nausea

 Nausea: Treatment from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective

Nausea is a common health problem that can have many causes, from digestive disorders to stress, hormonal changes, and drug side effects. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), nausea is seen as a symptom of an internal imbalance, especially in the flow of Qi (life energy) and the balance between Yin and Yang. TCM offers a holistic approach to treating nausea, combining herbs, acupressure, Qigong exercises, and a proper diet.

Causes of Nausea in TCM

In TCM, nausea is often associated with a disruption of the flow of Qi in the body, particularly in the stomach and spleen. It can also be associated with excess dampness in the body, stagnant Qi, or excessive heat. Chronic stress and emotional tension can also block the flow of Qi, leading to digestive upset and nausea.

Main causes of nausea in TCM:

Stomach Qi Stagnation : Often related to stress, poor diet, or poor posture.

Spleen Qi Deficiency : Due to an unhealthy diet that weakens digestive function.

Increase in heat and humidity : May lead to feelings of heaviness and nausea.

Liver disorders : Chronic stress leads to stagnation of Qi in the liver, which affects the digestive system.

Treating Nausea with TCM: Herbs, Acupressure, and Qigong

1. Herbs that help treat nausea

There are many herbs in TCM that help restore energy balance and reduce nausea. Here are some of them:

Sheng Jiang (Ginger) – Ginger is one of the most commonly used herbs for treating nausea. It has warming properties, aids digestion, and helps restore the balance of Qi in the stomach. It is especially effective for nausea associated with pregnancy, motion sickness, or medication side effects.

Chen Pi (Orange Peel) – Helps restore the proper flow of Qi in the stomach, reduces flatulence and nausea associated with digestive disorders.

Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae) – It is used to treat nausea caused by stagnation of Qi in the stomach. Effective for morning sickness or that associated with excess dampness.

Bo He (Mentha Haplocalyx) – A mint that has a refreshing effect on the digestive system and helps remove excess heat from the body, which can lead to relief from nausea.

2. Acupressure for nausea

Acupressure is a technique in which pressure is applied to specific points on the body to restore energy balance and relieve symptoms.

Point PC6 (Neiguan) – This is one of the most commonly used points for nausea. It is located on the forearm, about two fingers above the wrist, along the midline. Pressing on this point helps treat nausea and vomiting.

ST36 (Zusanli) Point – Located on the leg, below the knee. Acupressure here supports digestive function, improves Qi flow, and helps combat nausea.

To perform acupressure, gently press on these points for 1-2 minutes using small, circular motions.

3. Qigong to reduce nausea

Qigong is a system of exercises that combine breathing, movement, and meditation to help balance Qi. Qigong exercises can help relieve tension in the body, restore energy balance, and aid digestion.

Qigong Exercise: Breathing and Movement for Nausea

Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms relaxed at your sides.

Take deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.

As you inhale, raise your arms up, and as you exhale, lower them down, imagining that you are removing energy blockages from your body.

Repeat for 5-10 minutes, focusing on relaxing your body and mind.

This exercise helps reduce stress and improve the flow of Qi, which may provide relief from nausea.

Diet to support the treatment of nausea

Diet plays an important role in the treatment of nausea in TCM. Appropriate foods help maintain energy balance and improve digestion.

Easily digestible food – Cooked vegetables, rice, groats and light soups help digestion, reduce flatulence and the feeling of heaviness.

Ginger – Known for its warming properties, it helps to relieve nausea. You can drink ginger tea or add fresh ginger to your meals.

Warm drinks – Avoid cold drinks, which can be a strain on the digestive system. Instead, drink warm herbal teas such as mint, chamomile or ginger.

Ginger Tea Recipe for Nausea

Ingredients:

1-2 slices of fresh ginger

1 teaspoon honey (optional)

500 ml hot water

Preparation:

Slice the ginger into thin slices.

Pour hot water over ginger and steep for 10-15 minutes.

Add honey to taste if you like.

Drink warm tea, preferably before or after a meal.

Why does it work?

Ginger has warming properties, aids digestion, relieves nausea, and supports the flow of Qi in the stomach.

Summary

Nausea is a condition that can have many different causes, but in TCM it is treated as a symptom of an energy imbalance. Through the use of herbs, acupressure, Qigong exercises, and a proper diet, nausea can be effectively relieved by restoring the balance of Qi and supporting the body's digestive functions. The holistic approach of TCM offers a wide range of natural treatments that can provide relief without the need for strong drugs.

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