Disease Overview：Epigastric Pain（EP）
Gastric pain, known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as *Wei Wan Tong*, refers to discomfort or pain localized in the epigastric region—typically described as dull, burning, distending, or stabbing—and often accompanied by symptoms such as bloating, nausea, acid reflux, or appetite disturbance. Unlike Western diagnoses that focus on structural pathology (e.g., gastritis, peptic ulcer, or functional dyspepsia), TCM views *Wei Wan Tong* as a manifestation of imbalances involving Spleen-Stomach Qi deficiency, Liver Qi stagnation, Cold-Damp invasion, or Blood stasis. Diagnosis relies on comprehensive pattern differentiation through tongue and pulse analysis, symptom clustering, and constitutional assessment—not merely endoscopic findings. Treatment integrates acupuncture, herbal decoctions (e.g., *Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang* or *Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang*), dietary therapy, and lifestyle regulation to restore organ function and systemic harmony.
China offers distinct advantages for managing *Wei Wan Tong*: world-class TCM hospitals—such as Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Dongzhimen Hospital and Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s Longhua Hospital—employ nationally certified senior practitioners with decades of clinical experience in gastrointestinal disorders. Advanced diagnostic integration—including high-resolution gastroscopy, breath testing for *H. pylori*, and standardized TCM pattern quantification tools—ensures precise, evidence-informed care. Clinical studies published in journals like *Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine* report sustained symptom improvement in over 85% of chronic cases after 8–12 weeks of combined acupuncture and individualized herbal therapy. Costs remain significantly lower than comparable integrative care in Europe or North America—often 40–60% less—without compromising safety or efficacy.
As a dedicated medical tourism agency, we facilitate seamless access for international patients: coordinating appointments with top-tier TCM specialists, verifying hospital credentials, providing itemized, transparent pricing in advance, arranging interpreters and accommodation, and offering continuous support from initial consultation through post-treatment follow-up.
Epigastric Pain: treatment in China helps patients compare specialist hospitals, initial assessment steps and estimated costs that may vary by city, institution and clinical condition.
Medical Treatment Guide
Treatment Options & Itemized Cost Breakdown for *Weiwantong* (Gastric Pain, TCM Diagnosis)
Non-Surgical / Conservative Management
*Target Criteria:* Functional dyspepsia, mild-moderate *Qi stagnation*, *Spleen-Stomach deficiency*, or *Cold-Damp obstruction* without structural pathology.
- •TCM Pattern-Based Herbal Therapy (Outpatient)
- *Customized Decoction (Clinician-prescribed)*: ¥350–¥680/course (¥25–¥48) - *Granule Formulation (Concentrated)*: ¥220–¥490/course (¥31–¥69)
- •Acupuncture (Per Session)
- •Diagnostic Workup (Essential Baseline)
- *H. pylori* Urea Breath Test: ¥150 ($21) - Abdominal Ultrasound (Liver/Gallbladder/Pancreas/Stomach wall): ¥220 ($31) - Serum Gastrin & Pepsinogen I/II (for atrophic gastritis screening): ¥380 ($54)
Surgical / Procedural Interventions
*Eligibility Criteria:* Confirmed organic disease—erosive gastritis with bleeding, gastric ulcers >1 cm unresponsive to 8-week PPI + TCM, or suspected malignancy on endoscopy.
- •Upper GI Endoscopy (Diagnostic + Biopsy)
- With conscious sedation (midazolam/fentanyl): ¥1,400–¥1,900 ($197–$268)
- •Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) for Early Gastric Neoplasia
- •Preoperative Workup (Required for EMR/Surgery)
- Pre-anesthesia assessment + blood coagulation panel: ¥320 ($45) - Enhanced CT abdomen (if malignancy suspected): ¥860 ($121)
Special/Complex Condition Management
- •Refractory *Weiwantong* with Autoimmune Gastritis or Pernicious Anemia
- Annual gastroscopy + biopsy surveillance: ¥1,200–¥1,900 ($169–$267)
- •Post-Gastrectomy Syndrome (Functional *Weiwantong*)
Quick Selection Guide
- •<45 years, mild pain, no alarm signs, budget < $200: Start with *H. pylori* testing + standard herbal formula + 5 acupuncture sessions ($150–$190 total).
- •55–75 years, weight loss/anemia, moderate-severe pain: Prioritize diagnostic endoscopy + biopsy ($1,200–$1,900); add TCM adjunct only after organic cause ruled out or confirmed.
- •Comorbidities (COPD, CKD Stage 3): Avoid NSAIDs/PPIs long-term; choose acupuncture + low-dose customized herbs ($350–$520 initial 4 weeks).
- •Recurrent ulcer >2 episodes/year: Proceed directly to endoscopy + EMR if neoplastic risk confirmed ($4,800–$7,200); include annual surveillance.
Pricing & Service Differences: International / VIP Dept vs. Regular Clinic
International Medical Services (IMS / VIP Departments) at Grade-3A public hospitals and private international clinics operate under self-regulated VIP fee schedules. Fees are higher than standard public clinics (which are subsidized solely for domestic citizens and do not accept overseas insurances). In exchange, international patients receive 6 exclusive medical privileges:
Recommended Hospitals
Explore selected Grade 3A public hospitals in China with rich clinical experience for this condition:
🌴 Recommended Epigastric Pain Medical Vacation Packages
Curated transparent all-inclusive packages combining Epigastric Pain treatment with China top medical destinations:
