The Latest Research Progress on Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Functional Gastrointestinal Diseases with Emotional Disorders based on the “Brain-gut Axis” and “Neuroendocrine-immune Network”

Abstract

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are a common group of conditions characterised by digestive symptoms but lacking evidence of organic lesions, with a global prevalence of approximately 40%, making them a significant public health issue. FGIDs often co-occur with emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression, forming a vicious cycle through the ‘brain-gut axis’ and the ‘neuroendocrine-immune (NEI) network.’ Modern medical treatments have limitations, whereas traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), based on the principles of holistic thinking and syndrome differentiation, regulates the NEI system to achieve ‘brain-gut synchronisation.’ This paper, based on the brain-gut axis theory, systematically elucidates TCM’s understanding of the brain-gut relationship, analyses the pathogenesis of FGIDs accompanied by emotional disorders from both Western and Chinese medical perspectives, and summarises the roles and research progress of TCM treatment methods such as liver-regulating and spleen-harmonising methods, heart-nourishing and spirit-regulating methods, and acupuncture therapy. The aim is to provide theoretical guidance for clinical treatment.