Digestiveěxīn

Nausea

Also called:QueasinessFeeling sickWanting to vomit

From the TCM perspective: TCM 'e xin' / 'ou tu' / 'fan wei'; mechanism is rebellious stomach qi.

Overview

Nausea is an unsettled, queasy stomach with the urge but not the act of vomiting, often preceding emesis. TCM locates it in the stomach, caused by the stomach failing its downbearing function so stomach qi rebels upward, linked to external pathogens, diet, emotion and spleen-stomach weakness.

☯Common patterns (syndrome differentiation)

Food stagnation in the stomach

Key distinguishing signs: Nausea with rotten belching, abdominal fullness, aversion to food, worse after eating, relief after vomiting, foul stool, thick greasy coat, slippery pulse.
Treatment principle: Disperse food stagnation and harmonize the stomach

Liver qi invading the stomach

Key distinguishing signs: Nausea/vomiting with emotional swings, distending chest/rib pain, frequent belching, bitter taste, red tongue edges, thin coat, wiry pulse.
Treatment principle: Soothe liver, harmonize stomach and downbear counterflow

Cold-damp blocking the middle

Key distinguishing signs: Nausea vomiting clear fluid or phlegm, stomach oppression, poor appetite, heavy body, desire for warmth, loose stool, white greasy coat, soggy slow pulse.
Treatment principle: Warm the middle, transform dampness and harmonize the stomach

Spleen-stomach weakness

Key distinguishing signs: Intermittent nausea slightly worse after food, poor appetite, loose stool, fatigue, sallow face, pale tongue, weak pulse.
Treatment principle: Tonify qi, strengthen spleen and harmonize the stomach

Daily self-care

Use small, light, easy meals and avoid greasy/spicy foods and strong odors; stay hydrated; ginger candy or weak ginger tea may suit cold-stomach types.
Do not lie down immediately after eating; plan ahead for motion sickness or pregnancy nausea.
Track how nausea relates to meals, medications and the menstrual cycle to identify triggers.

When to seek medical help

The following warning signs require prompt medical evaluation — do not rely on self-treatment:

Chest pain, severe headache or severe abdominal pain with nausea: urgent care.
Vomiting blood or coffee-ground material, bloody/black stool, dehydration, or inability to keep fluids down: emergency.
Suspected poisoning/overdose, or severe pregnancy vomiting with inability to eat: seek immediate care.

Medical disclaimer: Educational content about traditional Chinese medicine for information only; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace a qualified clinician. If symptoms worsen or warning signs appear, seek medical care.

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