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Dry retching refers to the sensation of vomiting without any substance being expelled. Generally, this condition arises from heat in the epigastrium combining with food qi, where rising heat steams upward, causing palpable obstruction and stagnation in the heart region (epigastrium), thus presenting this syndrome. In Taiyang disease, dry retching accompanied by sweating is treated with Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) to address spontaneous sweating. In Shaoyin disease, dry retching accompanied by diarrhea is treated with Jiangfu Tang (Ginger and Aconite Decoction) to address diarrhea. In Jueyin disease, dry retching accompanied by spitting of saliva and foam is treated with Wuzhuyu Tang (Evodia Decoction) to address the saliva and foam. Once the pathogenic factor is eliminated, the retching will cease spontaneously. There are also two types of fluid-retention syndromes: In Taiyang disease, if the exterior pattern is unresolved and there is fluid retention in the heart region, manifesting as fever, dry retching, slight asthma, or spontaneous diarrhea, Xiao Qinglong Tang (Minor Blue Dragon Decoction) is indicated. If there is no fever but only aversion to cold, hypochondriac pain, cough with diarrhea, and dry retching, it is also a fluid-retention syndrome, for which Shizao Tang (Ten Jujube Decoction) is indicated. Dry retching due to cold-fluid retention above the diaphragm belongs to Shaoyin disease and is treated with Sini Tang (Frigid Extremity Decoction).

Yue (hiccup/belch with sound) is a severe form of dry retching. Unlike simple dry retching, it presents with turbid, foul, and prolonged sounds, involving sound only without expulsion of matter. This occurs because the Stomach qi is originally deficient; excessive sweating or purging, or the indulgent drinking of cold water, causes cold-water to clash, resulting in deficiency-type rebellious upward movement. Alternatively, Yue can result from the congestion and depression of heat, blocking the free flow of qi up and down. For mild cases, harmonizing and draining methods are used; for severe cases, warming and dispersing methods are employed. If Yue is accompanied by abdominal fullness and difficulty in defecation, Banxia Shengjiang Tang (Pinellia and Fresh Ginger Decoction) is administered first, followed by Xiaochengqi Tang (Minor Order the Qi Decoction). If urination is difficult, Zhuling Tang (Polyporus Decoction) is used. For persistent Yue, Ganjiang Jupi Tang (Dried Ginger and Tangerine Peel Decoction) is prescribed. In warm diseases with heat, Yue caused by binge-drinking cold water is treated with Maogen Gange Tang (Imperatae Radix and Puerariae Radix Decoction). In patients with chronic Yue, if they cease urinating and develop Yue, the condition is critical.

Keni (hiccup/choking sound), commonly known as "chi te" (hiccup), is characterized by a sound originating in the throat that stops abruptly, occurring in rapid,轧然 consecutive bursts but remaining short and not prolonged. Ancient texts erroneously referred to this as "Yue." Yue differs from dry retching only in that its sound is turbid, foul, and prolonged; compared to "chi te," there is a vast difference. Confusing "chi te" with Yue or Keni has misled many practitioners. If the stool is hard and the pulse is forceful, a small dose of Chengqi Tang (Order the Qi Decoction) should be given to mildly promote bowel movement. This is because failure to purge when indicated allowed heat to enter the chest and harass the Lungs. If the stool is soft and the pulse is weak, Xiexin Tang (Drain the Epigastrium Decoction) is indicated. This is due to rebellious movement of Stomach qi. A micro pulse indicates a difficult prognosis.