Clinic Diary #03 — Bloated, Swollen, and Sleepless
Table of Contents
Clinical Journal #03
Bloating, Swelling, and Insomnia
I have to rush to the bathroom right after meals. I feel gassy and bloated. While sometimes normal, I frequently have loose stools.
My body is swollen, and I've gained nearly 8kg. At night, my lower body tends to swell, and I frequently wake up to urinate. Allergic reactions have flared up, causing skin issues on my face, neck, and arms.
I need to study, but I can't concentrate. Even when I'm tired and lie down, it takes a long time to fall asleep, and I wake up easily. Sometimes I experience heart palpitations, and I also feel a sensation of heat.
All these symptoms have been appearing concurrently in the lead-up to the June exam.
A Traditional Korean Medicine Perspective: The Spleen-Stomach (Piwei) as the Center
This patient's various symptoms — indigestion, weight gain, edema, insomnia, and skin allergies — are all connected to one central point.
The Spleen-Stomach (Piwei).
In the Donguibogam, the Spleen-Stomach is not merely a digestive organ. It is the central hub that regulates the body's Qi (氣) and Water (水). A healthy Spleen-Stomach is essential for generating vital energy (Qi) from food, managing bodily fluids effectively, and maintaining strong skin and muscles.
In this patient's case, the Spleen-Stomach is causing problems in two aspects.
One is Dampness (濕). When the Spleen-Stomach becomes weak, it cannot properly process substances. Unprocessed fluids accumulate in the body, becoming Dampness (濕), which then leads to weight gain, edema, and skin troubles.
The other is Heat (熱). Accumulated Dampness, over time, transforms into Heat. This Heat warms the chest, disturbs sleep, and rises to the skin, causing allergic reactions.
The Relationship Between Stress and the Spleen-Stomach (Piwei)
Exam stress causes tension in the Liver (肝). When the Liver is tense, it inhibits the Spleen-Stomach, further weakening its function. The immediate bowel movements after meals, the sensation of bloating and fullness, and the presence of appetite despite irregular eating habits are all explained by this interconnected relationship.
Summary
This case presents a typical pattern where Damp-Heat (濕熱) accumulates due to a weakened Spleen-Stomach (脾胃), exacerbated by stress. Treatment focused on strengthening the Spleen-Stomach and resolving the accumulated Damp-Heat.
This article is a clinical essay reconstructed based on actual patient experiences. Patient's personal information has been protected, and prescription names and specific treatment details have been anonymized. For your individual health concerns, please consult with a professional.
