Symptom family: Nausea and Vomiting

Parent symptom: Vomit

Sub-symptom(s): Potential Vomiting Of Blood

What is Vomiting Blood?

Vomiting blood, medically known as hematemesis, is a symptom where a person expels blood mixed with stomach contents through the mouth. This condition is often an indicator of gastrointestinal issues, ranging from ulcers and inflammation to more severe conditions like cancer or liver disease. Recognizing this symptom is critical as it requires immediate medical attention to diagnose and treat the underlying cause.

How does TCM view Vomiting Blood?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), vomiting blood is seen through the lens of imbalance and disharmony within the body. TCM identifies several patterns of disharmony that could lead to this symptom, including but not limited to Liver Fire Blazing, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire, or Blood Stasis. Identifying the exact pattern is crucial for TCM practitioners as it dictates the treatment approach, focusing on restoring balance and addressing the root cause of the symptom.

Root Causes of Vomiting Blood in TCM

Vomiting blood in TCM can be attributed to various causes, each associated with different underlying imbalances. Liver Fire Blazing, for instance, is characterized by symptoms like irritability, anger, and a flushed face, and is treated with formulas that clear heat from the organs, such as Long Dan Xie Gan Tang.

Another cause, Liver Blood Stagnation, manifests through symptoms like hypochondriac pain and irregular periods, with treatments focusing on harmonizing liver-spleen and invigorating blood to dispel blood stagnation.

Explore below more details about what might cause Vomiting blood according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Heat
  • Blood Stasis
  • Mind Disturbance
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Qi Rebellion
  • Wind
  • Liver
  • Lung
  • Stomach
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 Vomiting Blood

Common Symptoms: Nosebleeds Irritability Tinnitus Dizziness Flushed Face Thirst Bitter Taste In The Mouth Constipation

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Fire Blazing Haematemesis, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Cough of blood, Vomiting blood... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Dang Gui Long Hui Wan | Xie Qing Wan
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire Haematemesis, Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood... see more Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Zi Xue Dan | Feng Yin Tang
Heat in the Blood Vomiting of blood, Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood, Nosebleeds, Excessive menstruation... see more Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang | Gu Jing Wan | Shi Hui San | Bai He Di Huang Tang | Hua Ban Tang | Qing Ying Tang | Qing Re Gu Jing Tang
Heat victorious agitating Blood Vomiting of blood, Restlessness, High fever, Mania, Macules, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Hematochezia, Hematuria... see more Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Stasis

Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more

Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Vomiting Blood

Common Symptoms: Hypochondriac Pain Abdominal Pain Nosebleeds Menstrual Cramps Irregular Periods Dark Menstrual Clots Infertility Abdominal Masses

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Blood Stagnation Vomiting of blood, Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Dark menstrual clots, Infertility, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Purple lips, Purple face, Skin dryness, Petechiae... see more Xiao Yao San | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shi Xiao San
Stomach Blood Stagnation Vomiting of blood, Possible vomiting of blood, Nocturnal epigastric pain, Abdominal pain worsened by pressure, Nausea or vomiting, Potential vomiting of blood, Hematochezia... see more Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shi Xiao San | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Mind Disturbance

In TCM "Shen" refers to the mind or spirit, and a Shen disturbance is a pattern of disharmony that affects the mental and emotional state. This concept reflects the TCM belief in the deep interconnectedness of mind and body. Symptoms of Shen disturbance can vary widely but often include anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, confusion, or in severe cases, hallucinations or delirium. These symptoms indicate an imbalance in the body's energies affecting the heart, which in TCM is not only the center of blood circulation but also the seat of the mind and consciousness. The root of Shen disturbance can be traced to various factors, including emotional stress, physical illness, or an imbalance in fundamental substances like Qi, Yin, or Yang.... see more

Mind Disturbance Patterns That Can Lead to Vomiting Blood

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heat victorious agitating Blood Vomiting of blood, Restlessness, High fever, Mania, Macules, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Hematochezia, Hematuria... see more Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Vomiting Blood

