Epigastric Fullness And Pain Relieved By Vomitingaccording to TCM
*redirected from Fullness and pain of the epigastrium which are relieved by vomiting
Symptom family: Upper Abdominal Pain and Discomfort
Parent symptom: Upper Abdominal Pain
What is Epigastric Fullness and Pain Relieved by Vomiting?
Epigastric fullness and pain relieved by vomiting is a symptom complex characterized by a discomforting sensation of pressure and pain in the upper abdomen that is mitigated upon vomiting. This condition encapsulates a specific set of gastrointestinal symptoms where relief comes paradoxically through the act of vomiting.
The symptom is a focal point for both diagnostic consideration and treatment planning, hinting at underlying issues that range from dietary habits to more complex gastrointestinal disorders. Synonyms such as abdominal pain relieved by vomiting and discomfort and fullness in the upper abdomen alleviated by vomiting highlight the localized nature of the discomfort and the relief brought by vomiting.
How does TCM view Epigastric Fullness and Pain Relieved by Vomiting?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches epigastric fullness and pain relieved by vomiting through a lens that considers the body as a network of energy systems. In TCM, this symptom is often seen as a sign of disharmony within the body’s Qi (vital energy) or an imbalance in the Stomach's ability to transform and transport food essence.
TCM delves into the root causes of symptoms by identifying patterns of disharmony, which allows for targeted treatment strategies. This perspective emphasizes the importance of not just alleviating symptoms but restoring balance and harmony to the body's systems.
Root Causes of Epigastric Fullness And Pain Relieved By Vomiting in TCM
Traditional Chinese Medicine identifies several patterns that could lead to epigastric fullness and pain relieved by vomiting, with Food Stagnation in the Stomach being a primary cause. This condition arises when undigested food accumulates in the Stomach, leading to blockages that disrupt the flow of Qi and cause discomfort. Symptoms associated with this pattern include nausea, vomiting of sour fluids, bad breath, acid reflux, and belching, alongside insomnia and alternating diarrhea and constipation.
Another pattern involves Qi Stagnation, where the smooth flow of energy through the Stomach is impeded, causing similar symptoms. Addressing these underlying patterns requires a nuanced understanding of the individual’s health, lifestyle, and emotional state.
Explore below more details about what might cause Epigastric fullness and pain relieved by vomiting according to TCM.
- By Organ
- Stomach
Stomach
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
Stomach Patterns That Can Lead to Epigastric Fullness And Pain Relieved By Vomiting
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Food Stagnation in the Stomach | Fullness and pain of the epigastrium which are relieved by vomiting, Epigastric fullness and pain relieved by vomiting, Nausea, Vomiting of sour fluids, Bad breath, Acid reflux, Belching, Insomnia, Alternating diarrhea and constipation, Lack of appetite, Abdominal pain due to overeating... see more | Bao He Wan | Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan | Gua Di San |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Epigastric Fullness And Pain Relieved By Vomiting
To treat epigastric fullness and pain relieved by vomiting, TCM practitioners may recommend specific formulas designed to address the underlying patterns of disharmony. For issues stemming from Food Stagnation in the Stomach, formulas such as Bao He Wan, which contains hawthorn berries to relieve Food Stagnation, and Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan, featuring immature bitter oranges to regulate Qi, are often used. These formulas work by facilitating the digestion and movement of accumulated food, restoring the stomach’s proper function, and alleviating the associated symptoms. Through these targeted treatments, TCM aims to not only relieve discomfort but also promote the body's natural healing processes and prevent recurrence of symptoms.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address epigastric fullness and pain relieved by vomiting, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform stagnation
- Formulas that induce vomiting
Formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform Stagnation
These formulas are suitable for some epigastric fullness and pain relieved by vomiting-causing patterns like Food Stagnation in the Stomach.
One such formula is Bao He Wan, with hawthorn berry as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform stagnation" recommended for epigastric fullness and pain relieved by vomiting
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Bao He Wan | Food Stagnation in the Stomach |
| Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan | Food Stagnation in the Stomach |
Formulas that induce vomiting
These formulas are suitable for some epigastric fullness and pain relieved by vomiting-causing patterns like Food Stagnation in the Stomach.
One such formula is Gua Di San, with melon stalk as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Epigastric Fullness And Pain Relieved By Vomiting
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address epigastric fullness and pain relieved by vomiting, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that relieve food stagnation
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
Herbs that relieve Food Stagnation
Epigastric fullness and pain relieved by vomiting can be treated by these herbs in cases of digestive disturbances due to overeating or consuming hard-to-digest foods, assisting in breaking down and moving food through the digestive system.
One such herb is Hawthorn Berries (Shan Zha), a key herb in some formulas recommended for epigastric fullness and pain relieved by vomiting, like Bao He Wan.
Herbs that regulate Qi
Epigastric fullness and pain relieved by vomiting can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.
One such herb is Immature Bitter Oranges (Zhi Shi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for epigastric fullness and pain relieved by vomiting, like Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Epigastric fullness and pain relieved by vomiting can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for epigastric fullness and pain relieved by vomiting, like Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan.
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Epigastric fullness and pain relieved by vomiting can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Melon Stalks (Gua Di ), a key herb in some formulas recommended for epigastric fullness and pain relieved by vomiting, like Gua Di San.