Vomiting After Eatingaccording to TCM

Symptom family: Nausea and Vomiting

Parent symptom: Vomit

What is Vomiting After Eating?

Vomiting after eating is a distressing symptom where an individual expels the contents of the stomach through the mouth soon after consuming food or beverages. This reaction can occur immediately following a meal or several hours later and is often indicative of underlying issues affecting the digestive system. While occasional episodes can result from overeating or eating too quickly, frequent incidents may signal more serious conditions requiring medical attention. Understanding the cause is essential for effective treatment and prevention.

How does TCM View Vomiting After Eating?

From the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, vomiting after eating is seen as a manifestation of disharmony within the body's energy systems. TCM theory suggests that such symptoms arise when the natural flow of Qi (vital energy) and the balance of Yin and Yang are disrupted, affecting the Stomach and Spleen's functions.

Identifying the specific pattern of imbalance—be it due to external factors like dietary habits or internal issues such as emotional stress—is critical in TCM. This approach enables a tailored treatment that not only addresses the symptom but also restores overall harmony and well-being.

Root Causes of Vomiting After Eating in TCM

In TCM, vomiting after eating is often linked to disturbances in the body's elemental balance. One common cause is identified as Dampness, particularly the pattern of Greater Yang Accumulation of Water according to the 6 Stage Theory of Zhang Zhong Jin, where fluid buildup leads to symptoms such as aversion to cold and urinary retention alongside vomiting.

Another key cause is Heat, as seen in Stomach Heat or Fire, where intense internal heat triggers vomiting, thirst, and a preference for cold drinks. These examples highlight TCM's holistic approach, considering physical symptoms alongside environmental and emotional factors to understand and treat the root cause of vomiting after eating.

Explore below more details about what might cause Vomiting after eating according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Wind
  • Heat
Detailed description of the cause

Wind

In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more

Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Vomiting After Eating

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Greater Yang Accumulation of Water Vomiting of fluids soon after drinking, Aversion to cold, Fever, Urinary retention, Slight thirst, Vomiting after eating Wu Ling San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Vomiting After Eating

To address vomiting after eating, TCM relies on a variety of herbal formulas tailored to the identified disharmony. For issues related to water accumulation, Wu Ling San, featuring Water plantain, is commonly prescribed to promote urination and leach out Dampness, addressing the root cause of symptoms.

In cases of Stomach Heat or Fire, Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang, with Rhubarb, is used to purge Heat accumulation and alleviate discomfort. These formulas exemplify TCM's nuanced treatment strategies, combining herbs to target specific imbalances and restore the body's natural equilibrium.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Wind
  • Heat

Acupoints for Vomiting After Eating

TCM also incorporates acupuncture as a complementary treatment, targeting specific acupoints to alleviate symptoms. Shidou SP-17, located in the Spleen Channel, is utilized for its effectiveness in resolving Food Stagnation, directly addressing issues leading to vomiting.

Similarly, Zhongting REN-16, situated in the Directing Vessel, is known for its ability to open the chest and regulate Stomach Qi, providing relief from nausea and vomiting post-meal. These acupoints, among others, are integral to TCM's comprehensive approach to treating vomiting after eating, emphasizing the restoration of balance and promoting the smooth flow of Qi.

Explore below some acupoints used to address vomiting after eating, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Spleen Channel
  • Directing Vessel
Shidou SP-17

Shidou SP-17

6 cun lateral to the anterior midline, 2 cun lateral to the mamillary line, in the 5th intercostal space.

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