Stomach cold

Differentiation: Stomach cold includes vacuity and repletion forms:

• Stomach vacuity cold (also called stomach yáng vacuity) and
• Stomach repletion cold (also called cold stagnating in the stomach duct and intestines)

In the Chinese-language literature, stomach yáng vacuity is more commonly called stomach qì vacuity cold, while cold stagnating in the stomach and intestines is better known as cold stagnating in the stomach duct. However, neither of these terms accords well with modern pattern-naming principles.

As to the vacuity pattern, although qì has the function of warming, vacuity cold is considered yáng vacuity, not qì vacuity. Also, vacuity cold is not usually used in pattern names (yáng vacuity is more common). As to the repletion pattern, it tends to affect not only the stomach but also the intestines and hence is somewhat inaccurate as regards the locus. Furthermore, since both patterns are mutually conducive and easily give way to each other, they are not always readily distinguishable in clinical practice. Because of this, the term stomach cold, referring to both patterns, is also commonly used. A further problem is that because stomach yáng vacuity is poorly distinguished from spleen yáng vacuity, the term spleen-stomach vacuity cold is also quite common.

Given these complexities, these stomach patterns are placed under the single heading of stomach cold, stressing that stomach repletion cold, stomach vacuity cold, and spleen yáng vacuity are not always easily distinguished in clinical practice.