Hiccups — TCM Food Therapy & Dietary Approach

This is caused by stomach qi rebelling upward and agitating the diaphragm.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Patterns

In TCM, this concern is differentiated into several patterns, each with a classical herbal formula:

Cold in the stomach (Cold Pathogen Invading the Stomach)

Formula: Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang (Clove and Persimmon Calyx Decoction) — from *Symptoms, Causes, Pulse and Treatment*

Upward counterflow of stomach fire

Formula: Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang (Bamboo Leaf and Gypsum Decoction) — from *Treatise on Cold Damage*

Qi Movement Stagnation (Liver Qi Invading the Stomach)

Formula: Wumo Yinzi (Five Milled-Herb Drink) — from *Investigations of Medical Formulas*

Spleen-stomach yang deficiency

Formula: Li Zhong Tang (Center-Regulating Decoction) — from *Treatise on Cold Damage*

Insufficiency of Stomach Yin

Formula: Yiwei Tang (Benefit the Stomach Decoction) — from *Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases*

These formulas are for reference under TCM syndrome differentiation and should only be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.

Food Therapy & Diet

Dietary Therapy Recipes

Ginger, Brown Sugar and Jujube Drink: fresh ginger 15 g, 10 red dates, brown sugar 25 g; decoct in water and drink warm.
Dendrobium and Duck Egg Soup: 2 duck eggs, dendrobium stem (Shi Hu) 10 g, sugar 10 g.
Dried Ginger and Lily Drink: dried ginger 8 g, lily bulbs 15 g; decoct in water.
Trichosanthes Root and Honey Drink: trichosanthes root (Tian Hua Fen) 12 g, 1 tablespoon honey.
Persimmon Calyx and Ginger Tea: 6 persimmon calyxes, 2 ginger slices, 2 star anise; steep as tea.

Dietary Principles

Favor light, easily digested, warm and soft foods; eat small, frequent meals.
Chew thoroughly and eat slowly.
Avoid raw/cold, pungent, deep-fried, and hard foods.
Avoid excessive alcohol, cold drinks, and exposure to wind-cold.

Understanding the Condition

This is caused by stomach qi rebelling upward and agitating the diaphragm; the stomach is the primary site, with involvement of the lung. Irregular diet, emotional distress, cold invasion, or weakened vital qi may be associated with failure of stomach qi to descend, disharmony of qi at the diaphragm, and qi rebelling against the diaphragm.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.