Nausea in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different nausea patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Nausea, the unsettling sensation of needing to vomit, is a common discomfort that can precede actual vomiting but doesn't always lead to it. It's an experience that varies in intensity and duration, often described as an uneasy feeling in the stomach. Nausea can be triggered by a multitude of factors, including gastrointestinal issues, pregnancy, motion sickness, and adverse reactions to certain smells or foods. Understanding its origins is crucial for managing this distressing symptom effectively.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives nausea as a manifestation of disharmony within the body's internal landscape. TCM identifies various patterns of disharmony responsible for nausea, emphasizing the importance of diagnosing the underlying cause to tailor treatment effectively.
According to TCM, nausea often arises from imbalances in the stomach's Qi, indicating either a disturbance in the direction of its flow or an effect of external pathological factors like Dampness or Heat affecting the digestive system.
TCM Patterns for Nausea
Dampness
Heavy, sticky moisture that obstructs body functions and creates sluggishness
Causes: Nausea
Dampness manifests as swelling, bloating, a feeling of heaviness in the head and limbs, and digestive issues. It's like having waterlogged tissues that make everything feel heavy and slow. Common signs include a thick, greasy tongue coating, sticky mouth sensation, and stools that are difficult to flush.
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Nausea
Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Obesity, Infertility, Ovarian cysts, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness
Cold-Damp invading the Spleen
Nausea
Along with: Loss of appetite, Epigastric coldness, Head and body heaviness, Sweet taste in mouth, Absence of thirst, Diarrhea, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Edema, Dull pale complexion, White vaginal discharge, Upper abdominal fullness
Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen
Nausea
Along with: Head and body heaviness, Upper abdominal oppression, Diarrhea, Fever not reduced by sweating
Damp-Heat in the Liver
Nausea
Along with: Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Loss of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Yellow vaginal discharge, Vaginal itching, Vulvar eczema, Vulvar sores, Bleeding between periods, Midcycle bleeding pain, Red and swollen scrotum, Red and swelling genital, Papules, Itchy vesicular rashes, Urinary dysfunction, Urinary burning, Dark urine
Damp-Heat in the Stomach
Nausea
Along with: Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal fullness, Feeling of heaviness, Face pain, Congested nose, Thick nasal discharge, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Feeling of heat, Dull yellow complexion, Sticky taste in the mouth
Damp-Phlegm
Nausea
Along with: Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Obesity, Swollen limbs, Abdominal fat
Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs
Nausea
Along with: Coughing, Pale face, Sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Discomfort when lying down, Wheezing, Feeling of heaviness, Dizziness, Profuse white sputum, Asthma, Chest distension
Damp-Wind
Nausea
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Excessive sweating, Occipital stiffness, Body pain, Muscle pain, Feeling of heaviness, Swollen joints
Exterior Cold with Interior Dampness in Summer
Nausea
Along with: Chills with warm skin, Lack of sweating, Heavy sensation in the head, Headaches, Abdominal pain, Vomit, Diarrhea, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Fatigued extremities
Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
Nausea
Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Dull shallow face, Irritability, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac distention, Hypochondriac pain
Damp-Cold Phlegm
Nausea
Along with: Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Palpitations, Dizziness, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum, Upper respiratory tract infections, Chronic bronchitis, Emphysema, Goitre
Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp
Nausea
Along with: Swollen and painful joints worsening at night, Joint stiffness, Chills without sweating, Weight loss, Headaches, Dizziness, Shortness of breath, Rheumatoid arthritis, Connective tissue disorders, Gouty inflammation
Phlegm-Dampness in the Middle-Burner
Nausea
Along with: Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum, Anorexia, Peptic ulcer, Chronic gastritis, Acid reflux, Abdominal pain, Bloated abdomen
Phlegm
Thick, sticky pathological fluid that obstructs body functions and can manifest anywhere in the body
Causes: Nausea
Phlegm is both a pathological product and a pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It results from impaired fluid metabolism when the body's transformative functions fail, particularly affecting the Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys. Classical texts emphasize that "the Spleen is the source of phlegm production, while the Lungs are the storage vessel for phlegm."
