This pattern is caused by eating excessive amounts of deep fried or greasy foods which makes the spleen deficient. The spleen comprises the entire digestive system and aspects of the circulatory system. When the spleen is deficient the digestive process is impaired and foods and fluids don’t move smoothly causing dampness. Dampness obstructs the flow of chi and, after an extended period of time, gives rise to heat which interferes with the smooth flow of liver chi and the flow of bile (gallbladder cannot secrete bile).
Symptoms:
Stuffiness and fullness of the epigastrium, nausea, no appetite, loose stools, feeling of heaviness, thirst with a desire to drink, sallow complexion, hypochondriac pain, jaundice, bitter taste in mouth.