Splashing sound in the stomach according to Chinese Medicine
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.
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Contents
- The two "patterns of disharmony" that can cause splashing sound in the stomach
- Five herbal formulas that might help with splashing sound in the stomach
- Acupuncture points used for splashing sound in the stomach
- The five Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat splashing sound in the stomach
Splashing sound in the stomach can be the consequence of several so-called “patterns of disharmony” in Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted, leading to symptoms or signs that something is wrong (like splashing sound in the stomach here). It is similar to the concept of disease in Western Medicine but not quite: a Western disease can often be explained by several Chinese patterns and vice-versa.
A pattern often manifests itself in a combination of symptoms that, at first glance, do not seem necessarily related to each others. For instance here splashing sound in the stomach is often associated with abdominal distension, dislike of pressure on the abdomen and flatulence in the pattern “Small Intestine Qi Pain”. As you will see below, we have in record two patterns that can cause splashing sound in the stomach.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of splashing sound in the stomach we’ve identified five herbal formulas that may help treat patterns behind the symptom.
We’ve also selected below the five medicinal herbs that we think are most likely to help treat splashing sound in the stomach.
The two "patterns of disharmony" that can cause splashing sound in the stomach
In Chinese Medicine splashing sound in the stomach is a symptom for 2 patterns that we have on record. Below is a small explanation for each of them with links for more details.
The Small Intestine is a so-called "Fu" Organ. Learn more about the Small Intestine in Chinese Medicine
Small Intestine Qi Pain
Pulse type(s): Deep (Chen), Wiry (Xian)
In addition to splashing sound in the stomach, other symptoms associated with Small Intestine Qi Pain include abdominal distension, dislike of pressure on the abdomen and flatulence.
Small Intestine Qi Pain is often treated with Chai Hu Shu Gan San, a herbal formula made of 7 herbs (including Bupleurum Roots - Chai Hu - as a key herb). Chai Hu Shu Gan San belongs to the category of "formulas that promote qi movement", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood".
The Stomach is a so-called "Fu" Organ. Learn more about the Stomach in Chinese Medicine
Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine
Pulse type(s): Deep (Chen), Slippery (Hua), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue coating: Sticky coating
Tongue shape: Swollen
When the transportative and transformative functions of the Middle-Burner are damaged (often by Cold), Phlegm-Fluids accumulate in the Stomach and epigastric area. This leads to the symptoms such as the vomiting of watery fluids or splashing sounds in the stomach.
In addition to splashing sound in the stomach, other symptoms associated with Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine include loose stools, dizziness and vomiting of watery fluids.
Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine is often treated with Xiao Chai Hu Tang, a herbal formula made of 7 herbs (including Bupleurum Roots - Chai Hu - as a key herb). Xiao Chai Hu Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Treats the Lesser Yang Channels (Gallbladder and Triple Warmer)".
Read more about Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine here
Five herbal formulas that might help with splashing sound in the stomach
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Source date: 1602
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood. Alleviates pain. Harmonizes Blood.
Why might Chai Hu Shu Gan San help with splashing sound in the stomach?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Small Intestine Qi Pain' of which borborygmi is a symptom.
Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Treats the Lesser Yang Channels (Gallbladder and Triple Warmer). Regulates the Liver and Spleen functions. Addresses combined Yin-Yang symptoms of External and Internal, Excess and Deficiency, and Hot and Cold.
Why might Xiao Chai Hu Tang help with splashing sound in the stomach?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine' of which splashing sound in the stomach is a symptom.
Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Reverses the flow of Rebellious Stomach Qi. Relieves both Heat and Cold Stagnation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Why might Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang help with splashing sound in the stomach?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine' of which splashing sound in the stomach is a symptom.
Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Regulates the downward flow of Stomach Qi. Expectorant, treats hiccups.
Why might Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang help with splashing sound in the stomach?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine' of which splashing sound in the stomach is a symptom.
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 4 herbs
Key actions: Warms and transforms Phlegm-Fluids. Strengthens the Spleen. Resolves Dampness.
Why might Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang help with splashing sound in the stomach?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine' of which splashing sound in the stomach is a symptom.
Acupuncture points used for splashing sound in the stomach
The five Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat splashing sound in the stomach
Why might Liquorice (Gan Cao) help with splashing sound in the stomach?
Because Liquorice is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat splashing sound in the stomach as a symptom, like Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang or Shen Ling Bai Zhu San for instance.
Liquorice is a Neutral herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Lung, the Spleen and the Stomach.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs.
Why might Atractylodes Rhizome (Bai Zhu) help with splashing sound in the stomach?
Because Atractylodes Rhizome is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat splashing sound in the stomach as a symptom, like Yue Ju Wan or Shen Ling Bai Zhu San for instance.
Atractylodes Rhizomes is a Warm herb that tastes Bitter and Sweet. It targets the Spleen and the Stomach.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Spleen Qi. Fortifies the Spleen Yang and dispels Damp through urination. Tonifies Qi and stops sweating. Calms restless fetus when due to Deficiency of Spleen Qi.
Why might White Peony Root (Bai Shao) help with splashing sound in the stomach?
Because White Peony Root is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat splashing sound in the stomach as a symptom, like Xiao Jian Zhong Tang or Xiao Yao San for instance.
White Peony Roots is a Neutral herb that tastes Bitter and Sour. It targets the Liver and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Blood and preserves the Yin. Nourishes the Liver and assists in the smooth flow of Qi. Regulates the meridians and eases the pain.
Why might Poria-Cocos Mushroom (Fu Ling) help with splashing sound in the stomach?
Because Poria-Cocos Mushroom is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat splashing sound in the stomach as a symptom, like Shen Ling Bai Zhu San or Xiao Yao San for instance.
Poria-Cocos Mushrooms is a Neutral herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Kidney, the Lung and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Encourages urination and drains Dampness. Tonic to the Spleen/Stomach. Assists the Heart and calms the Spirit.
Why might Jujube Date (Da Zao) help with splashing sound in the stomach?
Because Jujube Date is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat splashing sound in the stomach as a symptom, like Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang or Xiao Chai Hu Tang for instance.
Jujube Dates is a Warm herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Spleen and the Stomach.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach Qi. Tonifies the Blood. Calms the Shen (spirit). Moderates the actions of other herbs in formula.
Other symptoms often associated with splashing sound in the stomach
Loose stools Abdominal pain Cold limbs Diarrhea Poor appetite Dizziness Vomiting of watery fluids Dry tongue Chest fullness Weight loss