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Nausea
Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Obesity, Infertility, Ovarian cysts, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness
Cold-Phlegm
Nausea
Along with: White and watery sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Cold extremities, Loss of appetite
Damp-Phlegm
Nausea
Along with: Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Obesity, Swollen limbs, Abdominal fat
Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs
Nausea
Along with: Coughing, Pale face, Sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Discomfort when lying down, Wheezing, Feeling of heaviness, Dizziness, Profuse white sputum, Asthma, Chest distension
Phlegm
Nausea
Along with: Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Phlegm-Heat
Nausea
Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces, Depression
Damp-Cold Phlegm
Nausea
Along with: Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Palpitations, Dizziness, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum, Upper respiratory tract infections, Chronic bronchitis, Emphysema, Goitre
Phlegm-Dampness in the Middle-Burner
Nausea
Along with: Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum, Anorexia, Peptic ulcer, Chronic gastritis, Acid reflux, Abdominal pain, Bloated abdomen
Heat
Intense, ascending pathogenic force that consumes body fluids, disturbs the mind, and accelerates all physiological processes
Causes: Nausea
Heat is a major pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine that can arise from external invasion or internal generation. Heat has the characteristics of burning intensity, rising upward, consuming qi and fluids, and generating wind and disturbing blood. In TCM philosophy, normal physiological warmth is called "minor fire" (少火) which maintains life functions, while pathological heat is "major fire" (壮火) which damages the body.
Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen
Nausea
Along with: Head and body heaviness, Upper abdominal oppression, Diarrhea, Fever not reduced by sweating
Damp-Heat in the Liver
Nausea
Along with: Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Loss of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Yellow vaginal discharge, Vaginal itching, Vulvar eczema, Vulvar sores, Bleeding between periods, Midcycle bleeding pain, Red and swollen scrotum, Red and swelling genital, Papules, Itchy vesicular rashes, Urinary dysfunction, Urinary burning, Dark urine
Damp-Heat in the Stomach
Nausea
Along with: Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal fullness, Feeling of heaviness, Face pain, Congested nose, Thick nasal discharge, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Feeling of heat, Dull yellow complexion, Sticky taste in the mouth
Gallbladder Heat
Nausea
Along with: Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Bitter taste in the mouth, Thirst, Dry throat, Hypochondriac pain, Upper abdominal fullness
Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
Nausea
Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Dull shallow face, Irritability, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac distention, Hypochondriac pain
Phlegm-Heat
Nausea
Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces, Depression
Stomach Heat or Fire
Nausea
Along with: Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Bad breath, Feeling of heat, Acne
Heat in Gall Bladder
Nausea
Along with: Mild chills with high fever, Bitter taste in the mouth, Stifling sensation in the chest, Vomiting of sour fluids, Thirst, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Upper abdominal fullness, Cholecystitis, Icteric hepatitis, Kidney infection
Cold
Congeals body fluids, damages Yang Qi, and causes pain with fixed location
Causes: Nausea
Cold is the predominant pathogenic factor of winter in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cold represents an environmental pathogen that, when excessive, causes disease characterized by its cold, congealing, and contracting nature. While Cold is the main pathogen of winter, it can cause illness in any season through exposure to cold temperatures, getting caught in rain, sweating followed by wind exposure, or excessive air conditioning.
Cold invading the Stomach
Nausea
Along with: Severe upper abdominal pain, Chills, Cold extremities, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Feeling worse after drinking cold drinks
Cold-Damp invading the Spleen
Nausea
Along with: Loss of appetite, Epigastric coldness, Head and body heaviness, Sweet taste in mouth, Absence of thirst, Diarrhea, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Edema, Dull pale complexion, White vaginal discharge, Upper abdominal fullness
Cold-Phlegm
Nausea
Along with: White and watery sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Cold extremities, Loss of appetite
Exterior Cold with Interior Dampness in Summer
Nausea
Along with: Chills with warm skin, Lack of sweating, Heavy sensation in the head, Headaches, Abdominal pain, Vomit, Diarrhea, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Fatigued extremities
Damp-Cold Phlegm
Nausea
Along with: Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Palpitations, Dizziness, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum, Upper respiratory tract infections, Chronic bronchitis, Emphysema, Goitre
Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp
Nausea
Along with: Swollen and painful joints worsening at night, Joint stiffness, Chills without sweating, Weight loss, Headaches, Dizziness, Shortness of breath, Rheumatoid arthritis, Connective tissue disorders, Gouty inflammation
Qi Stagnation
Blocked or disrupted flow of vital energy causing distending pain, emotional distress, and symptoms that worsen with stress
Causes: Nausea
Qi Stagnation is a fundamental pathological pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the smooth flow of vital energy becomes obstructed, creating areas of pressure, pain, and dysfunction throughout the body.
