What causes stomach coldness (gastric chills), and how can it be treated?

Stomach cold or gastric chills may result from consuming raw or cold food, abdominal exposure to cold, emotional stress, chronic gastritis, or spleen and stomach deficiency-cold. These conditions can be improved through dietary adjustments, keeping warm, emotional regulation, and medical treatment. If symptoms such as chills, abdominal pain worsen, or are accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Consumption of raw and cold foods: Long-term excessive intake of ice cream, cold beverages, or raw foods can irritate the gastric mucosa and impair the yang energy of the spleen and stomach, leading to stomach cold and sensitivity to cold. It is recommended to reduce consumption of cold foods and increase intake of warming foods such as ginger and lamb, with cooking methods focusing on steaming, boiling, and stewing.

2. Abdominal exposure to cold: Inadequate warmth around the abdomen allows wind-cold to invade the stomach, causing spasms of gastric smooth muscle and resulting in a sensation of stomach coldness and dull pain. It is advised to dress warmly to protect the abdomen, apply a hot water bottle to the stomach area, and avoid direct exposure to cold air.

3. Emotional stress: Prolonged anxiety, tension, and other negative emotions can disrupt the digestive functions of the spleen and stomach, promoting internal accumulation of cold and causing symptoms such as gastric coldness and poor appetite. It is recommended to maintain a cheerful mood and regulate emotions through activities like listening to music or walking, thereby reducing mental stress.

4. Chronic gastritis: Inflammation caused by *Helicobacter pylori* infection or mucosal damage increases gastric mucosal sensitivity, making one prone to gastric cold and dull pain when exposed to cold, often accompanied by acid reflux and belching. Under medical guidance, medications such as Wenshui Shu Granules, hydrotalcite chewable tablets, or omeprazole enteric-coated capsules may be used to relieve symptoms.

5. Spleen and stomach deficiency-cold: Weak digestive function due to insufficient yang energy fails to warm the stomach, resulting in persistent gastric coldness, preference for warmth and pressure, along with bloating and loose stools. Patients may take Fu Zi Li Zhong Wan, Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan, or Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan under medical supervision to alleviate discomfort.

In daily life, it's important to maintain warm and regular eating habits, eat smaller meals more frequently, avoid overeating, keep the abdomen warm, engage in moderate exercise to strengthen spleen and stomach function, maintain emotional stability, and minimize exposure to cold stimuli to support gastric health.