Excessive Hunger in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different excessive hunger patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Excessive hunger, also known as hyperphagia, is characterized by an abnormally intense desire to eat, often without the usual physical triggers of hunger. Individuals experiencing excessive hunger might feel the need to eat frequently or consume large quantities of food, even after a meal. This condition can arise due to various factors, including metabolic imbalances, psychological conditions, or underlying health issues.
Medically, excessive hunger is often linked to conditions like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or even stress and anxiety, highlighting the complex interplay between the body's physical and mental health.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a different perspective on excessive hunger compared to Western medicine. In TCM, excessive hunger is seen as a manifestation of internal imbalances, particularly related to the body's vital energies, or Qi. Rather than viewing hunger solely as a physical or psychological response, TCM considers the overall harmony of the body's organs and systems.
Excessive hunger can result from various patterns of disharmony, such as excess heat, Qi stagnation, or Yin deficiency. Identifying the correct underlying pattern is essential in TCM, as treatment must be tailored to address the specific imbalance causing the symptom.
TCM Patterns for Excessive Hunger
Heat
Causes: Constant hunger, Excessive hunger, Indeterminate gnawing hunger
Stomach Heat or Fire
Constant hunger, Excessive hunger
Along with: Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Nausea, Vomiting after eating, Bad breath, Feeling of heat, Acne
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat
Indeterminate gnawing hunger
Along with: Nausea or vomiting, Vertigo, Vivid dreaming, Palpitations, Anxiety, Excessive hunger, Focal distention of the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Slight thirst, Copious thick yellow sputum
Yin Deficiency
Causes: Feeling of hunger
Stomach Yin Deficiency
Feeling of hunger
Along with: Loss of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating
Qi Stagnation
Causes: Indeterminate gnawing hunger
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat
Indeterminate gnawing hunger
Along with: Nausea or vomiting, Vertigo, Vivid dreaming, Palpitations, Anxiety, Excessive hunger, Focal distention of the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Slight thirst, Copious thick yellow sputum
Phlegm
Causes: Indeterminate gnawing hunger
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat
Indeterminate gnawing hunger
Along with: Nausea or vomiting, Vertigo, Vivid dreaming, Palpitations, Anxiety, Excessive hunger, Focal distention of the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Slight thirst, Copious thick yellow sputum
Herbal Formulas for Excessive Hunger
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address excessive hunger
Wen Dan Tang
Addresses these excessive hunger patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Phlegm
- Clears Gallbladder
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Excessive Hunger Pattern Variations
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat
How it manifests:
Indeterminate gnawing hunger
Accompanying symptoms:
Nausea or vomiting, Vertigo, Vivid dreaming, Palpitations, Anxiety, Excessive hunger...
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang
Addresses these excessive hunger patterns:
Main Actions
- Removes Heat and Dryness in the Lower Burner
- Removes constipation
Addresses These Excessive Hunger Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Constant hunger, Excessive hunger
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Mai Men Dong Tang
Addresses these excessive hunger patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Stomach
- Generates Body Fluids
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
Addresses These Excessive Hunger Pattern Variations
Stomach Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Feeling of hunger
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating
Qing Wei San
Addresses these excessive hunger patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Stomach Fire
- Cools the Blood
- Nourishes the Yin
Addresses These Excessive Hunger Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Constant hunger, Excessive hunger
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Yi Wei Tang
Addresses these excessive hunger patterns:
Main Actions
- Strengthen the Stomach
- Creates Body Fluids
Addresses These Excessive Hunger Pattern Variations
Stomach Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Feeling of hunger
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating
Xie Huang San
Addresses these excessive hunger patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Stagnant Fire from the Spleen and Stomach
Addresses These Excessive Hunger Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Constant hunger, Excessive hunger
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Addresses these excessive hunger patterns:
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Drains Dampness
- Stops diarrhea
Addresses These Excessive Hunger Pattern Variations
Stomach Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Feeling of hunger
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating
Fei Er Wan
Addresses these excessive hunger patterns:
Main Actions
- Kills parasites
- Reduces accumulation
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Excessive Hunger Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Constant hunger, Excessive hunger
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Hua Ban Tang
Addresses these excessive hunger patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Qi-level Heat
- Cools the Blood
Addresses These Excessive Hunger Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Constant hunger, Excessive hunger
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...