Emotions That Can Trigger Nausea: What You Need to Know

Vomiting is a defensive reflex action where the contents of the stomach reflux into the esophagus and are expelled through the mouth. Frequent and severe vomiting can lead to complications such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. We know that people with gastritis, food poisoning, weak constitution, high fever, or intracranial diseases are prone to vomiting. In addition to these causes, emotional issues can also lead to vomiting. So, what emotions can cause vomiting?

1. Anxiety, excitement, tension, and fear can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which can reduce gastrointestinal activity, leading to indigestion and reflux of stomach contents, resulting in vomiting. Additionally, emotional excitement can promote the secretion of a large amount of gastric juice, and excessive stomach acid can damage the gastric mucosa, thereby inducing vomiting.

2. Depression or worry, when feeling low, the blood flow to the stomach will significantly decrease, thereby inhibiting the secretion of stomach acid, causing indigestion, reduced appetite, and the urge to retch. Low mood can also damage the spleen, leading to spleen qi deficiency, and the digestive and absorptive functions of the spleen and stomach decline, making it easier to experience digestive disorders and vomiting.

3. Anger and agitation can disrupt the flow of liver qi, directly affecting the function of the spleen and stomach. Normally, liver qi and spleen qi ascend, while gallbladder qi and stomach qi descend. When liver qi is not smooth and becomes stagnant in the spleen and stomach, it can cause spleen qi not to rise, leading to symptoms such as bloating, belching, and vomiting.

Therefore, it is important to adjust emotional states and reduce psychological stress in daily life. Maintain emotional stability, relax, and avoid extreme emotions. Also, pay attention to regular routines, ensure adequate rest and sleep, which can help improve the condition. If prone to anger and retching, taking medications like Chaihu Shugan San, which regulate liver qi, can help alleviate symptoms. When eating, it is important to have regular meals, chew slowly, and avoid thinking about work or other issues during meals. Eat more vegetables and fruits, and reduce the intake of overly greasy foods and high-fat meats to lessen the burden on the stomach.