Morning Sickness in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different morning sickness patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Morning sickness, an emblematic early sign of pregnancy, manifests as nausea and vomiting, typically occurring in the first trimester. Though its name suggests a morning-only affliction, the discomfort can extend throughout the day, affecting an individual's daily activities and overall well-being. This common condition, while not usually harmful, can significantly impact the quality of life during its presence in pregnancy.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches morning sickness from a holistic perspective, attributing it to imbalances within the body’s Qi (energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang. Unlike Western medicine that often focuses on symptoms, TCM seeks to understand the underlying disharmony leading to nausea and vomiting.
By identifying specific patterns of imbalance, TCM practitioners tailor treatments that restore equilibrium, offering a distinct and nuanced approach to managing morning sickness.
TCM Patterns for Morning Sickness
Heat
Causes: morning sickness, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, nvp
Stomach Deficiency
morning sickness, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, nvp
Along with: Nausea or vomiting, Generalized fatigue, Chills, Loss of appetite, Depression, Dry mouth
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
morning sickness, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, nvp
Along with: Toothache, Headaches, Loose teeth, Bleeding gums, Irritability, Thirst, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia
Qi Deficiency
Causes: morning sickness, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, nvp
Stomach Deficiency
morning sickness, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, nvp
Along with: Nausea or vomiting, Generalized fatigue, Chills, Loss of appetite, Depression, Dry mouth
Yin Deficiency
Causes: morning sickness, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, nvp
Stomach Deficiency
morning sickness, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, nvp
Along with: Nausea or vomiting, Generalized fatigue, Chills, Loss of appetite, Depression, Dry mouth
Qi Stagnation
Causes: morning sickness, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, nvp
Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach
morning sickness, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, nvp
Along with: Belching, Abdominal distention, Upper abdominal distension, Depression, Irritability, Dry mouth, Loss of appetite, Craving for sour foods, Dry throat, Acid reflux
Phlegm
Causes: morning sickness, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, nvp
Phlegm
morning sickness, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, nvp
Along with: Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Cold
Causes: morning sickness, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, nvp
Stomach Deficiency
morning sickness, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, nvp
Along with: Nausea or vomiting, Generalized fatigue, Chills, Loss of appetite, Depression, Dry mouth
Herbal Formulas for Morning Sickness
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address morning sickness
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Addresses these morning sickness patterns:
Main Actions
- Regulates the flow of Qi,
- Clears Phlegm
- Treats esophageal spasm
- Descends Rebellious Qi
- Dissipates clumps
- Relieves Stagnation
Addresses These Morning Sickness Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
morning sickness, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, nvp
Accompanying symptoms:
Belching, Abdominal distention, Upper abdominal distension, Depression, Irritability, Dry mouth...
Er Chen Tang
Addresses these morning sickness patterns:
Main Actions
- Dries Damp and dispels Phlegm
- Regulates Qi and harmonizes the Middle Burner (Stomach and Spleen)
Addresses These Morning Sickness Pattern Variations
Stomach Deficiency
How it manifests:
morning sickness, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, nvp
Accompanying symptoms:
Nausea or vomiting, Generalized fatigue, Chills, Loss of appetite, Depression, Dry mouth
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
Addresses these morning sickness patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and transforms Phlegm-Fluids
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Resolves Dampness
Addresses These Morning Sickness Pattern Variations
Phlegm
How it manifests:
morning sickness, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, nvp
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Mai Men Dong Tang
Addresses these morning sickness patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Stomach
- Generates Body Fluids
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
Addresses These Morning Sickness Pattern Variations
Stomach Deficiency
How it manifests:
morning sickness, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, nvp
Accompanying symptoms:
Nausea or vomiting, Generalized fatigue, Chills, Loss of appetite, Depression, Dry mouth
Wen Dan Tang
Addresses these morning sickness patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Phlegm
- Clears Gallbladder
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Morning Sickness Pattern Variations
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
How it manifests:
morning sickness, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, nvp
Accompanying symptoms:
Toothache, Headaches, Loose teeth, Bleeding gums, Irritability, Thirst...
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang
Addresses these morning sickness patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Spleen and Stomach Qi
- Removes Dampness
- Moves Qi
- Alleviates pain
- Strengthens the Spleen and Harmonizes the Stomach,
Addresses These Morning Sickness Pattern Variations
Stomach Deficiency
How it manifests:
morning sickness, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, nvp
Accompanying symptoms:
Nausea or vomiting, Generalized fatigue, Chills, Loss of appetite, Depression, Dry mouth
Xiao Ban Xia Tang
Addresses these morning sickness patterns:
Main Actions
- Alleviates and removes thin mucus
- Directs rebellious Qi downward
- Stops vomiting
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Morning Sickness Pattern Variations
Phlegm
How it manifests:
morning sickness, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, nvp
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Yu Nu Jian
Addresses these morning sickness patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears stomach Heat
- Nourishes Kidney Yin
Addresses These Morning Sickness Pattern Variations
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
How it manifests:
morning sickness, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, nvp
Accompanying symptoms:
Toothache, Headaches, Loose teeth, Bleeding gums, Irritability, Thirst...
Zuo Jin Wan
Addresses these morning sickness patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver Heat
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
- Stops vomiting
Addresses These Morning Sickness Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
morning sickness, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, nvp
Accompanying symptoms:
Belching, Abdominal distention, Upper abdominal distension, Depression, Irritability, Dry mouth...
Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang
Traditional formula for morning sickness
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Warms the Middle Burner
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
- Stops hiccup
Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang
Traditional formula for morning sickness
Main Actions
- Clears Hot Phlegm
- Clears Gallbladder Heat
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang
Traditional formula for morning sickness
Main Actions
- Directs rebellious Qi downward
- Stops hiccup
- Augments Qi
- Clears heat
Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang
Traditional formula for morning sickness
Main Actions
- Directs rebellious Qi downward
- Arrests wheezing
- Stops coughing
- Warms and transforms Phlegm-Cold
Wu Zhu Yu Tang
Traditional formula for morning sickness
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Liver and Stomach
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
- Stops vomiting