Causes, Symptoms, and Herbal Treatment for Gastric Atony | Onwihwan (Warm Stomach Pill) | Hansarang Korean Medicine Clinic Daerim

Hansarang Korean Medicine Clinic in Daerim introduces the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods for gastric atony (weak stomach motility), as well as the herbal formula Onwihwan (Warm Stomach Pill) often prescribed for this condition.

What Is Gastric Atony?

Gastric atony refers to a condition in which the stomach’s muscular contractions become weak, causing food to remain in the stomach for an extended time. Even without structural problems such as ulcers, sluggish gastric movement can lead to chronic indigestion and discomfort. Unlike a temporary upset stomach, gastric atony tends to persist, requiring accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

Main Causes of Gastric Atony

Several factors contribute to gastric atony. Overeating, greasy foods, and frequent late-night meals can all weaken stomach motility. Stress and irregular daily habits disrupt the autonomic nervous system, further aggravating the condition. Chronic fatigue, overwork, and a weak digestive constitution (called biwi-heoyak in Korean medicine) can also play a role. Thus, gastric atony is often a result of combined lifestyle, neurological, and constitutional factors rather than a single cause.

Understanding Gastric Atony in Korean Medicine

In Korean medicine, gastric atony is not viewed as a problem of the stomach alone but as a dysfunction of the spleen and stomach qi (bi-gi-heo) — the vital energy responsible for digestion. When this qi becomes weak due to stress, irregular eating, or overwork, the stomach loses its ability to move and digest properly. Blocked energy flow, known as liver qi stagnation (gan-gi-ul-gyeol), can further worsen the condition, leading to bloating, belching, and chronic indigestion.

Role of Phlegm and “Damjeok” in Gastric Atony

When stomach motility remains weak over time, undigested food residues accumulate and form a pathological substance known as damjeok (stagnant phlegm toxin). This buildup hardens the stomach wall, reducing elasticity and causing persistent bloating or pain, especially around the upper abdomen. Damjeok is often linked not only to indigestion but also to fatigue, dizziness, and headaches, showing that gastric atony affects the body as a whole.

Herbal Treatment: Onwihwan (Warm Stomach Pill)

Onwihwan is one of the most commonly prescribed herbal remedies for gastric atony. It is composed of natural herbs such as Xiangfu (Cyperus), Baizhu (Atractylodes), Chenpi (Citrus Peel), Magnolia Bark, Agastache, Sa-ren (Amomum), Dried Ginger, Cinnamon Bark, Evodia, Costus Root, Aconite, Clove, and others. These warming herbs help promote blood circulation in the abdomen, strengthen stomach function, and enhance digestion. The formula is packaged as convenient stick-type pills, typically taken three times daily after meals.

Benefits of Onwihwan

Onwihwan supports healthy gastric movement and helps relieve symptoms such as chronic indigestion, stomach pain, bloating, nausea, belching, and acid reflux. It is also used for conditions like mild gastritis or stomach cramps, especially when the abdomen feels cold or heavy due to phlegm-damp stagnation. Through consistent use under professional guidance, Onwihwan may aid in restoring digestive vitality and improving overall energy.

Additional Herbal Support

Other Korean herbal formulas, such as Yukgunja-tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction), Bohe-hwan, and Pyeongwi-san, may be combined with Onwihwan depending on the patient’s constitution and symptoms. These remedies work synergistically to strengthen weak stomach energy and promote smoother digestion.

Consultation and Safety Notice

This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace a professional diagnosis. The actual effectiveness of Onwihwan varies by individual constitution and condition. For consultation or prescription, please contact Hansarang Korean Medicine Clinic.

Hansarang Korean Medicine Clinic, 2F Dongbo Building, 3 Digital-ro 54-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
📞 02-834-9650 (International: +82-2-834-9650)
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