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Symptom family: Nausea and Vomiting
Dry heaving, also known as retching, involves the involuntary attempt to vomit without producing any substance. This symptom can be distressing, often experienced as a prelude to vomiting or as a standalone condition when the stomach is empty. Dry heaves can be triggered by a variety of causes, including gastrointestinal disturbances, exposure to unpleasant smells or sights, or even intense anxiety.
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dry heaving is seen as a manifestation of disharmony within the body's energetic systems. TCM interprets this symptom as a signal of imbalance, often involving the stomach's Qi, which is supposed to descend smoothly.
When this Qi rebels and rises instead, it can lead to dry heaving. Identifying the specific pattern of disharmony is critical in TCM, as it guides the selection of treatment strategies aimed at restoring balance.
TCM attributes dry heaving to several potential causes, each associated with different patterns of imbalance. Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner, for example, can manifest as dry heaving accompanied by abdominal fullness and a lack of appetite, indicative of disrupted digestive processes.
Another pattern, Stomach Yin Deficiency, might present as retching with a lack of appetite and a preference for sipping liquids. Understanding these patterns helps TCM practitioners tailor treatments to the individual's specific needs, aiming to address the root cause of the symptoms.
Explore below more details about what might cause Dry heaving according to TCM.
In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more
Common Symptoms: Upper Abdominal Focal Distention Abdominal Fullness Borborygmi With Diarrhea Lack Of Appetite Peptic Ulcer Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Gastritis Chronic Cholecystitis
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner | Dry heaves or vomiting, Upper abdominal focal distention, Abdominal fullness, Dry heaving, Borborygmi with diarrhea, Lack of appetite, Peptic ulcer, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Gastritis, Chronic cholecystitis, Colitis... see more | Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang |
Phlegm-Fluids in the chest and hypochondrium | Dry heaves, Cough with chest pain, Upper abdominal focal distention, Dry heaving, Shortness of breath, Headaches, Vertigo, Pericardial effusion, Pneumonia, Ascites due to liver cirrhosis, Nephritis... see more | Shi Zao Tang |
Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Stomach Yin Deficiency | Retching, Lack of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating... see more | Yi Wei Tang |
In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner | Dry heaves or vomiting, Upper abdominal focal distention, Abdominal fullness, Dry heaving, Borborygmi with diarrhea, Lack of appetite, Peptic ulcer, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Gastritis, Chronic cholecystitis, Colitis... see more | Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang |
In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more
Common Symptoms: Lack Of Appetite Peptic Ulcer Preference For Sipping Slight Abdominal Distension After Eating Upper Abdominal Pain Dry Mouth Afternoon Heat Sensation Dry Throat
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Stomach Yin Deficiency | Retching, Lack of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating... see more | Yi Wei Tang |
Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner | Dry heaves or vomiting, Upper abdominal focal distention, Abdominal fullness, Dry heaving, Borborygmi with diarrhea, Lack of appetite, Peptic ulcer, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Gastritis, Chronic cholecystitis, Colitis... see more | Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang |
In addressing dry heaving, TCM relies on herbal formulas designed to counteract the identified patterns of disharmony. For Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner, Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang, which includes Huang Lian to clear Heat and dry Dampness, is commonly prescribed. Yi Wei Tang might be recommended for Stomach Yin Deficiency to nourish Yin and promote fluid production. These formulas exemplify TCM's approach to treatment, targeting the underlying imbalance rather than just the symptom.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address dry heaving, organized by cause and by formula type.
Suitable for Phlegm patterns that may cause dry heaving, such as Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
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Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang | Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner |
Shi Zao Tang | Phlegm-Fluids in the chest and hypochondrium |
Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause dry heaving, such as Stomach Yin Deficiency
Learn moreSuitable for Heat patterns that may cause dry heaving, such as Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner
Learn moreThese formulas are suitable for some dry heaving-causing patterns like Stomach Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Yi Wei Tang, with unprepared rehmannia as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some dry heaving-causing patterns like Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner.
One such formula is Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some dry heaving-causing patterns like Phlegm-Fluids in the chest and hypochondrium.
One such formula is Shi Zao Tang, with kansui root as a key herb.
Acupuncture is another key component of TCM's treatment strategies for dry heaving. Specific acupoints like Shiguan KID-18 and Youmen KID-21 are selected to regulate Qi and Blood in the Lower Burner, harmonize the Stomach, and subdue rebellious Qi. This method underscores TCM's holistic approach, aiming to restore the body's natural balance and alleviate symptoms through the stimulation of specific energy points.
Explore below some acupoints used to address dry heaving, organized by meridian.
3 cun above the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
6 cun above the umbilicus and 2 cun below the sternocostal angle, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra (T10).
On the radial side of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris, 1.5 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist when the palm faces upward.