1. Conventional Medical Treatment

Identification and treatment of the underlying cause:

Evaluation should identify potential causes such as H. pylori infection, NSAID use, and other gastric irritants. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy is commonly used for gastric ulcers when clinically indicated to confirm the diagnosis and exclude malignancy.

H. pylori management:

If H. pylori infection is confirmed, eradication therapy with an appropriate combination of acid suppression and antibiotics should be provided according to current guidelines and local antimicrobial-resistance patterns. Successful eradication should subsequently be confirmed.

Acid suppression:

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole or pantoprazole, are commonly used to promote ulcer healing by reducing gastric acid secretion. Treatment duration depends on the ulcer and underlying cause.

NSAID-associated ulcers:

Unnecessary NSAIDs should generally be discontinued where possible. If continued NSAID therapy is medically necessary, appropriate gastroprotective treatment may be required.

Follow-up:

Follow-up endoscopy may be recommended for gastric ulcers, particularly when healing needs confirmation or when there is concern about malignancy.

Vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, sudden severe abdominal pain, fainting, marked weakness, persistent vomiting, or other signs of bleeding or perforation require urgent medical assessment.

2. Naturopathic Treatment — Phytotherapy & Physical Measures

Phytotherapy:

• Mucilage-containing preparations such as marshmallow root may traditionally be used to soothe irritated gastrointestinal mucosa.
• Chamomile preparations may provide mild digestive and antispasmodic support in suitable patients.
• Herbal preparations should be selected carefully because some products may interact with medicines or irritate the gastrointestinal tract.

Physical and lifestyle measures:

Regular meals, adequate hydration, sufficient sleep, stress management, and avoidance of individually identified symptom triggers may support gastrointestinal wellbeing.

Smoking and excessive alcohol should be avoided. Foods that consistently worsen pain or other symptoms may be reduced according to individual tolerance.

Complementary approaches cannot heal the underlying cause reliably and should not replace H. pylori eradication, acid-suppressive therapy, endoscopic evaluation, or treatment of ulcer complications.

Natural Support for Stomach Health

3. TCM Herbal Therapy — Differentiation By Syndrome

Gastric-ulcer-like symptoms are traditionally interpreted in TCM according to the individual’s symptom pattern rather than the biomedical diagnosis of gastric ulcer.

Pattern 1: Liver Qi Invading the Stomach

Clinical presentation: Epigastric pain or distension, belching, reflux, and symptoms that may worsen during emotional stress.

Traditional treatment principle: Regulate Liver Qi, harmonize the Stomach, and relieve pain.

Pattern 2: Stomach Heat

Clinical presentation: Burning epigastric discomfort, acid regurgitation, thirst, irritability, or a sensation of heat.

Traditional treatment principle: Clear Stomach Heat and harmonize the Stomach.

Pattern 3: Spleen and Stomach Deficiency

Clinical presentation: Recurrent dull epigastric discomfort, poor appetite, fatigue, abdominal fullness, or digestive weakness.

Traditional treatment principle: Strengthen the Spleen and harmonize the Stomach.

TCM herbal treatment should be individualized by an appropriately qualified practitioner and used only as complementary care. A confirmed gastric ulcer requires appropriate medical investigation and treatment.

4. Ayurvedic Treatment — Phytotherapy & Nutrition

Pathogenesis:

Gastric-ulcer-like burning and inflammatory digestive symptoms may traditionally be interpreted in Ayurveda as involving disturbed Agni and aggravated Pitta, particularly when acidity and burning symptoms predominate.

Traditional approaches:

• Individualized dietary and lifestyle modification is traditionally emphasized.
• Selected Ayurvedic herbs and preparations may be used according to the patient’s constitution and symptom pattern.
• Regular meals, adequate rest, and stress management may support digestive wellbeing.
• Herbal preparations should be medically reviewed because they may interact with conventional medicines or aggravate gastrointestinal symptoms.

Nutrition:

Regular, balanced, easily digestible meals may be preferred. Foods and beverages that consistently aggravate pain, burning, or dyspepsia should be limited according to individual tolerance. Smoking and excessive alcohol should be avoided.

Ayurvedic treatment should remain complementary and should not replace established ulcer treatment or investigation.

5. Physiotherapeutic / Manual & Exercise Approaches

Gentle Exercise for Gastric Ulcer Care

Regular moderate physical activity may support general health, stress management, healthy body weight, and overall gastrointestinal wellbeing.

Gentle walking, diaphragmatic breathing, relaxation exercises, and other low-to-moderate intensity activities may be appropriate according to the patient’s clinical condition. Vigorous exercise immediately after large meals or activities that consistently aggravate upper abdominal symptoms should be avoided.

During active severe pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, or other acute complications, exercise and manual approaches are inappropriate until medically assessed. Manual, TCM, or Ayurvedic approaches should remain complementary and should not delay medical evaluation or treatment of a gastric ulcer.