What are the symptoms of cold-dampness in the stomach?

Under normal circumstances, the symptoms of cold-dampness in the stomach are relatively typical, mainly including cold pain in the epigastric region, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, loose stools, and abnormal tongue appearance. The details are as follows:

1. Cold pain in the epigastric region: A sensation of cold and pain in the upper abdomen, which worsens with exposure to cold and improves with warmth. Pain may become more pronounced upon pressure. This is often accompanied by a feeling of coldness and heaviness in the stomach, primarily due to obstruction of the stomach by cold-dampness, leading to poor circulation of qi and blood.

2. Loss of appetite: The digestive function of the spleen and stomach is impaired by cold-dampness, resulting in lack of appetite and aversion to food. Even if food is consumed forcibly, abdominal distension and discomfort easily occur, along with poor digestion. Symptoms tend to worsen after consuming raw or cold foods.

3. Nausea and vomiting: Cold-dampness obstructs the middle jiao (middle burner), impairing the stomach's function of harmonious descending. This leads to nausea, and in severe cases, vomiting. Vomit is typically watery or consists of undigested food. Discomfort in the stomach may temporarily subside after vomiting.

4. Loose stools: Impaired transformation and transportation by the spleen and stomach lead to internal accumulation of dampness, causing loose, unformed stools. Bowel movements may increase in frequency, and stools often contain undigested food particles. This may be accompanied by symptoms of heavy limbs and fatigue, indicating excessive dampness in the body.

5. Abnormal tongue appearance: The tongue body appears pale with a white, greasy coating that is moist or even slippery—typical signs of cold-dampness affecting the stomach. This reflects invasion of the stomach by cold-damp pathogens, suppression of yang qi, and internal retention of dampness.

When these symptoms appear, certain contraindications and precautions should be observed: avoid raw, cold, greasy, spicy, and irritating foods; keep the stomach area warm; and maintain proper dietary and lifestyle habits to support recovery of spleen and stomach function.