Celiac Disease Through the Eyes of Chinese Medicine
- Dr. Jacintha "Jaz" Roemer
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
A conversational, real-world look at what’s actually going on in your body
If you’re living with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, you probably already know what gluten does to your body. You remove it, you’re careful, and yet… something still doesn’t feel quite right. I hear this all the time in my clinic: “I’ve done everything I’m supposed to do — why is my stomach still bloated? Why am I still exhausted? Why does my body feel like it’s reacting to everything?”
This is the moment people realize that removing gluten isn’t the whole story. It’s the beginning. And this is exactly where Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) fills in the missing pieces.
🌿 So What Does Celiac Disease Look Like in TCM?
Celiac isn’t a term that existed thousands of years ago, but the pattern of symptoms is extremely familiar in the TCM world. When we look at celiac disease, we almost always see a digestive system that has been overworked, overheated, and undernourished at the same time.
From a TCM perspective, the Spleen — which governs digestion, nutrient absorption, and energy levels — gets tired. Imagine trying to run a kitchen with half your staff gone, a broken oven, and a line out the door. You’d be overwhelmed, too. When the Spleen is overburdened, digestion becomes sluggish, bloating shows up easily, fatigue settles in, and the body starts producing Dampness — a term we use to describe accumulation or “stickiness” inside the system. People often describe it as feeling heavy, puffy, slow, or foggy.
On top of that, the immune reaction to gluten tends to generate Heat in the body. This kind of internal Heat can show up as inflammation, urgency, irritability, acid reflux, or skin flare-ups. It’s not surprising that many celiac patients continue experiencing digestive discomfort even after going gluten-free. The gut lining may be avoiding the irritant, but the lingering Heat and Dampness still need to be cleared.
Over time, especially after years of inflammation, the body may also become deficient — not enough Yin, not enough Blood, not enough deep nourishment. This shows up as fatigue, dry skin, low energy, sleep troubles, menstrual changes, hair thinning, and overall depletion. In other words, celiac disease doesn’t just irritate the gut — it drains the system.
🤲 How TCM Helps You Heal When Gluten Isn’t the Whole Story
This is the part I love. TCM doesn’t treat celiac by suppressing symptoms. It treats the terrain — the soil, not just the weeds.
Acupuncture calms the inflammatory response and helps the digestive system “reset” its rhythm. Many patients notice a sense of lightness in the belly afterward, or that their gut feels warmer and more coordinated. Herbs can rebuild the digestive lining, support motility, strengthen the Spleen, and soothe inflammation. Depending on the person, we might use gentle formulas to rebuild Qi, nourish Yin, or clear Damp-Heat.
One of the most powerful tools in this work is abdominal massage — specifically Chi Nei Tsang. It physically works with the fascia, lymph, and digestive organs, helping restore mobility and allowing the gut to move with less tension. This is especially helpful for people who feel like their stomach is “bracing” all the time or holding emotional stress.
Food therapy is another corner of the healing picture. After years of irritation, the gut often responds best to warm, soft, cooked foods — things like soups, stews, congee, squash, ginger, and lightly sautéed vegetables. These help rebuild Spleen Qi far more effectively than smoothies or salads, which can be cooling and taxing for a weakened digestive system.
🧠 The Emotional Side No One Talks About
Chinese Medicine has always recognized that digestion and emotion are deeply connected. The Spleen weakens with worry, overthinking, perfectionism, and pressure — all of which are extremely common for people navigating chronic health issues. Many patients describe themselves as “tightly wound,” responsible, or hard on themselves. This emotional load is part of what we gently unwind in treatment.
When the nervous system settles, digestion often begins to repair itself. It’s one of the most beautiful things to witness.
🌱 Can You Get Better?
Yes. Celiac disease is a lifelong diagnosis, but the symptoms around it are very treatable. People regularly experience more stable digestion, clearer skin, fewer reactions, and a significant increase in energy and hormonal balance. The gut is an incredibly resilient system — it just needs the right kind of support.
📥 Want a Simple, Helpful Handout?
I created a one-page TCM Guide for Celiac Healing you can download to understand:
what’s happening in your gut from a TCM perspective
the most supportive foods
herbs to discuss with your practitioner
acupressure points for daily relief
lifestyle tips that actually make a difference
👉 Download it here: https://drjacinthajazroemer.podia.com/celiac-gut-solutions
Unhealthy Gut (FAQ Section)
Q: How do I know if my gut problems are “serious enough” to seek support?If your symptoms are affecting your energy, mood, digestion, skin, hormones, sleep, or weight — those are signs the gut needs attention. You don’t need to wait until things are severe to get help.
Q: Do I need to live in San Diego to work with you on gut issues? No. While I treat digestive disorders in person at San Diego Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture, I also support patients online through digital programs, consultations, and guided self‑care tools.
Q: What’s the best place to start if I think I have an unhealthy gut?Most people start with the 3‑Day Gut‑Brain Reset because it gives quick relief from bloating, fatigue, sugar cravings, and emotional overwhelm.👉 https://drjacinthajazroemer.podia.com
Q: Can acupuncture help with gut problems?Yes — acupuncture can regulate the nervous system, support motility, strengthen Spleen & Stomach Qi, and reduce inflammation. Many gut clients feel improvement within 2–5 sessions. 📍 Book in San Diego
Q: What if I don’t want needles?No problem. I offer needle‑free sessions using Chi Nei Tsang (abdominal massage), Qigong, and herbal support — very effective for gut healing.
Q: What if I want
a complete 6‑week gut reset?My signature digital program — the Buddha Belly Program — is a full 6‑week digestive & emotional reset and can be done from anywhere in the world.✨ Learn more: https://www.jazhandsmassageandacu.com/buddha-belly-program
📍 Visit Us in San Diego — Or Start Your Healing Journey Online
Dr. JazHands Acupuncture and Therapeutic Massage is located at San Diego Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture is centrally located in Hillcrest, San Diego, and serves the surrounding areas including Downtown San Diego, North Park, Mission Valley, La Jolla, and Pacific Beach. We also work with patients from Los Angeles, Orange County, Escondido, Oceanside, Irvine, and Huntington Beach, as well as virtual clients worldwide from India, Singapore, Europe, and beyond.
🌀 Whether you're seeking digestive relief, emotional balance, or a deeper connection to your health through Chi Nei Tsang, Acupuncture, or our signature Buddha Belly Program, we're here to support your journey—in person or online.
📅 Book your session or explore our digital offerings here: www.jazhandsmassageandacu.com
Comments