For this reason, Chinese medicine stresses the importance of eating according to a routine with
regular meals taken at the same time every day and similar amounts for corresponding meals
each day. It also stresses the importance of eating a good substantial breakfast and lunch and
only a light evening meal.
Very many people, either because of habit or pressures of work, eat in very irregular conditions.
The importance of having regular meals is very clear to diabetics who know that they must take
the utmost care in this respect to keep a balance in their blood sugar. Similarly, normal people
too should have regular meals to maintain a good balance of blood sugar throughout they day.
The main eating habits which cause stomach disorders are as follows:
(i) Eating too fast or on the run: this causes stagnation of Qi in the Stomach and
retention of food. In a person who has eaten in this way for many years, the
Stomach pulse on the right Middle position, just slightly distal to it (towards the
thumb), feels quite Tight. This indicates stagnation of food in the oesophagus due
to eating too fast or on the run. Eating on the run means eating a quick sandwich
while working, or eating one's lunch in just a few minutes, or eating while
driving.(ii) Eating late in the evening or night: evening and night-time are times of Yin
predominance. Eating at these times will therefore use up Stomach-Yin rather
than Stomach-Qi: for this reason it causes Stomach-Yin deficiency. This may
manifest on the tongue with a wide midline crack or scattered cracks (Figure
12.3(373) in Chapter 12). After many years of eating late the tongue may lose its
coating completely and become Red.On the pulse, Stomach-Yin deficiency may be felt with a Floating-Empty and soft quality on the
right Middle position.
(iii) Discussing work while eating: this is a very common habit in modern
industrialized societies where a lot of business is conducted during "business
lunches". This also causes stagnation of Qi in the Stomach as the stress of
business impairs the proper function of the Stomach and Spleen.(iv) Going straight back to work after eating: this causes Stomach-Qi deficiency.(v) Eating when emotionally upset: this causes stagnation of Qi in the Stomach and
Liver and, in some cases, also Stomach-Heat. This is sadly an all too frequent
occurrence in many families where meal times are an opportunity for family rows
or stony silences. In children, this can affect their digestive system for life.(vi) Eating irregular amounts from day to day: this happens, for example, when one
eats a large and rich business lunch one day and skips lunch the next day. This
causes Stomach-Qi deficiency.