Cold invading the Stomach
Cold invading the Stomach
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Diagnostic Signs
Thick white coating
Deep (Chen), Slow (Chi), Tight (Jin)
Diagnostic Considerations
The key characteristic symptoms of this pattern are the sudden pain in epigastrium, the vomiting, feeling cold and the Deep-Tight Pulse.
Causes & Pathology
Common Causes
The Stomach is one of three Organs which can be directly invaded by Cold Pathogenic Factor (along with the Large Intestine and the Uterus).
It is an acute condition caused by exposure to cold from improper dressing.
Excessive consumption of cold foods and iced drinks can cause this pattern.
Pathological Mechanism
Pathogenic Cold blocks the Stomach and prevents Stomach-Qi from descending, hence the vomiting and the pain.
Cold impairs the Yang of the Stomach and Spleen and prevents the food essences from reaching the body, hence the feeling of cold, the Slow pulse, the preference for warm liquids and aggravation from cold liquids.
As Cold injures Yang, if this situation persists, the Stomach will suffer from Empty-Cold and Yang Deficiency. Therefore the present pattern of Cold invading the Stomach may lead to the pattern of "Stomach Deficient and Cold".
Treatment Approach
Treatment Principle
Expel Cold
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