Globus Sensationaccording to TCM

What is Globus Sensation?

Globus sensation is the feeling of having a lump or obstruction in the throat when there is none physically present. It can vary in intensity throughout the day and may be exacerbated by stress or emotional states. This condition does not interfere with swallowing food or drink but can cause significant discomfort and anxiety.

Often described as a persistent or intermittent throat lump, globus sensation is a symptom rather than a disease, and its underlying cause can range from psychological factors to physical conditions affecting the throat.

How Does TCM View Globus Sensation?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets globus sensation as a symptom of underlying imbalances within the body's Qi (vital energy), influenced by emotional, environmental, and physiological factors. TCM emphasizes the significance of Qi flow and the harmony of the body's organs, suggesting that disruptions in these areas can manifest as physical symptoms like globus sensation.

Unlike Western approaches that may focus on the physical throat, TCM seeks to identify and treat the root cause of the imbalance, whether it be Qi stagnation, Phlegm accumulation, or Heat, offering a holistic path to relief.

Root Causes of Globus Sensation in TCM

In TCM, globus sensation is attributed to several patterns, such as Qi Stagnation and Phlegm accumulation, reflecting the complex interplay between emotional well-being and physical health. Qi Stagnation, particularly within the Liver, can arise from emotional stress or frustration, leading to the sensation of a lump in the throat as Qi flow is impeded.

Concurrently, Phlegm accumulation, often linked with digestive inefficiencies, can physically manifest as this obstructive sensation. These patterns underscore the TCM perspective that emotional states and organ functions are deeply interconnected, influencing the manifestation of symptoms like globus sensation.

Explore below more details about what might cause Globus sensation 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 Globus Sensation

Common Symptoms: Irritability Mood Swings Depression Hypochondriac Distention Upper Abdominal Distension Melancholia Irregular Periods Pre Menstrual Breast Distension

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Qi-Phlegm	Feeling of a lump in the throat which comes and goes, Globus sensation, Dysphagia, Upper abdominal oppression, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression... see more	Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Liver Qi Stagnation	Feeling of lump in the throat, 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
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire	Feeling of lump in the throat, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation... see more	Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San

Phlegm

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

Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Globus Sensation

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Qi-Phlegm	Feeling of a lump in the throat which comes and goes, Globus sensation, Dysphagia, Upper abdominal oppression, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression... see more	Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang

Heat

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

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Globus Sensation

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire	Feeling of lump in the throat, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation... see more	Dan Zhi Xiao Yao 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 Globus Sensation

Common Symptoms: Hypochondriac Distention Upper Abdominal Distension Melancholia Depression Mood Swings Irregular Periods Pre Menstrual Breast Distension Pre Menstrual Tension

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation	Feeling of lump in the throat, 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
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire	Feeling of lump in the throat, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation... see more	Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Globus Sensation

To address the underlying causes of globus sensation, TCM utilizes specific formulas and herbs tailored to the individual's pattern of disharmony. For Qi Stagnation, Xiao Yao San, featuring Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), harmonizes Liver-Spleen relations, facilitating the smooth flow of Qi and alleviating the sensation of a throat lump.

In cases of Phlegm accumulation, Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang, with Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), promotes Qi movement and transforms Phlegm, targeting the root of the globus sensation. These treatments exemplify TCM's nuanced approach, focusing on restoring balance and harmony to the body's internal systems.

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

Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang

Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause globus sensation, such as Qi-Phlegm

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Globus Sensation Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang	Qi-Phlegm
Xiao Yao San	Liver Qi Stagnation
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San	Liver Qi Stagnation
Yue Ju Wan	Liver Qi Stagnation
Chai Hu Shu Gan San	Liver Qi Stagnation
Yi Guan Jian	Liver Qi Stagnation
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San	Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire

Top Formula for Phlegm:
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang

Suitable for Phlegm patterns that may cause globus sensation, such as Qi-Phlegm

Learn more

Top Formula for Heat:
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause globus sensation, such as Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire

Learn more

Acupoints for Globus Sensation

TCM also incorporates acupuncture as a complementary treatment for globus sensation, targeting specific acupoints that correspond to the underlying patterns of imbalance. Qixue KID-13 is one such point, located below the umbilicus, which is effective in regulating the Penetrating and Directing Vessels, invigorating Qi and Blood in the Lower Burner, and tonifying the Kidneys and Essence.

Stimulating this acupoint can help address the deep-seated imbalances contributing to globus sensation, providing a holistic approach to treatment that encompasses both physical and emotional well-being.

See more details below about Qixue KID-13, an acupoint used to address globus sensation.

Qixue KID-13

3 cun below the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.