Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common bacterial infection affecting the stomach lining. It causes chronic gastritis and is closely linked to indigestion, stomach ulcers, and even gastric cancer. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies H. pylori as a Class I carcinogen due to its cancer-causing potential.
Globally, over 50% of people are infected with H. pylori, making it one of the most widespread infections in the world.
Studies conclude that Sijunzi Soup and Liujunzi Soup increase blood flow to
the gastric mucosa, promoting regeneration of the ulcerated area and gastric mucosa repair.
Acupuncture:
• Regulates the vegetative nerve and enhances gastrointestinal motility.
• Promotes blood circulation and accelerates gastric mucosa repair.
• Enhances immune function.
While Western medicine focuses on eradication using antibiotics, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a complementary approach that emphasizes strengthening the digestive system, balancing internal factors, and preventing recurrence.
Common Symptoms of H. Pylori Infection
If you’ve been infected with H. pylori, you may experience:
Nausea or queasiness
Stomach bloating or distention
Epigastric pain
Bad breath (halitosis)
Many of these symptoms are vague or overlap with other digestive issues, so early testing is important if they persist.
TCM Understanding of H. pylori: The Role of Internal Imbalances
TCM sees H. pylori infection not just as an isolated bacterial invasion, but as a result of internal disharmony. Certain body constitutions make individuals more prone to infection or persistent symptoms.
The TCM Internal Terrain That Promotes H. pylori Growth:
Dampness
Qi stagnation
Heat accumulation
Blood stasis
These factors provide a fertile internal environment for H. pylori to take hold, multiply, and damage the stomach lining.
“When dampness lingers in the stomach, it can trap heat and lead to inflammation. ”TCM treatment targets this internal climate, not just the bacteria.
Why Are Some People More Prone to H. pylori?
TCM research shows people with Damp-Heat constitution or Qi Deficiency are more susceptible. Once the bacteria enters the body, it penetrates the stomach’s natural defenses, establishes itself in the mucosa, and begins to reproduce.
TCM Approaches Include:
Aromatic herbs like Agastache (Huo Xiang), Eupatorium (Pei Lan), and White Cardamom (Bai Dou Kou) to dispel dampness and reduce bad breath
Heat-clearing herbs like Dandelion (Pu Gong Ying) and Coptis (Huang Lian) to reduce inflammation and acidity
Acupuncture: Enhancing the Body's Defense Against H. pylori
Acupuncture provides a non-pharmaceutical method to support the gut and immune system.
TCM Benefits of Acupuncture for Stomach Health:
Stimulates gastric motility and supports digestion
Improves blood circulation and helps repair the stomach lining
Strengthens immune function, making the body more resistant to reinfection
Acupuncture also helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, calming the gut and reducing stress-related stomach symptoms.
H. pylori Prevention: Daily Habits That Matter
H. pylori spreads mainly through the mouth, often through shared food, utensils, or kissing.
Tips to Reduce Infection Risk:
Wash hands before meals
Use serving spoons and personal chopsticks
Avoid sharing drinks or utensils
Limit spicy food, alcohol, and grilled meats, which irritate the stomach lining
Prioritize gut-friendly foods and stress management
TCM Nutrition: Foods That Support Stomach Health
Anti-H. pylori Foods to Include:
Garlic
Onions
Honey
Lion’s mane mushroom
Broccoli
Cranberries
These foods contain natural antibacterial compounds and protective nutrients that support healing of the stomach lining.
TCM Recipe: Pumpkin & Millet Congee
A soothing and nourishing meal ideal for those recovering from H. pylori or looking to strengthen digestion.
Ingredients (Serves 2):
Pumpkin – 300g
Millet – 150g
Instructions:
Boil millet and diced pumpkin until soft and creamy. Serve warm.
Benefits:
Pumpkin: Warm-natured, sweet in flavor, enters the Spleen and Stomach meridians, rich in vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, and pectin, which helps protect the gastric lining.
Millet: Cooling, sweet in flavor, supports the Kidney, Spleen, and Stomach, enhances digestion, and relieves internal heat and thirst.
Millet has a slightly cooling nature—pregnant women and children should consult a TCM practitioner before consuming regularly.
The TCM Advantage: Treat the Root, Strengthen the Terrain
While antibiotics are essential for eradicating H. pylori, they can also disrupt gut flora and weaken digestive function.
TCM works in harmony with modern medicine, offering a protective and restorative strategy:
Strengthen spleen and stomach function
Eliminate internal dampness and heat
Restore gut balance after antibiotic use
Prevent recurrence through constitutional care
By improving your body's internal environment, TCM helps ensure H. pylori has no place to thrive.
Final Thoughts
H. pylori is more than just a bacterial infection—it's a sign of deeper imbalance. While Western medicine fights the pathogen directly, TCM supports your body’s terrain, restoring harmony to your digestive system.
If you’ve tested positive for H. pylori or have persistent stomach discomfort, consult a licensed TCM practitioner to explore herbal therapies, acupuncture, and personalized nutritional support.