Ulcers (Gastric or Duodenal)

An ulcer is a deeper erosion in the lining of the stomach or upper small intestine (duodenum). and a breakdown of the body’s protective boundary—where acid, bile, or tension has worn through the mucus layer and exposed the tissue underneath. In traditional systems, ulcers are a fiery condition, born of burnout, over-processing, suppressed emotion, or toxic buildup that the digestive system could no longer contain. It is fire with no container, digestion with no protection.

While gastritis and ulcers are often confused, they are distinct stages of the same process—and understanding the difference can help you know where they are on the spectrum of digestive inflammation. Gastritis and ulcers both involve irritation in the stomach, but they’re not the same. Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining—like a raw, irritated surface that hasn’t yet broken open. It often feels like dull burning, fullness, or nausea, especially when the stomach is empty or under stress. Ulcers, on the other hand, are a deeper form of damage—actual open sores in the lining of the stomach or upper small intestine. Ulcer pain is often sharper, more gnawing, and can worsen hours after eating or in the middle of the night. To put it plainly, Gastritis is like a sunburn. It’s irritated and inflamed, but the skin is still intact. An ulcer is like a blister or wound. The protective surface is broken and vulnerable.

• Location of Symptom

  Typically felt in the upper abdomen, just below the sternum. Duodenal ulcers may also cause pain that radiates to the back or flares several hours after eating.

• Physiological Breakdown

  An ulcer is like a pothole in the stomach or intestinal lining—formed when natural defenses erode and acidic or enzymatic traffic continues to wear away at the exposed spot. It doesn’t happen overnight but builds slowly as protection wears thin and irritation persists.

  Here’s how the process unfolds:

  Compromised Mucosal Barrier: Normally, the gut lining produces mucus to protect itself from its own stomach acid and digestive enzymes. But things like chronic stress, alcohol, NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), or H. pylori bacteria reduce this mucus layer. Once compromised, the acid begins to “burn” through the tissue. This process typically develops over weeks to months, especially with repeated exposure to aggravating factors.

  H. pylori Infection: This common bacteria embeds into the stomach lining and disrupts protective mucus while triggering inflammation. As the immune system tries to fight it, collateral damage weakens tissue further—eventually leading to open sores (ulcers). These can form gradually over time and may stay silent until pain surfaces.

  Digestive Acid Imbalance: When stomach acid is either too high (excessive production) or poorly regulated (e.g., low acid but unbuffered), the stomach lining can become irritated, especially if there is already injury or stagnation. This can accelerate ulcer formation after repeated mealtimes where the acid sits or splashes abnormally.

  Stress & Nervous System Involvement: Chronic stress activates sympathetic (fight-or-flight) responses, reducing blood flow to the gut lining and slowing healing. Over time, reduced repair + ongoing acid exposure creates a vulnerable spot that deepens into an ulcer. In this case, symptoms can appear after weeks of emotional strain or burnout.

  Enzyme & Bile Misfire (in Duodenal Ulcers): If the pancreas or gallbladder isn’t releasing enough neutralizing secretions after food leaves the stomach, the upper small intestine may be hit with unbuffered acid. This creates ulcers in the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). These ulcers may cause pain hours after eating, especially overnight or early morning.

• Typical Onset Pattern

  May worsen hours after eating, or at night

• Common Signs

  Gnawing or burning pain in the upper abdomen

  Pain that improves temporarily with eating, then returns

  Nausea or bloating, especially with spicy or acidic foods

  Pain that worsens at night or when the stomach is empty

  Dark stools or vomiting in severe cases (from bleeding ulcers)

• Rudimentary Root Causes

  H. pylori infection (most common biological cause)

  NSAID overuse (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen)

  Excessive alcohol or coffee

  Skipping meals, especially during stress

  Unprocessed anger, resentment, or emotional “acid”

  Pharmaceutical causes: NSAIDs, corticosteroids, SSRIs

  Supplement-induced causes: Iron, zinc, or vitamin C on an empty stomach

  Phytoiatrogenic causes: Overuse of bitters, ginger, cayenne, or pungent herbs in hot constitutions

  Mucosal-thinning herbs without demulcents in dry or depleted bodies

• Underlying Tissue States

  The following tissue states may represent underlying imbalances contributing to this symptom:

  Heat/Excitation: Core driver—burning, raw tissue, urgency

  Dry/Atrophy: Loss of mucus protection → erosion

  Cold/Depression: Weakened healing response; discomfort worsens with stress or cold meals

  Wind/Tension: Nervous system overdrive contributing to acid surges

  Damp/Stagnation: Food sits too long, bile thickens → bile reflux → erosion

• Organ Systems Affected

  Digestive System: Stomach, duodenum, liver, pancreas

  Nervous System: Vagus tone, stress-acid link, pain perception

  Immune System: Response to H. pylori or infection-related inflammation

  Endocrine System: Cortisol, adrenaline, and stomach acid regulation

Do you feel burning or gnawing pain when your stomach is empty? Does food relieve pain at first but worsen it later? Have you taken NSAIDs or strong supplements without food? Is there emotional heat or unresolved frustration in your life? Do you crave spicy foods or acidic habits that inflame the gut?

An ulcer is not just about excess acid—it’s about damage to your inner boundary. If you feel like your gut is raw, unprotected, or always under attack, I can help you rebuild the lining—so you can digest life again with protection and strength.

Disclaimer

Each person’s condition has a unique root cause, and lifestyle, diet and herbal remedies must be tailored to the individual. The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized care. If you’d like support in understanding your specific situation, please reach out to me for guidance. If you experience sharp or worsening pain, vomiting blood, fainting, or black, tar-like stools, these may be signs of a bleeding or perforated ulcer. Please seek emergency medical care right away.