Vomiting Undigested Foodaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Nausea and Vomiting
Parent symptom: Vomit
What is Vomiting Undigested Food?
Vomiting undigested food, a symptom as straightforward as it is distressing, occurs when food ingested does not proceed through the normal digestive process but is expelled from the stomach relatively unchanged. This condition, beyond the discomfort it brings, signals underlying issues that impede the efficient breakdown and assimilation of food. Recognized also as food vomiting, this specific form of vomiting illuminates a disruption in the body’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients properly.
TCM Perspective on Vomiting Undigested Food
From the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), vomiting undigested food is not merely a physical inconvenience but a manifestation of deeper imbalances within the body's energetic systems.
TCM delves into the root causes of this symptom by identifying the patterns of disharmony responsible for disrupting the digestive process. This approach underscores the importance of diagnosing the specific pattern at play, as it shapes the treatment strategy aimed at restoring harmony and digestive efficacy.
The Root Causes According to TCM
TCM pinpoints two primary culprits behind vomiting undigested food: Qi Stagnation and Heat. Qi Stagnation, particularly when the Liver Qi invades the Stomach, disrupts the smooth flow of Qi, leading to symptoms like abdominal distention, irritability, and notably, vomiting of food.
On the other hand, Heat, manifested as Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat, can inflame the digestive tract, resulting in the expulsion of undigested food alongside symptoms like toothache, headaches, and an overall sensation of heat.
TCM's Remedial Measures
Addressing Qi Stagnation involves restoring the free flow of Qi to alleviate the pressure on the Stomach. Formulas such as Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang and Zuo Jin Wan are tailored to ease Qi movement, transform phlegm, and cool down the Heat, thus mitigating the urge to vomit.
For cases rooted in Heat, remedies like Yu Nu Jian and Wen Dan Tang aim to clear Heat from the organs and dry Dampness, ensuring the digestive fire works efficiently without overheating or causing discomfort. Through these targeted treatments, TCM seeks not just to cease the symptom of vomiting undigested food but to nourish and balance the body’s internal landscape, paving the way for sustained digestive health.
Root Causes of Vomiting Undigested Food in TCM
Explore below more details about what might cause Vomiting undigested food according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Qi Stagnation
- Heat
- Stomach
- Liver
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 Vomiting Undigested Food
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach | Vomiting of food, Belching, Abdominal distention, Upper abdominal distension, Depression, Irritability, Dry mouth, Lack of appetite, Craving for sour foods, Dry throat, Acid reflux... see more | Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang | Zuo Jin Wan |
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 Vomiting Undigested Food
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat | Vomiting of food, Toothache, Headaches, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia, Diabetes, Viral myocarditis, Breast engorgement, Breast lumps... see more | Yu Nu Jian | Wen Dan Tang |
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 Vomiting Undigested Food
Common Symptoms: Dry Mouth Dry Throat Morning Sickness Belching Abdominal Distention Upper Abdominal Distension Depression Irritability
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach | Vomiting of food, Belching, Abdominal distention, Upper abdominal distension, Depression, Irritability, Dry mouth, Lack of appetite, Craving for sour foods, Dry throat, Acid reflux... see more | Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang | Zuo Jin Wan |
| Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat | Vomiting of food, Toothache, Headaches, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia, Diabetes, Viral myocarditis, Breast engorgement, Breast lumps... see more | Yu Nu Jian | Wen Dan Tang |
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 Vomiting Undigested Food
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach | Vomiting of food, Belching, Abdominal distention, Upper abdominal distension, Depression, Irritability, Dry mouth, Lack of appetite, Craving for sour foods, Dry throat, Acid reflux... see more | Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang | Zuo Jin Wan |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Vomiting Undigested Food
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address vomiting undigested food, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Qi Stagnation
- Heat
- Formulas that promote qi movement
- Formulas that clear heat
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause vomiting undigested food, such as Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Vomiting Undigested Food Caused by Qi Stagnation
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang | Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach |
| Zuo Jin Wan | Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach |
Top Formula for Heat:
Yu Nu Jian
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause vomiting undigested food, such as Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Vomiting Undigested Food Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Yu Nu Jian | Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat |
| Wen Dan Tang | Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat |
Formulas that promote Qi movement
These formulas are suitable for some vomiting undigested food-causing patterns like Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach.
One such formula is Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat
These formulas are suitable for some vomiting undigested food-causing patterns like Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach.
One such formula is Zuo Jin Wan, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
These formulas are suitable for some vomiting undigested food-causing patterns like Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat.
One such formula is Yu Nu Jian, with gypsum as a key herb.
Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm
These formulas are suitable for some vomiting undigested food-causing patterns like Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat.
One such formula is Wen Dan Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Vomiting Undigested Food
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address vomiting undigested food, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Vomiting undigested food 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 Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), a key herb in some formulas recommended for vomiting undigested food, like Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang.
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Vomiting undigested food can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for vomiting undigested food, like Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Vomiting undigested food can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for vomiting undigested food, like Zuo Jin Wan.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Vomiting undigested food can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Gypsum (Shi Gao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for vomiting undigested food, like Yu Nu Jian.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Vomiting undigested food can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for vomiting undigested food, like Yu Nu Jian.