Hunger Sensationaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Appetite Disorders
Root Causes of Hunger Sensation in TCM
Explore below more details about what might cause Hunger sensation according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Yin Deficiency
- Stomach
Yin Deficiency
Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more
Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Hunger Sensation
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach Yin Deficiency | Feeling of hunger, Lack of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating... see more | Mai Men Dong Tang | Yi Wei Tang | Shen Ling Bai Zhu 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 Hunger Sensation
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach Yin Deficiency | Feeling of hunger, Lack of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating... see more | Mai Men Dong Tang | Yi Wei Tang | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Hunger Sensation
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address hunger sensation, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Yin Deficiency
- Formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that tonify qi
Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Mai Men Dong Tang
Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause hunger sensation, such as Stomach Yin Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Hunger Sensation Caused by Yin Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Mai Men Dong Tang | Stomach Yin Deficiency |
| Yi Wei Tang | Stomach Yin Deficiency |
| Shen Ling Bai Zhu San | Stomach Yin Deficiency |
Formulas that enrich Yin and moisten Dryness
These formulas are suitable for some hunger sensation-causing patterns like Stomach Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Mai Men Dong Tang, with dwarf lilyturf root as a key herb.
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some hunger sensation-causing patterns like Stomach Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Yi Wei Tang, with unprepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi
These formulas are suitable for some hunger sensation-causing patterns like Stomach Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, with ginseng as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Hunger Sensation
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address hunger sensation, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that drain dampness
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Hunger sensation can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hunger sensation, like Shen Ling Bai Zhu San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for hunger sensation
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San |
| Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San |
| Liquorice (Gan Cao) | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San |
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Hunger sensation can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Dwarf Lilyturf Roots (Mai Dong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hunger sensation, like Mai Men Dong Tang.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Hunger sensation can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hunger sensation, like Yi Wei Tang.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Hunger sensation can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hunger sensation, like Shen Ling Bai Zhu San.