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Loss of Blood Vomiting of blood, Nosebleeds, Uterine hemorrhage, Hematuria, Hematochezia, Cough of blood, Vomiting blood, Dark menstrual clots, Excessive menstruation, Bloody sputum... see more Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Rebellion

Rebellious Qi in TCM is a bit like having a rebel inside your body. Qi, which is the vital energy flowing through your body, is supposed to move in certain directions to keep everything in balance and working well. But with Rebellious Qi, this energy decides to go the opposite way. Think of it like a river flowing upstream instead of downstream. This can cause various issues like heartburn, coughing, or even headaches. It's as if the body's natural flow is disrupted, creating a kind of internal chaos. TCM focuses on correcting this flow, restoring order and balance.... see more

Qi Rebellion Patterns That Can Lead to Vomiting Blood

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Rebellious Lung Qi Vomiting of blood, Coughing, Asthma, Nausea, Vomit, Dizziness, Headaches, Loss of consciousness Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang | Jin Fei Cao San
Detailed description of the cause

Wind

In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more

Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Vomiting Blood

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire Haematemesis, Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood... see more Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Zi Xue Dan | Feng Yin Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Vomiting Blood

Common Symptoms: Nosebleeds Irritability Anger Tinnitus Deafness Temporal Headache Dizziness Flushed Face

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Fire Blazing Haematemesis, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Cough of blood, Vomiting blood... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Dang Gui Long Hui Wan | Xie Qing Wan
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire Haematemesis, Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood... see more Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Zi Xue Dan | Feng Yin Tang
Liver Blood Stagnation Vomiting of blood, Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Dark menstrual clots, Infertility, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Purple lips, Purple face, Skin dryness, Petechiae... see more Xiao Yao San | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shi Xiao San
Detailed description of the cause

Lung

In TCM the Lungs are seen as the organ responsible for controlling Qi and respiration, as well as being a key part of the body's defensive system. They are thought to maintain the balance and flow of air and moisture, and are closely linked to the skin and hair. When the Lungs are imbalanced or malfunctioning in TCM, it can lead to respiratory issues like coughing or asthma, a weakened immune system, dry skin, and emotional disturbances such as sadness or grief. These symptoms are believed to arise from disruptions in the Lungs' ability to regulate Qi and protect the body, highlighting their central role in maintaining overall health and well-being.... see more

Lung Patterns That Can Lead to Vomiting Blood

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Rebellious Lung Qi Vomiting of blood, Coughing, Asthma, Nausea, Vomit, Dizziness, Headaches, Loss of consciousness Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang | Jin Fei Cao San
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 Vomiting Blood

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach Blood Stagnation Vomiting of blood, Possible vomiting of blood, Nocturnal epigastric pain, Abdominal pain worsened by pressure, Nausea or vomiting, Potential vomiting of blood, Hematochezia... see more Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shi Xiao San | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Vomiting Blood

To address vomiting blood, TCM employs a range of formulas and herbs tailored to the specific pattern of disharmony identified in the patient. For heat-related patterns, Long Dan Xie Gan Tang and Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang are used to clear Heat from the organs and pacify internal Wind, respectively.

For blood stasis, treatments include Xiao Yao San to harmonize the Liver-Spleen and Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang to invigorate blood and dispel stagnation. These formulas illustrate the precision and customization of TCM treatments based on individual diagnosis.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Heat
  • Blood Stasis
  • Mind Disturbance
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Qi Rebellion
  • Wind
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
  • Formulas that clear nutritive-level heat
  • Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
  • Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
  • Formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices
  • Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
  • Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
  • Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
  • Formulas that stop bleeding
  • Formulas that clear heat from qi and blood
  • Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
  • Formulas that promote qi movement
  • Formulas for a rebellious qi
  • Formulas that clear wind-Cold

All Formulas Recommended for Vomiting Blood Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang Heat in the Blood, Heat victorious agitating Blood
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Liver Fire Blazing
Dang Gui Long Hui Wan Liver Fire Blazing
Xie Qing Wan Liver Fire Blazing
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
Zi Xue Dan Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
Feng Yin Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
Gu Jing Wan Heat in the Blood
Shi Hui San Heat in the Blood
Bai He Di Huang Tang Heat in the Blood
Hua Ban Tang Heat in the Blood
Qing Ying Tang Heat in the Blood
Qing Re Gu Jing Tang Heat in the Blood

