Symptom family: Nausea and Vomiting

Sub-symptom(s): Persistent Belching

What is belching?

Belching, often referred to as burping, is the act of expelling air from the stomach through the mouth. It's a natural process that helps to release excess air swallowed during eating or drinking. While it's usually a normal bodily function, excessive belching can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue. Belching is often accompanied by a sound and, occasionally, an odor. This common digestive system occurrence can be occasional or persistent, depending on various factors, including dietary habits and the presence of certain gastrointestinal conditions.

How does TCM view belching?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), belching is more than just a physical response to swallowed air; it's viewed as a symptom of an imbalance within the body's energy system, particularly the Qi, or vital energy. TCM interprets belching as an indication of disharmony in the stomach and spleen, organs pivotal in digestion and the movement of Qi throughout the body.

When Qi flows smoothly, digestion proceeds optimally, but any disruption in this flow can lead to symptoms like belching. TCM stresses the importance of identifying the underlying pattern of disharmony causing belching, considering it a sign that the body's natural energy flow has been disturbed.

Root Causes of Belching in TCM

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) attributes belching primarily to Qi Stagnation and Qi Rebellion. Qi Stagnation often stems from emotional disturbances like stress, which disrupts the smooth flow of Qi, especially in the Liver, leading to digestive issues such as belching. Qi Rebellion, on the other hand, refers to the abnormal movement of Qi in the opposite direction of its natural flow. This is particularly relevant in the Stomach, where Rebellious Qi can cause symptoms like belching, indicating the body's efforts to realign this errant flow.

These patterns highlight the importance of emotional health in maintaining digestive harmony in TCM's holistic approach, emphasizing the need to address both the physical and emotional aspects to alleviate symptoms effectively.

Explore below more details about what might cause Belching according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Stagnation

Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more

Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Belching

Common Symptoms: Irritability Upper Abdominal Distension Depression Vomit Lack Of Appetite Abdominal Distention Sighing Mood Swings

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation Belching, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger... see more Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Stomach Qi Stagnation Belching, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Nausea, Vomit, Hiccups, Irritability... see more Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang | Zuo Jin Wan
Qi Stagnation Belching, General fullness, Moving pain, Depression, Irritability, Mood swings, Sighing Yue Ju Wan
Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach Belching, Abdominal distention, Upper abdominal distension, Depression, Irritability, Dry mouth, Lack of appetite, Craving for sour foods, Dry throat, Acid reflux, Vomiting undigested food... see more Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang | Zuo Jin Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Belching

TCM's approach to treating belching involves the use of specific formulas and herbs designed to address the underlying patterns of disharmony. For example, Chai Hu Shu Gan San is recommended for Liver Qi Stagnation to smooth and soothe the Liver Qi, thus reducing symptoms like belching that arise from emotional stress.

Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang is employed to resolve Qi Rebellion, guiding the Qi downward and alleviating belching and other related symptoms. These treatments underscore TCM's holistic approach, focusing on restoring balance and harmony to the body's Qi, thereby alleviating belching and improving overall digestive health.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address belching, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type

All Formulas Recommended for Belching Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach, Stomach Qi Stagnation
Zuo Jin Wan Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach, Stomach Qi Stagnation
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Liver Qi Stagnation
Yue Ju Wan Qi Stagnation

Acupoints for Belching

Explore below some acupoints used to address belching, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
  • Stomach Channel
  • Spleen Channel
Geshu BL-17

Geshu BL-17

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra (T7).

Danshu BL-19

Danshu BL-19

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra (T10).

Weishu BL-21

Weishu BL-21

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 12th thoracic vertebra (T12).

Geguan BL-46

Geguan BL-46

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra (T7).

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