Vomiting Frothy Salivaaccording to TCM

What is Vomiting Frothy Saliva?

Vomiting frothy saliva is a condition characterized by the expulsion of bubbly, foamy saliva or mucus from the stomach through the mouth. This symptom can be indicative of various underlying issues ranging from digestive disturbances to more complex health conditions. Understanding its cause is crucial for effective management and treatment.

How does TCM view Vomiting Frothy Saliva?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches vomiting frothy saliva through the lens of imbalance and disharmony within the body's systems. TCM posits that such symptoms arise when the body's natural flow of Qi (energy) and balance of its fundamental elements are disrupted, often categorizing this condition under patterns associated with Phlegm or Qi Stagnation. Identifying the precise pattern is essential in TCM, as it guides the treatment strategy aiming to restore balance and harmony.

Root Causes of Vomiting Frothy Saliva in TCM

In TCM, vomiting frothy saliva is most commonly associated with patterns of disharmony such as Phlegm accumulation. For instance, Phlegm in the Lower Burner can manifest symptoms including vomiting frothy saliva, indicating issues such as kidney infection or nephrotic syndrome.

The identification of the underlying pattern, such as Phlegm accumulation, is vital for selecting the appropriate treatment strategy, which may involve a combination of herbal remedies and acupuncture to restore the body's equilibrium and address the root cause.

Explore below more details about what might cause Vomiting frothy saliva according to TCM.

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 Vomiting Frothy Saliva

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Phlegm in the Lower Burner	Vomiting frothy saliva, Throbbing below the belly button, Vertigo, Shortness of breath, Coughing, Edema, Glomerulonephritis, Kidney infection, Nephrotic syndrome, Cystitis, Hydrocele... see more	Wu Ling San

Triple Burner

In TCM the Triple Burner (or San Jiao) is a unique concept rather than a physical organ. It's seen as a system that oversees the flow and balance of Qi and bodily fluids across three regions of the body: the upper (respiratory and cardiovascular systems), middle (digestive system), and lower (urinary and reproductive systems). The Triple Burner facilitates the interaction between these systems, ensuring harmony in bodily functions. When it malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of symptoms depending on the affected region, such as respiratory issues, digestive problems, or urinary and reproductive disorders. The malfunction can also manifest as general imbalances in energy flow, temperature regulation, and fluid metabolism, reflecting the Triple Burner's role as a coordinator of the body's various processes and its importance in maintaining overall balance and health.... see more

Triple Burner Patterns That Can Lead to Vomiting Frothy Saliva

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Phlegm in the Lower Burner	Vomiting frothy saliva, Throbbing below the belly button, Vertigo, Shortness of breath, Coughing, Edema, Glomerulonephritis, Kidney infection, Nephrotic syndrome, Cystitis, Hydrocele... see more	Wu Ling San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Vomiting Frothy Saliva

To treat vomiting frothy saliva, TCM utilizes a variety of formulas and herbs designed to target the underlying disharmony. For patterns associated with Phlegm, such as Phlegm in the Lower Burner, the formula Wu Ling San, which includes key herbs like Water plantain (Ze Xie), is commonly used. This approach exemplifies TCM's holistic and tailored treatment methodologies, emphasizing the importance of individual diagnosis and therapy.

See more details below about Wu Ling San, a herbal formula used to address vomiting frothy saliva.

Top Formula for Phlegm:
Wu Ling San

Suitable for Phlegm patterns that may cause vomiting frothy saliva, such as Phlegm in the Lower Burner

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Acupoints for Vomiting Frothy Saliva

TCM also incorporates acupuncture as part of the comprehensive treatment strategy for vomiting frothy saliva, targeting specific acupoints to restore balance. For example, Youmen KID-21 and Duiduan DU-27 are among the acupoints selected based on their ability to regulate Stomach Qi, subdue Rebellious Qi, and clear Heat, illustrating the intricate and personalized nature of TCM treatments aimed at harmonizing the body's functions and alleviating symptoms.

Explore below some acupoints used to address vomiting frothy saliva, organized by meridian.

Zhubin KID-9

On the line drawn from Taixi KID-3 to Yingu KID-10. It is located at the lower end of the belly of gastrocnemius muscle in the medial aspect, about 5 cun above Taixi KID-3.

Youmen KID-21

6 cun above the umbilicus and 2 cun below the sternocostal angle, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Duiduan DU-27

On the midline, at the junction of the philtrum and the upper lip.

Lianquan REN-23

On the anterior midline of the neck, above the Adm's apple, in the depression at the upper border of the hyoid bone.

Benshen GB-13

0.5 cun within the hairline of the forehead, at the junction of the medial two-third and lateral third of the distance from Shenting DU-24 to Touwei ST-8.