Excessive Hungeraccording to TCM

Symptom family: Appetite Disorders

Root Causes of Excessive Hunger in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Excessive hunger according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Stomach
  • Gallbladder
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Excessive Hunger

Common Symptoms: Upper Abdominal Burning Pain Excessive Thirst Craving For Cold Beverages Restlessness Dry Stools Dry Mouth Mouth Ulcers Acid Reflux

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach Heat or Fire Constant hunger, Excessive hunger, 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... see more Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Qing Wei San | Xie Huang San | Fei Er Wan | Hua Ban Tang
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat Indeterminate gnawing hunger, 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... see more Wen Dan Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Excessive Hunger

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach Yin Deficiency Feeling of hunger, Lack of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating... see more Mai Men Dong Tang | Yi Wei Tang | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Stagnation

Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more

Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Excessive Hunger

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat Indeterminate gnawing hunger, 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... see more Wen Dan Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Phlegm

In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more

Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Excessive Hunger

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat Indeterminate gnawing hunger, 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... see more Wen Dan Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Stomach

In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more

Stomach Patterns That Can Lead to Excessive Hunger

Common Symptoms: Dry Stools Dry Mouth Bleeding Gums Constipation Slight Thirst Chronic Bronchitis Asthma Hypertension

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach Heat or Fire Constant hunger, Excessive hunger, 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... see more Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Qing Wei San | Xie Huang San | Fei Er Wan | Hua Ban Tang
Stomach Yin Deficiency Feeling of hunger, Lack of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating... see more Mai Men Dong Tang | Yi Wei Tang | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat Indeterminate gnawing hunger, 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... see more Wen Dan Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Gallbladder

In TCM the Gallbladder has a unique role in storing and excreting bile, but more importantly, it's seen as crucial for decision-making and courage. It's closely connected to the Liver, assisting in the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) and supporting the Liver's role in maintaining emotional balance. When the Gallbladder malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to physical symptoms like gallstones, jaundice, or a bitter taste in the mouth. There might also be digestive disturbances, particularly related to fat metabolism. On an emotional level, a Gallbladder disorder can manifest as indecisiveness, timidity, or a tendency to easily succumb to stress. These symptoms highlight the TCM view of the Gallbladder as integral to both physical processes and emotional resilience.... see more

Gallbladder Patterns That Can Lead to Excessive Hunger

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat Indeterminate gnawing hunger, 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... see more Wen Dan Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Excessive Hunger

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address excessive hunger, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs
  • Formulas that purge heat accumulation
  • Formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform stagnation
  • Formulas that clear heat from qi and blood
  • Formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that tonify qi
  • Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm

All Formulas Recommended for Excessive Hunger Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang Stomach Heat or Fire
Qing Wei San Stomach Heat or Fire
Xie Huang San Stomach Heat or Fire
Fei Er Wan Stomach Heat or Fire
Hua Ban Tang Stomach Heat or Fire
Wen Dan Tang Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat

All Formulas Recommended for Excessive Hunger Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Mai Men Dong Tang Stomach Yin Deficiency
Yi Wei Tang Stomach Yin Deficiency
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San Stomach Yin Deficiency

All "formulas that clear heat from the organs" recommended for excessive hunger

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Qing Wei San Stomach Heat or Fire
Xie Huang San Stomach Heat or Fire

Acupoints for Excessive Hunger

See more details below about Lidui ST-45, an acupoint used to address excessive hunger.

  • By Meridian
  • Stomach Channel
Lidui ST-45

Lidui ST-45

On the lateral side of the 2nd toe, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of nail.