Stomach Churningaccording to TCM

What is Stomach Churning?

Stomach churning is a common gastrointestinal symptom characterized by a sensation of agitation or movement within the stomach. It often presents as a rumbling or rolling feeling, sometimes accompanied by discomfort.

This sensation can be associated with various digestive issues, ranging from mild indigestion to more serious conditions. It is a manifestation of the body's response to different stimuli affecting the digestive system.

How does TCM View Stomach Churning?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), stomach churning is perceived through a unique perspective that focuses on the flow of Qi (vital energy) and the balance of internal organs. TCM practitioners consider this symptom as an indicator of disharmony or imbalance within the body's energy system.

Emotional stress, dietary habits, and the individual's overall health are key factors in understanding the root cause of stomach churning. TCM aims to identify these underlying patterns and restore balance, thereby alleviating the symptom.

Root Causes of Stomach Churning in TCM

TCM attributes stomach churning to specific patterns of disharmony, primarily focusing on the flow and direction of Qi. One common cause is Qi Stagnation, where the smooth flow of Qi is disrupted, leading to symptoms like mood swings, abdominal distension, and the feeling of churning. This is often linked to emotional stress affecting the Liver's function in ensuring the free flow of Qi.

Another pattern, Qi Rebellion, involves the abnormal upward movement of Qi, causing symptoms like nausea, hiccups, and stomach churning. This can result from dietary irregularities or emotional upheavals impacting the Liver and Stomach Qi.

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

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 Stomach Churning

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation	Churning feeling in the stomach, 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	Xiao Yao San | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Yue Ju Wan | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Yi Guan Jian

Qi Rebellion

Rebellious Qi in TCM is a bit like having a rebel inside your body. Qi, which is the vital energy flowing through your body, is supposed to move in certain directions to keep everything in balance and working well. But with Rebellious Qi, this energy decides to go the opposite way. Think of it like a river flowing upstream instead of downstream. This can cause various issues like heartburn, coughing, or even headaches. It's as if the body's natural flow is disrupted, creating a kind of internal chaos. TCM focuses on correcting this flow, restoring order and balance.... see more

Qi Rebellion Patterns That Can Lead to Stomach Churning

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Rebellious Liver Qi	Churning feeling in the stomach, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Hiccups, Sighing, Nausea or vomiting, Belching, Stomach churning, Irritability, Breast engorgement, Headaches, Dizziness... see more	Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Si Ni San

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Stomach Churning

Common Symptoms: Hypochondriac Distention Upper Abdominal Distension Sighing Irritability Hiccups Belching Breast Engorgement Headaches

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation	Churning feeling in the stomach, 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	Xiao Yao San | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Yue Ju Wan | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Yi Guan Jian
Rebellious Liver Qi	Churning feeling in the stomach, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Hiccups, Sighing, Nausea or vomiting, Belching, Stomach churning, Irritability, Breast engorgement, Headaches, Dizziness... see more	Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Si Ni San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Stomach Churning

In treating stomach churning, TCM selects formulas and herbs based on the identified pattern of disharmony. For Qi Stagnation, herbs that promote Qi flow and alleviate Liver Qi Stagnation are chosen, especially in cases linked to emotional stress.

For Qi Rebellion, the treatment focuses on herbs that normalize the direction of Qi, calming the Stomach and directing rebellious Qi downwards. The specific combination of herbs and formulas is customized to the patient's unique condition, ensuring a comprehensive treatment approach that targets both the symptoms and their underlying causes.

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

Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Chai Hu Shu Gan San

Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause stomach churning, such as Liver Qi Stagnation

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Stomach Churning Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Chai Hu Shu Gan San	Liver Qi Stagnation
Xiao Yao San	Liver Qi Stagnation
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San	Liver Qi Stagnation
Yue Ju Wan	Liver Qi Stagnation
Yi Guan Jian	Liver Qi Stagnation

Top Formula for Qi Rebellion:
Chai Hu Shu Gan San

Suitable for Qi Rebellion patterns that may cause stomach churning, such as Rebellious Liver Qi

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Stomach Churning Caused by Qi Rebellion

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Chai Hu Shu Gan San	Rebellious Liver Qi
Si Ni San	Rebellious Liver Qi

TCM Herbs for Stomach Churning

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address stomach churning, organized by herb category.