Heart Qi Stagnation
Nausea
Along with: Palpitations, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Depression
Liver Qi Stagnation
Nausea
Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger, Melasma
Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
Nausea
Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Dull shallow face, Irritability, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac distention, Hypochondriac pain
Stomach Qi Stagnation
Nausea
Along with: Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Belching, Vomit, Hiccups, Irritability
Qi Rebellion
Qi flowing against its natural direction, typically surging upward when it should descend
Causes: Nausea
Qi Rebellion represents a fundamental disruption in the body's energy flow, where qi moves against its proper direction - like water flowing uphill or smoke sinking downward. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each organ has a natural directional flow for its qi, and when this flow reverses, it creates a cascade of symptoms that shoot upward through the body.
Rebellious Lung Qi
Nausea
Along with: Coughing, Asthma, Vomit, Dizziness, Headaches, Loss of consciousness
Rebellious Qi
Nausea
Along with: Hiccups, Belching, Vomit, Coughing, Asthma
Rebellious Stomach Qi
Nausea
Along with: Dysphagia, Belching, Vomit, Hiccups
Wind
Causes sudden symptoms, movement disorders, and serves as the vehicle for other pathogens
Causes: Nausea
Wind is the predominant pathogenic factor of spring in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is considered the leader of the six external pathogens. Wind is described as "the leader of the hundred diseases" (百病之长), serving as the primary factor in external pathogenic invasions. Wind represents a pathogen characterized by constant movement, changeability, and a tendency to affect the upper and outer portions of the body.
Damp-Wind
Nausea
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Excessive sweating, Occipital stiffness, Body pain, Muscle pain, Feeling of heaviness, Swollen joints
Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp
Nausea
Along with: Swollen and painful joints worsening at night, Joint stiffness, Chills without sweating, Weight loss, Headaches, Dizziness, Shortness of breath, Rheumatoid arthritis, Connective tissue disorders, Gouty inflammation
Yin Deficiency
Depletion of cooling, moistening fluids causing dryness, false heat rising, and restless agitation throughout the body
Causes: Nausea
Yin Deficiency represents a fundamental pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the body's yin fluids - blood, essence, and body fluids - become depleted, losing their ability to cool, moisten, and anchor the yang energy, resulting in relative hyperactivity of yang and internal heat manifestations.
Stomach and Spleen Yin Deficiency
Nausea
Along with: Loss of appetite, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry stools, Dry lips, Generalized fatigue, Upper abdominal discomfort, Loss of taste
Blood Stasis
Blood that is no longer flowing smoothly through the vessels
Causes: Nausea
Blood Stasis represents blood that is no longer flowing smoothly through the vessels, either moving too slowly, pooling in certain areas, or congealing into clots. It's one of the most important pathological conditions in Traditional Chinese Medicine and can be both a result of disease and a cause of further illness.
Stomach Blood Stagnation
Nausea
Along with: Nocturnal epigastric pain, Abdominal pain worsened by pressure, Nausea or vomiting, Potential vomiting of blood, Hematochezia
Yin Excess
Pathological accumulation of cold, heavy substances causing stagnation, obstruction, and suppression of yang energy with internal cold manifestations
Causes: Nausea
Yin Excess represents patterns in Traditional Chinese Medicine where yin-natured pathological substances - cold, phlegm, dampness, and fluids - accumulate excessively in the body, overwhelming yang energy and causing obstruction, stagnation, and cold manifestations throughout the system.
Yin Excess
Nausea
Along with: Absence of thirst, Slow and forceful movement, Epigastric pain worsen by pressure, Polyuria, Feeling of chest oppression, Excessive vaginal discharge, Loss of appetite, Pain relieved by heat, Chills, Cold extremities, Pale urine
Herbal Formulas for Nausea
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address nausea
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Regulates the flow of Qi,
- Clears Phlegm
- Treats esophageal spasm
- Descends Rebellious Qi
- Dissipates clumps
- Relieves Stagnation
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Heart Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Depression
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Rebellious Stomach Qi
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Dysphagia, Belching, Vomit, Hiccups
Stomach Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Belching, Vomit, Hiccups, Irritability
Er Chen Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Dries Damp and dispels Phlegm
- Regulates Qi and harmonizes the Middle Burner (Stomach and Spleen)
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Obesity...
Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Pale face, Sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Discomfort when lying down...
Damp-Cold Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Palpitations, Dizziness, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum...
