this is congested fluids in the epigastrium. when the spleen yang is weak it is unable to transform the fluids. this results in congested fluids which gather in the area around the diaphragm and obstruct the qi mechanisms, causing a sensation of fullness in the chest and hypochondria, shortness of breath, and sometimes the coughing up of clear, watery sputum. the congested fluids block the rise of the clear yang and the descent of the turbid yin, which results in dizziness or vertigo.

a pale, swollen tongue with a white coating and a soggy pulse reflect spleen deficiency, while a slippery or greasy coating and a slippery or wiry pulse are signs of congested fluids.