Author: Zhu Yongbing, a practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physician (Practice License Number: 241340321000051). This article is written by Dr. Zhu Yongbing and is based on classical TCM theories and clinical experience, intended for general knowledge and educational purposes only. The practice qualifications can be publicly verified on the National Health Commission of China's official website.
In daily life, some people experience discomfort in their stomachs when consuming hard foods such as rice, mantou (steamed bun), and nuts. Their stomach feels as if it's filled with a stone, and they can only feel comfortable by drinking congee or eating soft noodles. However, the reasons behind this common phenomenon, "disliking hard and preferring soft," can be quite different. In clinical practice, the most common conditions encountered in TCM are "deficiency of stomach Yin" and "spleen and stomach Qi deficiency." The former is likened to a dried-out pot, lacking the "water" to nourish it, leading to discomfort when consuming solid foods...
Title
What Are the Differences Between "Deficiency of Stomach Yin" and "Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency"?
Content
The key difference between "deficiency of stomach Yin" and "spleen and stomach Qi deficiency" lies in their underlying pathologies. "Deficiency of stomach Yin" is characterized by a lack of fluid in the stomach, leading to symptoms such as dry mouth, thirst, and discomfort after eating hard foods. On the other hand, "spleen and stomach Qi deficiency" refers to a condition where the Qi (vital energy) in the spleen and stomach is weak, resulting in symptoms like fatigue, bloating, and a preference for soft foods...
Title
How Can TCM Treat These Conditions?
Content
Traditional Chinese Medicine offers various treatment approaches for these conditions. For "deficiency of stomach Yin," TCM focuses on nourishing the stomach Yin and promoting fluid production. This may involve herbal medicine, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle modifications. In the case of "spleen and stomach Qi deficiency," TCM aims to strengthen the Qi in the spleen and stomach. This can be achieved through herbal medicine, acupuncture, and dietary and exercise recommendations...