Globus Sensation in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different globus sensation patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Globus sensation is the feeling of having a lump or obstruction in the throat when there is none physically present. It can vary in intensity throughout the day and may be exacerbated by stress or emotional states. This condition does not interfere with swallowing food or drink but can cause significant discomfort and anxiety.
Often described as a persistent or intermittent throat lump, globus sensation is a symptom rather than a disease, and its underlying cause can range from psychological factors to physical conditions affecting the throat.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets globus sensation as a symptom of underlying imbalances within the body's Qi (vital energy), influenced by emotional, environmental, and physiological factors. TCM emphasizes the significance of Qi flow and the harmony of the body's organs, suggesting that disruptions in these areas can manifest as physical symptoms like globus sensation.
Unlike Western approaches that may focus on the physical throat, TCM seeks to identify and treat the root cause of the imbalance, whether it be Qi stagnation, Phlegm accumulation, or Heat, offering a holistic path to relief.
TCM Patterns for Globus Sensation
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause globus sensation
Qi-Phlegm
Diagnostic signs
Slippery (Hua), Wiry (Xian)
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation
Diagnostic signs
Wiry (Xian)
Normal or slightly red on the sides
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Diagnostic signs
Wiry (Xian)
Red on the sides
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Qi-Phlegm
Diagnostic signs
Slippery (Hua), Wiry (Xian)
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Diagnostic signs
Wiry (Xian)
Red on the sides
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Globus Sensation
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address globus sensation