Indigestion

In Western medicine, indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, refers to a cluster of gastrointestinal symptoms that can include upper abdominal pain, a burning sensation, and discomfort, as well as premature satiety following meals (Tack et al., 2015, Gastroenterology). It is not a disease in itself but could indicate underlying medical conditions. The term is frequently used synonymously with heartburn, which specifically involves stomach acid reflux into the esophagus (Kahrilas et al., 2012; The American Journal of Gastroenterology). In contrast, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) attributes indigestion largely to emotional factors like stress and anxiety, which are believed to influence the liver, spleen, and stomach meridians (Zeng et al., 2015, World Journal of Gastroenterology). Prolonged emotional disturbances can cause Qi to rise inappropriately, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach upset and a feeling of constriction.