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and relieves acute conditions of the Gallbladder
- Relieves acute Damp-Heat syndromes
- Resolves Phlegm
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Gallbladder Heat
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Bitter taste in the mouth, Thirst, Dry throat, Hypochondriac pain, Upper abdominal fullness
Heat in Gall Bladder
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Mild chills with high fever, Bitter taste in the mouth, Stifling sensation in the chest, Vomiting of sour fluids, Thirst, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort...
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood
- Alleviates pain
- Harmonizes Blood
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Rebellious Qi
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Hiccups, Belching, Vomit, Coughing, Asthma
Ge Hua Jie Cheng San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Separates and reduces alcohol-dampness
- Warms the Middle
- Strengthens the Spleen
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Head and body heaviness, Upper abdominal oppression, Diarrhea, Fever not reduced by sweating
Damp-Heat in the Stomach
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal fullness, Feeling of heaviness, Face pain, Congested nose, Thick nasal discharge...
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior
- Transforms Dampness
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Middle Burner
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Cold invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Severe upper abdominal pain, Chills, Cold extremities, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Feeling worse after drinking cold drinks
Rebellious Stomach Qi
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Dysphagia, Belching, Vomit, Hiccups
Lian Po Yin
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Transforms Dampness
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Middle Burner
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Head and body heaviness, Upper abdominal oppression, Diarrhea, Fever not reduced by sweating
Damp-Heat in the Stomach
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal fullness, Feeling of heaviness, Face pain, Congested nose, Thick nasal discharge...
Liu Jun Zi Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach
- Clears Phlegm and mucus
- Promotes appetite
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Phlegm-Dampness in the Middle-Burner
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum, Anorexia, Peptic ulcer...
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Ping Wei San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Dries Dampness
- Improves the Spleen's transportive function
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Cold-Damp invading the Spleen
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Epigastric coldness, Head and body heaviness, Sweet taste in mouth, Absence of thirst, Diarrhea...
Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal oppression, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Dull shallow face...
Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Directs rebellious Qi downward
- Arrests wheezing
- Stops coughing
- Warms and transforms Phlegm-Cold
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Rebellious Lung Qi
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Asthma, Vomit, Dizziness, Headaches, Loss of consciousness
Rebellious Qi
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Hiccups, Belching, Vomit, Coughing, Asthma
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Spleen and Stomach Qi
- Removes Dampness
- Moves Qi
- Alleviates pain
- Strengthens the Spleen and Harmonizes the Stomach,
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest...
Damp-Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Obesity...
Yue Ju Wan
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Releases all types of Stagnation (Qi, Blood, Phlegm, Fire, Food and Dampness)
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Dries and dissolves Phlegm
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Soothes the Liver and calms Liver Wind (antispasmodic)
- Clear Dampness
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi of the Spleen and Stomach (Middle Burner)
- Raises the Yang
- Detoxifies
- Lifts what has sunken
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest...
Cang Er Zi San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Relieves pain
- Unblocks the nose
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Wind
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Excessive sweating, Occipital stiffness, Body pain...
Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Resolves Dampness and Phlegm
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest...
Dang Gui Shao Yao San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Liver Blood
- Spreads the Liver Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Resolves Dampness
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal oppression, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Dull shallow face...
Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Warms the Middle Burner
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
- Stops hiccup
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Rebellious Stomach Qi
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Dysphagia, Belching, Vomit, Hiccups
Fei Er Wan
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Kills parasites
- Reduces accumulation
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and inflammations
- Unblocks the flow of Yang Qi and promotes movement (in areas with painful obstruction)
- Clears Wind and Damp
- Relieves pain
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Swollen and painful joints worsening at night, Joint stiffness, Chills without sweating, Weight loss, Headaches, Dizziness...
Hai Tong Pi Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates the Blood
- Disperses swelling
- Dispels Wind, Dampness and Cold
- Removes Stagnation and relieves pain
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Wind
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Excessive sweating, Occipital stiffness, Body pain...
Hua Ban Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Qi-level Heat
- Cools the Blood
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver and Spleen Qi Stagnation
- Tonifies Spleen
- Clears Deficient Heat
- Nourishes the blood
- Clears Liver Fire from Stagnant Liver Qi
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Jin Fei Cao San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind-Cold
- Descends Lung Qi
- Transform Phlegm
- Stop cough and calms wheezing
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Rebellious Lung Qi
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Asthma, Vomit, Dizziness, Headaches, Loss of consciousness
Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Induces sweating
- Dispels Dampness
- Expels Wind-Cold
- Clears Interior Heat
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Wind
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Excessive sweating, Occipital stiffness, Body pain...
Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Directs rebellious Qi downward
- Stops hiccup
- Augments Qi
- Clears heat
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Rebellious Qi
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Hiccups, Belching, Vomit, Coughing, Asthma
Ku Shen Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Dispels Wind
- Dries Dampness
- Kills parasites
- Relieves itching
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Wind
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Excessive sweating, Occipital stiffness, Body pain...
Liang Fu Wan
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Middle Burner
- Dispels Cold
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Alleviates Pain
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Cold invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Severe upper abdominal pain, Chills, Cold extremities, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Feeling worse after drinking cold drinks
Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Lungs
- Transforms congested Fluids
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Cold-Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
White and watery sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Cold extremities, Loss of appetite
Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Expels wind and dampness
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Wind
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Excessive sweating, Occipital stiffness, Body pain...
Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Transforms Phlegm
- Directs Rebellious Qi downwards
- Stops coughing
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Phlegm-Heat
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces, Depression
Qing Wei San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Stomach Fire
- Cools the Blood
- Nourishes the Yin
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
San Zi Yang Qin Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Directs the Qi downward
- Transforms Phlegm
- Reduces harbored food
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Cold-Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
White and watery sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Cold extremities, Loss of appetite
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Drains Dampness
- Stops diarrhea
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Stomach and Spleen Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry stools, Dry lips, Generalized fatigue...
Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Augments the Qi
- Raises the Yang
- Releases Dampness
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Head and body heaviness, Upper abdominal oppression, Diarrhea, Fever not reduced by sweating
Si Ni San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Regulates Liver and Spleen
- Eliminates Internal Heat
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Rebellious Qi
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Hiccups, Belching, Vomit, Coughing, Asthma
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Removes Heat and Dryness in the Lower Burner
- Removes constipation
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Wen Dan Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Phlegm
- Clears Gallbladder
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Wu Ling San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes urination,
- Warms the Yang
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Promotes Qi transformation function
- Drains Dampness
- Clears edema
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Yin Excess
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Absence of thirst, Slow and forceful movement, Epigastric pain worsen by pressure, Polyuria, Feeling of chest oppression, Excessive vaginal discharge...
Wu Pi Yin
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Reduces edema, diuretic
- Regulates and strengthens Spleen Qi
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Yin Excess
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Absence of thirst, Slow and forceful movement, Epigastric pain worsen by pressure, Polyuria, Feeling of chest oppression, Excessive vaginal discharge...
Wu Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Liver and Stomach
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
- Stops vomiting
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Cold invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Severe upper abdominal pain, Chills, Cold extremities, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Feeling worse after drinking cold drinks
Xiang Ru San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior
- Scatters Cold
- Transforms Dampness
- Harmonizes the Middle Burner
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Exterior Cold with Interior Dampness in Summer
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Chills with warm skin, Lack of sweating, Heavy sensation in the head, Headaches, Abdominal pain, Vomit...
Xiao Feng San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Eliminates Dampness
- Clears Heat
- Cools the Blood
- Nourishes the Blood
- Relieves skin itchness
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Wind
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Excessive sweating, Occipital stiffness, Body pain...
Xiao Yao San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen
- Relieves Liver Qi stagnation
- Nourishes the Blood
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Xie Huang San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Stagnant Fire from the Spleen and Stomach
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Xing Su San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Dry-Cold
- Disseminates the Lung Qi and relieves cough
- Transforms thin mucus
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Regulates the downward flow of Stomach Qi
- Expectorant, treats hiccups
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Rebellious Qi
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Hiccups, Belching, Vomit, Coughing, Asthma
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates the Blood
- Dispels blood Stagnation
- Spreads the Liver Qi
- Unblocks the channels
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Stomach Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Nocturnal epigastric pain, Abdominal pain worsened by pressure, Nausea or vomiting, Potential vomiting of blood, Hematochezia
Yi Guan Jian
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Spreads the Liver Qi
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Yin Chen Hao Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears heat
- Resolves dampness
- Reduces jaundice
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat in the Liver
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Loss of appetite...
Zuo Jin Wan
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver Heat
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
- Stops vomiting
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Stomach Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Belching, Vomit, Hiccups, Irritability
Bao He Wan
Traditional formula for nausea
Main Actions
- Reduces food stagnation
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan
Traditional formula for nausea
Main Actions
- Reduces and guides out stagnation and accumulation
- Drains heat
- Dispels dampness
Gua Di San
Traditional formula for nausea
Main Actions
- Discharges Phlegm or food stagnation through vomiting