Title: Nausea and Vomiting Without Relief: Is It Due to Reversed Stomach Qi or Liver Qi Invading the Stomach?
Author: Li Mingjiu, a practicing TCM physician (Practice License Number: 141330522000349). This article is written by Dr. Li Mingjiu, based on classical TCM theories and clinical experience, and is intended for general knowledge and educational purposes only. The practice qualifications can be verified on the official website of the National Health Commission of China.
In daily life, many people have experienced a sensation of chest tightness, with a persistent feeling of nausea in the throat, wanting to vomit but unable to do so. This state of "wanting to vomit but unable to" is actually a condition that requires careful differentiation in TCM clinical practice. It could be the "dry retching" caused by reversed stomach qi, or the "nausea" caused by liver qi invading the stomach. Although both conditions present with similar symptoms, their root causes are quite different.
Title: Understanding the Differences Between Reversed Stomach Qi and Liver Qi Invading the Stomach
In TCM, the concept of "qi" refers to the vital energy that flows through the body. Stomach qi refers to the energy that governs the digestive process, while liver qi is associated with the regulation of emotions and the smooth flow of energy in the body. When stomach qi becomes reversed, it can lead to symptoms such as dry retching, poor appetite, and a feeling of fullness in the chest. On the other hand, when liver qi invades the stomach, it can manifest as nausea, irritability, and a bitter taste in the mouth.
Title: How to Differentiate and Treat These Conditions
To differentiate between reversed stomach qi and liver qi invading the stomach, TCM practitioners often examine the patient's tongue and pulse. In cases of reversed stomach qi, the tongue may appear red with a thin coating, and the pulse may be wiry. For liver qi invading the stomach, the tongue may have a yellow coating and the pulse may be wiry and rapid.
The treatment for reversed stomach qi typically involves calming the stomach and harmonizing the qi, while the treatment for liver qi invading the stomach focuses on soothing the liver and resolving the qi. Herbs such as ginger, jujube, and mint are commonly used to calm the stomach, while herbs like chrysanthemum and bupleurum are used to soothe the liver.