Epigastric Pain Medical Services in China

Gastric pain, known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as *Wei Wan Tong*, refers to discomfort or pain localized in the epigastric region—typically described as dull, burning, distending, or stabbing—and often accompanied by symptoms such as bloating, nausea, acid reflux, or appetite disturbance. Unlike Western diagnoses that focus on structural pathology (e.g., gastritis, peptic ulcer, or functional dyspepsia), TCM views *Wei Wan Tong* as a syndrome arising from imbalances including *Spleen-Stomach Qi deficiency*, *Liver Qi stagnation invading the Stomach*, *Cold-Damp accumulation*, or *Stomach Yin deficiency*. Diagnosis relies on comprehensive pattern differentiation via tongue examination, pulse analysis, and detailed symptom mapping—not solely endoscopic or biochemical findings. Treatment integrates acupuncture, herbal formulas (e.g., *Xiang Sha Yang Wei Tang* or *Chai Hu Shu Gan San*), dietary therapy, and lifestyle regulation to restore organ system harmony and address root causes rather than suppress symptoms.

China offers distinct advantages for managing *Wei Wan Tong*: world-class TCM hospitals—such as Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Dongzhimen Hospital and Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s Longhua Hospital—employ nationally certified senior practitioners with decades of clinical experience in gastrointestinal syndromes. Advanced diagnostic integration—including high-resolution gastroscopy paired with TCM pattern quantification tools—is standard. Published clinical studies report sustained symptom improvement in over 85% of chronic cases after 8–12 weeks of integrated care. Costs remain significantly lower than comparable integrative programs in Europe or North America—often 40–60% less—without compromising safety or efficacy. As a dedicated medical tourism agency, we facilitate seamless access for international patients: verifying clinician credentials, arranging appointments at accredited TCM centers, providing itemized, transparent pricing in advance, coordinating interpreters and accommodation, and offering continuous support from initial consultation through post-treatment follow-up.

Treatment Options & Itemized Cost Breakdown for *Weiwantong* (Gastric Pain, TCM Diagnosis)

Non-Surgical / Conservative Management

*Target Criteria:* Functional dyspepsia, mild-moderate *Qi stagnation*, *Spleen-Stomach deficiency*, or *Cold-Damp obstruction* without structural pathology.

• •TCM Pattern-Based Herbal Therapy (Outpatient)

- *Standard Formula (e.g., Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang)*: ¥180–¥320/course (7–14 days; ~$25–$45)

- *Customized Decoction (Clinician-prescribed)*: ¥350–¥680/course (¥25–¥48) - *Granule Formulation (Concentrated)*: ¥220–¥490/course (¥31–¥69)

• •Acupuncture (Per Session)

- Standard points (ST36, CV12, PC6): ¥120–¥260/session ($17–$37); 10-session course: ¥1,200–¥2,600 ($170–$365)

• •Diagnostic Workup (Essential Baseline)

- TCM Pulse/Tongue Assessment + Clinical Interview: ¥80 ($11)

- *H. pylori* Urea Breath Test: ¥150 ($21) - Abdominal Ultrasound (Liver/Gallbladder/Pancreas/Stomach wall): ¥220 ($31) - Serum Gastrin & Pepsinogen I/II (for atrophic gastritis screening): ¥380 ($54)

Surgical / Procedural Interventions

*Eligibility Criteria:* Confirmed organic disease—erosive gastritis with bleeding, gastric ulcers >1 cm unresponsive to 8-week PPI + TCM, or suspected malignancy on endoscopy.

• •Upper GI Endoscopy (Diagnostic + Biopsy)

- Standard procedure (no sedation): ¥850–¥1,200 ($120–$170)

- With conscious sedation (midazolam/fentanyl): ¥1,400–¥1,900 ($197–$268)

• •Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) for Early Gastric Neoplasia

- Procedure + histopathology: ¥4,800–¥7,200 ($675–$1,010)

• •Preoperative Workup (Required for EMR/Surgery)

- ECG + Chest X-ray: ¥180 ($25)

- Pre-anesthesia assessment + blood coagulation panel: ¥320 ($45) - Enhanced CT abdomen (if malignancy suspected): ¥860 ($121)

Special/Complex Condition Management

• •Refractory *Weiwantong* with Autoimmune Gastritis or Pernicious Anemia

- Monthly B12 IM injections (cyanocobalamin): ¥60/injection ($8); 12-month regimen: ¥720 ($101)

- Annual gastroscopy + biopsy surveillance: ¥1,200–¥1,900 ($169–$267)

• •Post-Gastrectomy Syndrome (Functional *Weiwantong*)

- Individualized herbal formula + acupuncture + dietary counseling (3-month intensive program): ¥4,200–¥6,500 ($590–$915)

Quick Selection Guide

• •<45 years, mild pain, no alarm signs, budget < $200: Start with *H. pylori* testing + standard herbal formula + 5 acupuncture sessions ($150–$190 total).
• •55–75 years, weight loss/anemia, moderate-severe pain: Prioritize diagnostic endoscopy + biopsy ($1,200–$1,900); add TCM adjunct only after organic cause ruled out or confirmed.
• •Comorbidities (COPD, CKD Stage 3): Avoid NSAIDs/PPIs long-term; choose acupuncture + low-dose customized herbs ($350–$520 initial 4 weeks).
• •Recurrent ulcer >2 episodes/year: Proceed directly to endoscopy + EMR if neoplastic risk confirmed ($4,800–$7,200); include annual surveillance.