Coeliac disease (adjunctive care)
Also known as: coeliac disease, celiac disease, gluten intolerance, gluten enteropathy
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten that damages the small bowel, causing bloating, diarrhoea, anaemia and fatigue. The only treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet, and diagnosis must happen before going gluten-free. Chinese medicine supports the recovery phase, framed as Spleen deficiency with Damp and Qi-Blood deficiency from poor absorption.
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •Get tested before going gluten-free — blood tests and biopsy need gluten in the diet.
- •Follow a strict lifelong gluten-free diet with a dietitian's guidance.
- •Check labels for hidden gluten in sauces, stock and processed foods.
- •Ask your GP to monitor iron, B12, folate, vitamin D and bone density.
- •Join Coeliac Australia for practical support and accredited food lists.
Cautions & Contraindications
- •A gluten-free diet is the only treatment for coeliac disease — acupuncture and herbs are supportive only and never a substitute.[,]
- •Check herbal products are gluten-free; some pills use wheat-based excipients.[]
When to reassess or seek care again
Track symptoms and weight monthly; coeliac antibody monitoring and nutrient levels stay with the GP or gastroenterologist.
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- NHS · 2024
- Coeliac Australia · 2024
- AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.