Rebellious Stomach Qi
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
At a glance
Preliminary reading: What is a pattern? The Stomach in Chinese Medicine The concept of Qi
Key attributes
Chinese name: 胃气上逆 Pinyin name: Wèi Qì Shàng Nì
Pattern nature: Full
Pattern hierarchy: Specific pattern under Rebellious Qi
Causes
Precursor patterns: Rebellious Liver Qi Food Stagnation in the Stomach Dampness in the Gallbladder
Common causes: 1. Bad eating habits, 2. Emotional stress
Diagnosis
Common symptoms: Nausea Belching Vomiting Hiccuping Difficulty swallowing
Pulse type(s): Tight (Jin), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue description: Normal
Treatment
Treatment principle: Subdue Rebellious Qi, stimulate the descending of Stomach Qi.
Common formulas: Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Pathology
When the Qi of the Stomach is obstructed or interfered with it "rebels", meaning it ascends rather than descends.
It results in symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, belching and hiccups.
This frequently appears with other patterns, such as Stomach Fire, Stomach Qi Stagnation or Cold invading the Stomach.
Causes
Precursor patterns: Rebellious Stomach Qi can derive from Rebellious Liver Qi Food Stagnation in the Stomach Dampness in the Gallbladder
Bad eating habits: Bad eating habits such as eating in a hurry, working while eating, eating while stressed or upset or eating standing up can all lead to this pattern
Emotional stress: Anger, frustration and resentment are all emotions that affect the Stomach (as well as the Liver) and may, if prolonged or particularly intense, lead to this pattern.
Diagnosing Rebellious Stomach Qi
Diagnosing a pattern in Chinese Medicine is no easy feat and should be left to professional practitioners. In particular one has to know how to differentiate between different types of pulses and tongue coatings, shapes and colors as well as learn to read from a long list of seemingly unrelated symptoms.
Pulse type(s): Tight (Jin) or wiry (Xian)
Tongue description: Normal
Main symptoms: Nausea Belching Vomiting Hiccuping Difficulty swallowing
Diagnosis commentary: Nausea and belching are the key characteristic symptoms of this pattern.
Treating Rebellious Stomach Qi
Treatment principle
Subdue Rebellious Qi, stimulate the descending of Stomach Qi.
Herbal formulas used to treat Rebellious Stomach Qi
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 5 herbs
Key actions: Regulates the flow of Qi, treats esophageal spasm. Clears Phlegm.
Formula summary
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang is a 5-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula. Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that promote Qi movement.
Besides Rebellious Stomach Qi, Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang is also used to treat Stomach Qi Stagnation or Heart Qi Stagnation.
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Source date: 1107 AD
Number of ingredients: 11 herbs
Key actions: Releases the Exterior. Transforms Dampness. Regulates Qi. Harmonizes the Middle Burner.
Formula summary
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San is a 11-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula. Invented in 1107 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that transform Dampness and harmonize Stomach.
Besides Rebellious Stomach Qi, Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San is also used to treat Cold invading the Stomach or Damp-Heat.
Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang
Source date: 1706 AD
Number of ingredients: 4 herbs
Key actions: Augments the Qi. Warms the Middle Burner. Directs Rebellious Qi downward. Stops hiccup.
Formula summary
Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula. Invented in 1706 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas for a rebellious Qi.
Besides Rebellious Stomach Qi, Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang is also used to treat Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach.
Diet recommendations
Try to adopt good eating habits: take time to eat, don't work and stand up while eating and generally try to be in a relaxed mood during your meals.
Consequence patterns
When Stomach Qi rebels upwards, it disturb the normal circulating and descending of Lung Qi.