this is the typical presentation of food stagnation that occurs from eating contaminated food, or from gross overeating and drinking. excessive consumption of alcohol, meat, and fatty foods in particular may inhibit the ability of the spleen and stomach to properly receive, transform, and transport food. this results in stagnation and accumulation of undigested food which obstructs the qi mechanisms of the middle burner, leading to focal distention and fullness in the chest and epigastrium, and abdominal distention. when it is severe, pain ensues.

food stagnation also disrupts the ascending and descending functions of the spleen and stomach. when the turbid yin products of digestion do not properly descend, there is foul-smelling belching, acid regurgitation, nausea, and vomiting.

when the spleen qi is unable to rise, there is diarrhea. when the stomach takes in more food than it can digest, there is an aversion to food. stagnation in the digestive system is reflected in the greasy tongue and slippery pulse. the yellow coating reflects the presence of heat in the interior caused by the constraint from food stagnation.