There are 4 reasons for 'loss of appetite' | Care by type for loss of appetite according to Kampo

"I don't want to eat," "food doesn't taste good," "I'm not hungry." Many people actually struggle with these concerns. In Kampo, loss of appetite is not treated as a single condition; instead, it is categorized based on what other symptoms are present. In this video, Dr. Kanpopo gently explains how to distinguish between these types and which Kampo medicines are suitable for each.

■ First, check these "4 signs"

Rather than the loss of appetite itself, the accompanying symptoms provide better clues. The video highlights the following four:

・Do you have constipation?
・Do you have loose stools or diarrhea?
・Do you feel cold in your abdomen?
・Do you have gastroptosis (dropped stomach)?

Even if the "loss of appetite" is the same, the Kampo medicine chosen depends on which of these four symptoms accompany it. First, try to think about which one applies to you.

■ Thinking by type

【When there is only loss of appetite】
If there are no other notable symptoms and you simply have no appetite, Rikkunshito is considered an easy-to-use prescription. The Chenpi (dried citrus peel) it contains is a crude drug made from dried mandarin orange peel. It is said to help clear excess moisture from the gastrointestinal tract and regulate stomach function.

【When accompanied by constipation】
It may come as a surprise, but for this type, priority is given to resolving the constipation first. When bowel movements are sluggish, the function of the entire gastrointestinal tract tends to decline, which can prolong the loss of appetite. Once bowel movements are regulated, appetite often returns naturally.

【When accompanied by loose stools/diarrhea or abdominal coldness】
Both are considered states where the gastrointestinal tract is cold and weakened. If your abdomen feels cold to the touch or you get an upset stomach after eating cold foods, Ninjinto is suitable. The Kankyo (dried ginger) it contains is ginger that has been steamed and dried. It is said to warm the body from the core and regulate gastrointestinal distress caused by coldness.

【When accompanied by gastroptosis】
Gastroptosis is a condition where the stomach has dropped below its original position. If you feel full after eating only a little or feel heaviness in your stomach after a meal, this might be the cause. For this type, Hochuekkito is used. It is thought to replenish energy and work to lift the stomach back up.

■ 3 daily health practices

In the second half of the video, we introduce daily health practices you can do in addition to relying on Kampo medicine.

The first is how you eat. When your gastrointestinal tract is weak, do not force yourself to eat a lot; aim for being 70% full. Just chewing well can reduce the burden on your stomach.

The second is not to let your body get cold. Cold drinks, raw vegetables, and ice cream cool the stomach. Focus on warm soups, porridge, and other easily digestible foods.

The third is not to accumulate stress. When stress disrupts the autonomic nervous system, stomach function tends to decline. It is also recommended to sit up straight rather than lying down immediately after a meal.

■ Supplementary notes from a Kampo pharmacist

Here are a few points that could not be covered in the video.

First, "loss of appetite" is a sign from your body. In Kampo, the gastrointestinal tract is called the "root of postnatal life." This means that the vitality we have after birth is created from food. That is why when your appetite drops, the first priority is not to overwork your gastrointestinal tract. Rather than forcing yourself to eat to gain nutrition, choosing easily digestible foods, even in smaller amounts, often leads to a faster recovery.

Second, there is the pitfall of "cold things," which are common in summer. During hot periods, people drink more cold beverages, and the gastrointestinal tract can become cold without one realizing it. At Unryudo, we also have the impression that consultations for "appetite not returning" increase from the end of summer to early autumn. Some people find that their physical sensation changes just by switching from iced drinks to room-temperature ones.

Third is the relationship between stress and the stomach. Many people have experienced "not being able to eat when nervous." In Kampo, it is believed that when the flow of Qi is stagnant, the function of the gastrointestinal tract also becomes stagnant. In this case, we sometimes prioritize regulating the circulation of Qi over the gastrointestinal tract itself. This means that even for the same loss of appetite, the approach changes depending on the background.

Furthermore, if your loss of appetite persists for a long time, if you are losing weight, or if you are experiencing severe pain, please consult a medical institution first. Kampo is something to be chosen based on your constitution after doing so.

■ Summary

The Kampo medicine you should choose for loss of appetite depends on the 'cause type.' The first step is to identify your type by using clues such as whether you have constipation, loose stools or diarrhea, coldness in the abdomen, or gastroptosis—which of these four you are experiencing. In your daily life, simply being mindful of these three things—chewing well, eating warm meals, and not accumulating stress—will gradually help regulate the function of your gastrointestinal tract.

Loss of appetite is also a sign that your body is telling you it 'wants to rest a little.' Do not rush, and continue to live a life that is gentle on your gastrointestinal tract.

Please feel free to contact Unryudo, a Kampo pharmacy in Sendai, for consultations regarding Kampo. We also accept online consultations.
Unryudo Official Website: https://www.unryudo.com/