All Formulas Recommended for Vomiting Blood Caused by Blood Stasis

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Liver Blood Stagnation, Stomach Blood Stagnation
Shi Xiao San Liver Blood Stagnation, Stomach Blood Stagnation
Xiao Yao San Liver Blood Stagnation
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Liver Blood Stagnation
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang Stomach Blood Stagnation

All Formulas Recommended for Vomiting Blood Caused by Qi Rebellion

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang Rebellious Lung Qi
Jin Fei Cao San Rebellious Lung Qi

All Formulas Recommended for Vomiting Blood Caused by Wind

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
Zi Xue Dan Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
Feng Yin Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire

All "formulas that clear nutritive-level heat" recommended for vomiting blood

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang Heat in the Blood, Heat victorious agitating Blood, Loss of Blood
Qing Ying Tang Heat in the Blood

All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for vomiting blood

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Liver Blood Stagnation, Stomach Blood Stagnation
Shi Xiao San Liver Blood Stagnation, Stomach Blood Stagnation
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang Stomach Blood Stagnation

All "formulas that clear heat from the organs" recommended for vomiting blood

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Liver Fire Blazing
Dang Gui Long Hui Wan Liver Fire Blazing
Xie Qing Wan Liver Fire Blazing

All "formulas that clear heat from deficiency" recommended for vomiting blood

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Bai He Di Huang Tang Heat in the Blood
Qing Re Gu Jing Tang Heat in the Blood

Acupoints for Vomiting Blood

TCM also incorporates acupuncture as part of the treatment for vomiting blood, targeting specific acupoints to restore harmony and balance. Ganshu BL-18, for example, invigorates Liver Qi and Blood, while Laogong P-8 clears Heart Fire and calms the Mind. These acupoints are selected based on their ability to address the root causes of vomiting blood, showcasing TCM's holistic approach to health and healing.

Explore below some acupoints used to address vomiting blood, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
  • Pericardium Channel
  • Stomach Channel
  • Lung Channel
  • Directing Vessel
  • Large Intestine Channel
  • Liver Channel
  • Spleen Channel
  • Heart Channel
Geshu BL-17

Geshu BL-17

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra (T7).

Ganshu BL-18

Ganshu BL-18

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9).

Geguan BL-46

Geguan BL-46

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra (T7).

Quze P-3

Quze P-3

On the transverse cubital crease, at the ulnar side of the tendon of biceps brachii muscle.

Ximen P-4

Ximen P-4

5 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist, on the line connecting Quze P-3 and Daling P-7, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscles.

Laogong P-8

Laogong P-8

In the center of the palm, between the 2nd and the 3rd metacarpal bones, proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joint.

Qihu ST-13

Qihu ST-13

About 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline, below the midpoint of the clavicle.

Huaroumen ST-24

Huaroumen ST-24

1 cun above the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Kongzui LU-6

Kongzui LU-6

On the palmar aspect of the forearm, on the line joining Taiyuan LU-9 and Chize LU-5, 7 cun above Taiyuan LU-9.

Shangwan REN-13

Shangwan REN-13

On the midline of the abdomen, 5 cun above the umbilicus and 3 cun below the sternocostal angle.

Shouwuli LI-13

Shouwuli LI-13

Superior to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, 3 cun above Quchi LI-11, on the line connecting Quchi LI-11 and Jianyu LI-15.

Xingjian LIV-2

Xingjian LIV-2

Between the first and second toe, on the dorsum of the foot, 0.5 cun proximal to the interdigital fold.

Yinbai SP-1

Yinbai SP-1

On the medial side of the big toe, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail.

Yinxi HE-6

Yinxi HE-6

On the radial side of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris muscle, 0.5 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist when the palm faces upward.