Pattern: Retention of Food in the Stomach

This pattern is affiliated with binge eating, and caused by overeating, eating too quickly (as a habit), eating in a hurry because you are pressed for time; worrying while eating, or eating too close to bedtime or having a heavy meal right before bed. It can also be caused by food that is too rich or too sweet, and eating unripe or undercooked food. All these things prevent stomach chi from descending and create an obstruction. Food can’t move (retention), the mind is disturbed and can’t settle leading to insomnia.
Symptoms:
No appetite, fullness and distension of the epigastrium which is relieved by vomiting; nausea, vomiting, foul breath, acid reflux, belching, insomnia.