Author: Zhu Yongbing, a licensed Chinese Medicine Practitioner (Practice License Number: застрялдолжен быть теплымсны хаотичныесогласночто мы передаем информацию000пять-шестьключевые точки позвоночника). This article is written by Dr. Zhu Yongbing and is based on classical Chinese medical theories and clinical experience. It is intended for popular science reference only. The professional qualifications can be publicly verified on the official website of the National Health Commission of China.
In daily life, some people experience discomfort in their stomach when eating hard foods such as rice, mantou (steamed bun), and nuts. Their stomach feels as if it has a stone in it, and they can only feel comfortable by drinking congee or eating soft noodles. However, the reasons behind this "dislike for hard and preference for soft" can be quite different. In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the most common conditions are "deficiency of stomach yin" and "deficiency of spleen and stomach qi." The former is like a dry pot that lacks "water" to moisten it, making it difficult to digest food properly.
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What Are the Differences Between "Deficiency of Stomach Yin" and "Deficiency of Spleen and Stomach Qi"?In the case of "deficiency of stomach yin," the body lacks the necessary fluids to moisten the stomach, leading to discomfort when eating hard foods. On the other hand, "deficiency of spleen and stomach qi" refers to a condition where the spleen and stomach do not have enough energy to properly digest food. This can result in symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, and a preference for soft foods.
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How to Differentiate and Treat "Deficiency of Stomach Yin" and "Deficiency of Spleen and Stomach Qi" in Clinical PracticeIn clinical practice, the differentiation of "deficiency of stomach yin" and "deficiency of spleen and stomach qi" is crucial for proper treatment. The former often presents with symptoms such as dry mouth, thirst, and a preference for cold foods. Treatment for "deficiency of stomach yin" usually involves nourishing the yin and moistening the stomach, using herbs like Ophiopogon japonicus and Alisma orientale. In contrast, "deficiency of spleen and stomach qi" is characterized by symptoms like fatigue, loose stools, and a lack of appetite. Treatment for this condition focuses on strengthening the spleen and stomach, often using herbs like Atractylodes macrocephala and Codonopsis pilosula.