(vii)Not eating breakfast: this is probably the most important meal of the day. The
Stomach has its peak of activity between 7 and 9 a.m. and it is therefore natural to
have a substantial meal in the morning. It also provides nourishment to sustain us
throughout the day. Not eating breakfast causes Stomach-Qi deficiency and also
Blood deficiency in women.(viii)Constant nibbling: this causes stagnation of Qi in the Stomach and retention of
food because, as explained above, the Stomach needs to be filled and emptied at
regular intervals.(ix) Eating while reading or watching TV: this causes stagnation of Qi in the Stomach
and retention of food because reading diverts Qi away from the Stomach to the
eyes. It is also often a cause of headaches on the forehead.(x) A sudden change in dietary habits: this happens, for example, when a teenager
moves from home to college, or when work circumstances change, forcing a
change in dietary habits. These sudden changes are very frequent causes of
stomach disorders and epigastric pain.(xi) Fasting: fasting may be beneficial in those who have an Excess and Heat
condition of the Stomach, manifested with a Full and Slippery pulse and a
thick-yellow tongue coating. In most other cases, complete fasting on water or
juices can weaken the Stomach and Spleen and lead to Stomach-Qi deficiency. In
particular, those who already suffer from Stomach and Spleen Qi deficiency
should not use fasting as a method of self-treatment.(xii)Eating too much at week-ends: in most countries people tend to eat more at
week-ends as they have more time to cook and relax. From the Chinese point of
view this is not beneficial as it is actually appropriate to eat more during the week
when one is active and needs the "fuel" provided by food, and less at week-ends
when one is (usually) less active.Case History 14.1
Epigastric Pain: Stomach- and Spleen-Yin Deficiency-Female, Age 42
The following case history, although not related to epigastric pain, is a good example of irregular
eating. A 42-year-old woman suffered from diabetes: when she came for her consultation it had
just started and she was not on insulin. She was keen to avoid starting insulin. I made my
diagnosis (of Stomach- and Spleen-Yin deficiency) and gave her Chinese herbs. Normally, if
treatment is given straight away after the onset of diabetes and before insulin is started, this
disease can be controlled completely. In this case, however, after 6 weeks of treatment, she was
no better and had to resort to insulin. I re-checked my diagnosis, principle of treatment, and
decoction used and could not understand why it had not worked at all.
I had discussed diet with her and told her what to eat: however, I had overlooked asking her
about her eating habits. These turned out to be the worst possible: she was a sales representative