Stomach and Large Intestine Patterns in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Stomach symptoms are characterized by being more localized in nature compared to Spleen symptoms.
Key locations and primary indicators include:
- Pain and discomfort specifically in the stomach duct (wăn 脘).
- Indigestion and feelings of fullness.
- Clamoring stomach (cáo zá 嘈杂).
- Poor appetite.
Counter-flow Stomach Qi:
- This occurs when the Qi of the stomach ascends instead of descending normally. Manifestations include:
  - Nausea.
  - Vomit.
  - Regurgitation.
  - Eructation (burping).
  - Retching.

Deficiency Patterns:
- Stomach (Qi) Deficiency Cold.
- Stomach Yin Deficiency.
Excess Patterns:
- Stomach Fire.
- Damp Heat Obstructing the Stomach and Spleen.
- Food Stagnation.

General Deficiency Cold Signs:
- Somber white complexion.
- Aversion to cold.
- Lack of warmth in the extremities (cold limbs).
- Absence of thirst, though the patient may desire warm fluids.
Specific Stomach Signs:
- Stomach pain that is aggravated on an empty stomach.
- Pain relief is found through eating, warmth, and the application of pressure.
- Occasional associated symptoms:
  - Belching.
  - Acid upflow.
  - Vomiting of clear, cold, and sour fluid.
Diagnostic Indicators:
- Pulse: Soggy; the pulse may become wiry or tight specifically during pain attacks.
- Tongue: Pale and enlarged with a moist white coat.

Core Clinical Signs:
- Dry lips and mouth.
- Reduced appetite or a sensation of hunger with no desire to actually eat.
- Deficiency glomus (referred to by Wiseman as "vacuity glomus" or xū pĭ) located in the stomach duct.
- Constipation.
Signs in Severe Cases:
- Dry retching.
- Hiccough.
Diagnostic Indicators:
- Pulse: Rapid and Thin.
- Tongue: Red, mirror-like appearance, or a ‘Chicken Heart’ tongue (localized redness/peeling).

Stomach and Spleen Signs:
- Painful distention and oppression of the chest and abdomen.
- Pain may worsen with the application of pressure.
- Loss of appetite, described as having "no thought of food or drink."
- Nausea.
- Either constipation or diarrhea; in cases of diarrhea, the stools have a foul odor.
General Damp Heat Signs:
- Possible fever.
- Bitter taste in the mouth.
- Thirst with no desire to actually drink fluid.
- Dark urine and short voidings.
- Fatigued and heavy limbs.
- Possible jaundice (Yang type, characterized by a bright yellow hue).
Diagnostic Indicators:
- Pulse: Slippery and rapid.
- Tongue: Red with slimy yellow fur.

Specific Stomach Signs:
- Rapid hungering and swift digestion (polyphagia).
- Epigastric pain.
- Vomit or acid regurgitation.
- Clamoring stomach.
- Bad breath (halitosis).
- Toothache and bleeding gums.
General Excess Heat Signs:
- Bitter taste in the mouth and dry mouth.
- Thirst with a distinct preference for cold drinks.
- Hard or bound stools.
Diagnostic Indicators:
- Pulse: Slippery and rapid.
- Tongue: Red with dry yellow fur.

Synonyms: Also known as Food Damage or Food Accumulation.
Clinical Signs:
- Aversion to food.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Belching.
- Putrid smelling vomit.
- Acid regurgitation.
- Painful bloating of the abdomen.
- Diarrhea or constipation, characterized by a foul or ‘rotten egg’ odor.
Relieving Factors: Relief from pain is specifically noted after a Bowel Movement (BM), vomiting, or belching.
Diagnostic Indicators:
- Pulse: Slippery.
- Tongue: Thick slimy coat, which may be yellow or white.

General Damp Heat Signs:
- Fever.
- Bitter taste in the mouth.
Specific Large Intestine Signs:
- Diarrhea with foul-smelling stool.
- Abdominal pain that is not relieved by defecation.
- Burning sensation in the rectum.
Damp Heat Dysentery:
- Manifests as severe diarrhea containing pus and blood.
- Marked abdominal pain.
- Tenesmus (the feeling of needing to pass stools even though the bowels are empty).
Diagnostic Indicators:
- Pulse: Slippery and rapid.
- Tongue: Red with slimy yellow fur.