Which meridian is primarily examined when considering digestive issues in traditional acupuncture?

When considering digestive issues in traditional acupuncture, the primary focus is on the Stomach meridian. This is because the Stomach is central to the digestive process and is responsible for the initial stages of digestion, including the breakdown and assimilation of food. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the Stomach is closely linked to the Spleen, which plays a complementary role in digestion by transforming and transporting the nutrients derived from food.

The Stomach meridian governs the flow of Qi and is believed to influence the body’s ability to nourish itself, making it essential for overall digestive health. Common conditions related to the Stomach meridian that practitioners consider include issues such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and lack of appetite.

While other meridians, like the Spleen meridian, also play a crucial role in digestion and are often assessed when addressing digestive disorders, the Stomach meridian is considered the primary meridian for direct digestive concerns. This is due to its direct involvement in the digestive organ function and the subsequent impact on the entire digestive process.