Vomiting After Eatingaccording to TCM

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.

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

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 After Eating

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Stomach Heat or Fire	Vomiting of fluids soon after drinking, Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Nausea, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Bad breath, Feeling of heat, Acne... see more	Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Qing Wei San | Xie Huang San | Fei Er Wan | Hua Ban Tang

Bladder

In TCM the Bladder plays a crucial role beyond its basic function of storing and excreting urine. It is intimately connected with the Kidney system, helping to regulate the body's water balance and being a key component in the processing and elimination of fluids. The Bladder also influences the lower part of the body and the back. When it malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to urinary issues like frequent urination, incontinence, or painful urination. Additionally, there may be problems related to its meridian pathway, such as lower back pain, stiffness, or weakness in the legs. The Bladder’s condition in TCM can also reflect emotional states, with imbalances potentially leading to feelings of fear or anxiety.... see more

Bladder 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

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 After Eating

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Stomach Heat or Fire	Vomiting of fluids soon after drinking, Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Nausea, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Bad breath, Feeling of heat, Acne... see more	Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Qing Wei San | Xie Huang San | Fei Er Wan | Hua Ban Tang

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.

Top Formula for Wind:
Wu Ling San

Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause vomiting after eating, such as Greater Yang Accumulation of Water

Learn more

Top Formula for Heat:
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause vomiting after eating, such as Stomach Heat or Fire

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Vomiting After Eating Caused by Heat

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang	Stomach Heat or Fire
Qing Wei San	Stomach Heat or Fire
Xie Huang San	Stomach Heat or Fire
Fei Er Wan	Stomach Heat or Fire
Hua Ban Tang	Stomach Heat or Fire

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.

Shidou SP-17

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

Zhongting REN-16

On the midline of the chest, on the level of the 5th intercostal space. On the sternocostal angle, where the two lower borders of the ribcage meet.