Celiac vs. Gluten Intolerance: What’s the Difference? And How TCM Can Help Either Way

Dr. Jacintha "Jaz" Roemer
2 days ago
2 min read

Traditional Chinese Medicine - Can Help Either Way

Gluten is the most misunderstood protein on the planet.

One patient says they have Celiac, another says they’re gluten-sensitive — and both are skipping the bread basket. But what’s the difference? Is it all in their head? In their gut?

Or somewhere in between?

Let’s break it down — Western medicine vs Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) style.

Celiac Disease vs Gluten Sensitivity: The Western View

· Celiac Disease

An autoimmune condition where gluten damages the small intestine. Even tiny amounts of gluten can cause severe internal inflammation.

Diagnosed with:

Blood tests (tTG antibodies)
Intestinal biopsy
Genetic markers (HLA-DQ2/DQ8)

· Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

No clear test. No gut damage. But you still feel:

Bloating
Fatigue
Foggy brain
Skin issues
Mood swings

It’s real — even if it’s harder to diagnose. Some studies suggest up to 6% of people may have NCGS.

The TCM Perspective: Same Protein, Different Patterns

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we don’t label “gluten” as the enemy. Instead, we look at what the gluten is doing to YOUR body.

A few common patterns we see:

1. Spleen Qi Deficiency

Tired after eating
Loose stools
Feeling “heavy”
Bloated by bread/pasta
🔁 We focus on warming the digestion and supporting Qi with herbs and acupuncture.

2. Dampness Accumulation

Bloating, foggy head, sticky stools
Skin eruptions (eczema, acne)
Yeast or candida overgrowth

🔁 Treatment aims to “drain damp” and support the gut-liver connection.

3. Liver Qi Stagnation

Emotional eating
IBS symptoms that worsen with stress

🔁 Liver-soothing herbs and abdominal massage can help release held tension.

Whether you have a diagnosis or not, TCM meets you where you are.

What You Can Do Today

Whether it's Celiac or sensitivity, here’s how to help your gut (without obsessing over labels):

· Keep a food & symptom journal

· Try a warm, easy-to-digest diet for 7 days (soups, congee, steamed greens)

· See a TCM practitioner for constitutional support (herbs + acupuncture)

· Explore Chi Nei Tsang or castor oil packs for gut repair

Bottom Line:

You don’t need a label to take your symptoms seriously.Whether you’ve been diagnosed with Celiac or feel better avoiding gluten, there are practical, whole-body solutions to support your digestion.

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a personalized approach that can reduce discomfort, improve digestion, and help you feel more balanced.

Curious about your next best step? Explore my digestive support programs, schedule a consultation, book a medical abdominal massage (Chi Nei Tsang) or download my Beat the Bloat Guide for tools you can use at home.