Healing the Mind and Gut: How Chinese Medicine Supports the Brain-Gut Axis

The connection between the brain and the gut is one of the most exciting areas of research in modern medicine, shedding light on how the digestive system affects mental health and vice versa. Often referred to as the “brain-gut axis,” this pathway of communication between the central nervous system (CNS) and the gastrointestinal tract plays a vital role in regulating everything from mood to immune function.

The Brain-Gut Axis: What the Research Says

These two are deeply connected through multiple communication channels, including the vagus nerve, the enteric nervous system, and chemical signaling through hormones and neurotransmitters. This connection is why GI can often be linked to mental health conditions, or why stress can manifest in our bodies as stomach-aches, bloating, cramping, and more.

Research into the brain-gut connection has uncovered fascinating insights about the neurochemistry involved:

• Leptin and Ghrelin: Two hormones that are critical in regulating appetite and energy balance are leptin and ghrelin. Leptin, often referred to as the "satiety hormone," signals to the brain when we are full, while ghrelin, known as the "hunger hormone," signals hunger. Both are produced in the gut but have effects not just on appetite, but also on the brain’s mood regulation. Dysregulation of these hormones has been linked to conditions like obesity, stress, depression, and anxiety (Feng et al., 2020; Froy, 2010).

  In Western medicine, the roles of leptin and ghrelin in regulating appetite and mood are well-documented. However, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, these same processes are viewed through the lens of organ systems like the Spleen (SP), Stomach (ST), Liver (LV), and Gallbladder (GB), which are understood to not only be involved in digestion but also to influence our mental well-being.

• Gut Microbiome and the CNS: The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in influencing brain health. Studies show that the gut microbiome can affect mood and behavior, and disruptions in the microbiota have been associated with psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety (Dinan & Cryan, 2017). The gut microbiome communicates with the brain via immune signaling, the vagus nerve, and through the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin (more than 90% of which is produced in the gut).

In TCM, the organs are seen as interconnected, not just in terms of their physical functions but also in their relationship to emotional and mental health. Here’s how key organ systems align with what we know in Western medicine about the brain-gut axis:

1. Spleen and Stomach (SP and ST):

In TCM, the Spleen is responsible for transforming food and fluids into Qi (vital energy) and blood, while the Stomach is responsible for the initial digestion and “rotting and ripening” of food. If the Spleen is weak or if there is an imbalance in the Stomach, it can lead to digestive issues like bloating, gas, and food stagnation. From a TCM perspective, the Spleen and Stomach are directly linked to the mental state. A "weak" Spleen can lead to anxiety, worry, and a sense of being "mentally drained" due to its inability to nourish the mind with sufficient Qi and blood and vice versa. Overthinking, rumination, anxiety and many more can also weaken the spleen.

When there is digestive stagnation, it can cause a build-up of dampness or phlegm, which affects the mind, leading to symptoms such as foggy thinking, depression, or even cognitive decline. This aligns with the Western understanding of how digestive distress can lead to mental health issues.

2. Liver and Gallbladder (LV and GB):

The Liver in TCM is associated with the smooth flow of Qi and is closely linked to emotions, particularly anger and frustration. The Gallbladder is thought to assist the Liver in decision-making and planning. Stagnant Liver Qi, often caused by stress, can lead to digestive disturbances such as bloating or constipation, as well as mental symptoms like irritability, mood swings, or a tendency to become easily frustrated. In Western terms, this aligns with how chronic stress and emotional turmoil can impact both gut health and mood.

The Gallbladder's role in decision-making and emotional regulation ties into the Western understanding of how gut health impacts cognitive functions such as decision-making, as well as emotional balance. For this specifically, I like to think of my friends, family and patients that suffer from ADD or ADHD; one of the biggest challenges is following through on a task, focusing and being “productive”. Many times, they are prescribed medication such as adderall that also directly affects hormones such as leptin and ghrelin, so while it may help the symptoms of lack of concentration and so forth, it may be interfering with the brain-gut connection at the same time which means the underlying root cause will remain.

Wen Dan Tang: A TCM Formula for the Brain-Gut Connection

Wen Dan Tang is used to treat conditions like anxiety, depression, indigestion, and even insomnia. The formula is designed to "warm the Gallbladder and clear Phlegm", addressing both the digestive and emotional imbalances that can arise when the Earth and Wood are not in harmony. This formula works by regulating qi, transforming phlegm, harmonizing the stomach and gallbladder all while drying dampness and ridding the body of heat.

By performing such actions, it addresses the root causes of both digestive distress and mental unrest, based on the concept that Phlegm can cloud the mind, causing symptoms like mental fog, confusion, and irritability. By clearing this Phlegm and harmonizing the proper organs, Wen Dan Tang helps restore both physical and emotional balance.

The Role of Acupuncture in Supporting the Brain-Gut Axis

Acupuncture is another integral aspect of TCM that can play a key role in treating the brain-gut connection. Specific acupuncture points can help regulate the flow of Qi through the digestive organs while also addressing the nervous system's regulation of stress and emotions.

• Spleen 6 and Stomach 36 are key points for strengthening the Spleen and Stomach, promoting digestion and balancing Qi.

• Liver 3 is often used to smooth Liver Qi, reducing stress and emotional turmoil.

• Ren 12 is important for regulating digestive function and harmonizing the stomach.

• Gallbladder 40 is an excellent point for clearing heat, moving stagnant Qi, and improving the flow of energy along the Gallbladder channel. It is particularly helpful in clearing mental fog and promoting focus by alleviating the emotional imbalances. This point is one of my personal favorite as it is called the “Mound of Ruins” which I like to imagine as the patient standing above all of their perceived chaos to gain a better perspective and move forward.

References:

• Dinan, T. G., & Cryan, J. F. (2017). "Gut microbiota: a potential regulator of brain and behavior." Neurotherapeutics, 14(3), 515-524.

• Feng, X., et al. (2020). "Leptin, ghrelin, and the gut-brain axis in human obesity and metabolic disorders." Molecular Medicine Reports, 22(2), 1005-1014.

• Froy, O. (2010). "Leptin and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis." Journal of Endocrinology, 205(2), 223-229.

• Lee, J. H., et al. (2013). "Ac

Disclaimer

This blog is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your health or treatment options. Do not self-diagnose or self-treat based on this information.