrots and other vitamins. It is recommended to conduct regular colonoscopy follow-up to monitor mucosal healing and avoid overexertion or emotional fluctuations that may trigger disease activity. If symptoms worsen or weight loss persists during traditional Chinese medicine treatment, timely medical attention should be sought to adjust the treatment plan.