International Journal of Homoeopathic Sciences

Peptic ulcer is a common gastrointestinal condition characterized by open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach, upper small intestine, or oesophagus. It is increasingly recognized as a lifestyle-related disorder in today’s fast-paced world. They caused due to H. pylori infection, Excessive use of NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen). Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol, high-stress levels, irregular meals, other contributors like Spicy food, caffeine, and genetic predisposition. Modern lifestyles, especially those involving prolonged desk work and reduced physical activity, have led to an increase in psychobiological disorders. Psychological stimuli and physical stress have a profound impact on the human stomach. This connection was first demonstrated by Dr. William Beaumont through a series of direct observations over the course of one year. His subject was a Canadian voyageur who had sustained a gunshot wound that left his stomach permanently exposed. Beaumont’s groundbreaking studies provided the earliest insights into the interaction between emotions and gastric functions. More than a century later, these findings were confirmed by researchers Wolf and Wolf through experiments on a subject known as “Tom,” whose stomach was similarly exposed. Their work demonstrated that emotional stress significantly affects gastric acid secretion, motility, and mucosal blood flow. Specifically, negative emotions such as pain, fear, and depression tend to cause blanching of the gastric mucosa, leading to reduced secretion and motility ^[5]. In contrast, emotional states such as anxiety and hostility are associated with increased gastric acid secretion and motility. These findings highlight the intricate connection between the mind and the digestive system, reinforcing the importance of managing psychological stress to maintain gastrointestinal health. Homoeopathy, a holistic system of medicine, offers a gentle and individualized approach to the management of peptic ulcers, focusing on treating the root cause, not just the symptoms.