Stomach Fire

This pattern is affiliated with heartburn and gastric ulcer and is a combination of the wrong foods, stress and strong emotions; excessive consumption of hot (this is an energetic quality not actual temperature) foods; smoking, overwork, juggling too many projects at the same time; sleep deprivation, lack of rest, anger, frustration, jealousy and worry. These factors all generate heat in the stomach which burns the fluids causing intense thirst, constipation and dry tongue. The heat rises in the stomach channel to cause swelling and pain in the gums. Blood extravasates from the channel resulting in bleeding gums. The heat prevents stomach chi from descending and causes acid reflux, nausea and vomiting. The fire disturbs the mind leading to insomnia or severe mental symptoms such as manic depression.
Symptoms:
Burning sensation and pain in the stomach area; thirst with an urge to drink cold liquids; constant hunger especially needing to eat to prevent the burning pain; vomiting soon after eating, mouth ulcers, feeling hot and underdressing on cold days; mental restlessness, swelling and pain in the gums; bleeding gums, acid reflux, constipation, nausea, bad breath, insomnia.