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    Gastroenteritis (acute, recovery support)

    Also known as: gastroenteritis, gastro, stomach flu, food poisoning, acute diarrhoea and vomiting

    Gastroenteritis is acute inflammation of the stomach and bowel, usually viral or from contaminated food, causing vomiting, diarrhoea and cramps. The main risk is dehydration. Chinese medicine can support recovery once the acute phase settles, but rehydration is the priority treatment.

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    Lifestyle & Diet

    • •Oral rehydration solution is the priority — small frequent sips.
    • •Rest and stay home while symptomatic to avoid spreading infection.
    • •Strict hand hygiene; do not prepare food for others for 48 hours after symptoms stop.
    • •Reintroduce food gradually — bland, warm, cooked foods first.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    See sources
    • •Never delay rehydration or medical care in favour of acupuncture or herbs.[,]
    • •Do not treat suspected bacterial dysentery (bloody stools, high fever) without medical review.[]
    • •Avoid strong abdominal needling while the abdomen is acutely tender.[]

    When to reassess or seek care again

    See sources

    Acute cases should resolve within 48–72 hours. If symptoms persist, refer for stool testing. Recovery-phase treatment reviews appetite, stool consistency and energy weekly until normal.

    Explore more diseases

    Achilles tendinopathy (adjunctive care)Acid reflux (GERD)Acne vulgarisAcute bronchitisAcute cystitisAcute gastritisAcute lumbar sprainAcute otitis media

    Sources & Further Reading

    Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.

    1. Gastroenteritis — Healthdirect
      Healthdirect Australia · 2024
    2. Gastroenteritis in children — RCH clinical guidelines
      Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne · 2024
    3. Gastroenteritis — NSW Health
      NSW Health · 2024
    4. Oral rehydration — WHO guidance
      World Health Organization · 2024
    5. Food poisoning — Food Standards Australia New Zealand
      FSANZ · 2024

    Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.