How to Recognize an Unhealthy Gut: A TCM Perspective
- Dr. Jacintha "Jaz" Roemer
- Nov 16
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Are you feeling bloated, sluggish, or simply out of balance? Your gut might be trying to tell you something. As a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, I’ve spent over 20 years helping people understand that gut health is central to overall well-being. In this post, I’ll walk you through common signs of an unhealthy gut, the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) view, and practical steps you can take—including some of my favorite programs like the Buddha Belly Program—to start your healing journey.
Common Symptoms of Gut Imbalance
In my clinical practice, I’ve seen thousands of patients whose “mystery” symptoms resolved once we started healing the gut. Here are the signs I look for:
1. Bloating, Gas, or Fullness After Meals
TCM Diagnosis: Spleen Qi Deficiency or Damp Accumulation
Common Things I Hear: “I feel full even when I haven’t eaten much.” “I look six months pregnant after dinner.”
My Perspective: The Spleen is your digestive workhorse in TCM. When it’s weak, fluids stagnate, leading to bloat and fatigue.
2. Irregular Bowel Movements
TCM Patterns:
Loose stools = Cold or Damp in the Spleen
Constipation = Heat or Qi Stagnation
Alternating = Liver-Spleen Disharmony
Your Body’s Message: Your gut is not moving in rhythm. You may feel incomplete, crampy, or “off” even after going.
3. Fatigue, Especially After Eating
Root Cause in TCM: Digestion is taking all your Qi. Instead of nourishing you, food is depleting you.
Real Talk: If your lunch makes you nap, your Spleen needs support.
4. Frequent Illness or Poor Immunity
TCM View: Wei Qi (defensive energy) originates in the gut. A weak gut = weak immunity.
Western Parallel: 70%+ of the immune system lives in your gut. It’s not a coincidence.
5. Cravings for Sugar, Starches, or Dairy
Clue: You're craving what’s feeding the imbalance. In TCM, Damp and Cold foods worsen digestive weakness.
What I Tell Patients: It’s not about willpower. It’s your gut microbiome screaming for fuel—good or bad.
6. Skin Flares (Acne, Rashes, Eczema)
Connection: The skin is an extension of the Lung, which is paired with the Large Intestine in TCM. When the gut is toxic, the skin tries to detoxify.
7. Brain Fog, Mood Swings, or Anxiety
Gut-Brain Axis: In TCM, the Heart (mind) and Spleen (digestion) are closely linked.
Clinical Case: Many of my patients with bloating or IBS also describe trouble concentrating, weepiness, or overwhelm.
A Real Patient Story
One of my Buddha Belly clients came in feeling “off”—bloated daily, tired after meals, constipated yet craving sweets, and snapping at her partner. She thought it was hormones or stress. But what we uncovered was Spleen Qi Deficiency + Liver Qi Stagnation.
Using Chi Nei Tsang abdominal massage, a simple TCM food protocol, and a few tailored herbs, we cleared her bloat within 10 days. Her energy returned. Her mood stabilized. After 6 weeks, she told me, “I feel like myself again.” That’s the power of gut healing.
How TCM Heals the Gut
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we don’t suppress symptoms—we restore flow. Here's how:
Acupuncture & Herbs
Rebuild Spleen Qi
Clear Dampness and Heat
Harmonize Liver-Spleen dynamics
Chi Nei Tsang Abdominal Massage
Breaks up stagnation in the belly
Releases emotional holding patterns
Reconnects you to your inner rhythm
Chinese Food Therapy
Warm, simple, cooked foods to nurture the gut
Eliminate Damp-producing foods (sugar, dairy, cold smoothies)
Eat in rhythm with nature and your cycle
Next Steps for Healing
If you’re nodding along, wondering where to begin—start small. Your gut didn’t get imbalanced overnight, and it doesn’t need to be fixed in a day.
Here’s how I can help:
🌿 Download the [3-Day Gut Reset]
A bite-sized way to try belly self-massage, gut-nourishing meals, and breathwork. Just 3 days to start reconnecting.
🧘♀️ Join the [Buddha Belly Program]
My signature 6-week digestive + emotional reset. Includes guided belly work, Qigong, food therapy, and more. Think of it as a full digestive and energetic tune-up.
🤝 Book a [1-on-1Free 15min Discovery Call]
Want personalized support? Let’s talk herbs, food, and targeted therapy just for you.
Your gut is more than an organ—it’s your body's center of wisdom, immunity, and transformation. Don’t ignore the signs. Trust your belly.
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
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