Abdominal Pain in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding different abdominal pain patterns according to TCM theory

Educational content Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice

13
TCM Patterns
101
Formulas

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches abdominal pain with a holistic lens, focusing on the underlying imbalances within the body's energy system. TCM suggests that pain is a manifestation of disharmony among the body's vital energies, identifying specific patterns of this disharmony is essential for treatment.

This approach contrasts with Western medicine by emphasizing the restoration of balance through natural methods and personalized treatments. Identifying the root cause, or pattern, is crucial as it informs the selection of herbs, formulas, and acupuncture points used to alleviate the pain.

TCM Patterns for Abdominal Pain

Heat

Causes: Abdominal and epigastric pain, Abdominal pain, Burning abdominal pain, Lower abdominal pain, Epigastric pain, Burning epigastric pain, Intermittent epigastric pain

15 variations documented
Damp-Heat invading the Spleen
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal and epigastric pain

Along with: Loss of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea or vomiting, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal burning,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Toxic-Heat
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Bright Yang Fire in Stomach and Intestines
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: Afternoon fever, Excessive sweating, Sweating on limbs, Abdominal fullness, Constipation, Dry stools,

Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: Abdominal fullness, Diarrhea, Hematochezia, Mucous in feces, Smelly stools, Anal burning,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heat in the Blood
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia,

Full-Heat in the Small Intestine
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: Restlessness, Insomnia, Tongue ulcers, Mouth ulcers, Throat pain, Deafness,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heat in Lessor Yang
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain, Burning abdominal pain

Along with: Fever, Bitter taste in the mouth, Diarrhea, Sticky taste in the mouth, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal irritation,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression,

Damp-Heat
How it presents with abdominal pain

Lower abdominal pain

Along with: Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst,

Damp-Heat in the Stomach
How it presents with abdominal pain

Epigastric pain

Along with: Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal fullness, Feeling of heaviness, Face pain, Congested nose, Thick nasal discharge,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it presents with abdominal pain

Epigastric pain

Along with: Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it presents with abdominal pain

Burning epigastric pain

Along with: Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth,

Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner
How it presents with abdominal pain

Lower abdominal pain

Along with: Scanty and yellow urine, Lower back pain, Weakness of lower extremities, Red and swollen feet, Swollen knee, Thick greasy vaginal secretions,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner
How it presents with abdominal pain

Lower abdominal pain

Along with: Nighttime fever, Incoherent or confused speech, Irritability, Restlessness, Thirst, Amenorrhea,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat
How it presents with abdominal pain

Intermittent epigastric pain

Along with: Intermittent upper abdominal pain, Hernia-Related pain, Dysmenorrhea exacerbated by hot food or drinks, Irritability, Bitter taste in the mouth, Peptic ulcer,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Cold

Causes: Abdominal pain, Lower abdominal pain, abdominal pain relieved by presure and warmth, Postpartum abdominal pain, Abdominal pain alleviated by pressure, Severe epigastric pain, Abdominal pain after childbirth

13 variations documented
Bright Yang Fire in Stomach and Intestines
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: Afternoon fever, Excessive sweating, Sweating on limbs, Abdominal fullness, Constipation, Dry stools,

Cold in the Uterus
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain, Lower abdominal pain

Along with: Diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge

Cold invading the Large Intestine
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: Diarrhea, Chills, Abdominal cold sensation

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Cold
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: Mouth ulcers, White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Cold extremities,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Exterior Cold with Interior Dampness in Summer
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: Chills with warm skin, Lack of sweating, Heavy sensation in the head, Headaches, Vomit, Diarrhea,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Large Intestine Cold
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: Diarrhea, Borborygmi, Clear urination, Cold extremities

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Interior Cold
How it presents with abdominal pain

abdominal pain relieved by presure and warmth, Postpartum abdominal pain

Along with: Abdominal cold sensation, Hernia-Related pain, Flank pain, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth

Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold
How it presents with abdominal pain

abdominal pain relieved by presure and warmth

Along with: Chronic dysentery, Dark blood in stool, Mucous in feces, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Small Intestine Deficient and Cold
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain alleviated by pressure

Along with: Borborygmi, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure or eating, Craving for hot beverages, Diarrhea, Pale and abudant urination, Cold extremities

Cold invading the Stomach
How it presents with abdominal pain

Severe epigastric pain

Along with: Severe upper abdominal pain, Chills, Cold extremities, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Nausea,

Exterior Cold invading the Interior
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: Constipation, Hypochondriac pain, Chills, Low grade fever, Cold extremities, Sweating that doesn't reduce fever,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner caused by Cold
How it presents with abdominal pain

Lower abdominal pain

Along with: Abdominal masses, Lower abdominal distension, Lower back pain, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Full Cold in the Directing and Penetraing Vessels
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain after childbirth

Along with: Menstrual cramps, Cold sensation in lower abdomen, Infertility, Late menstruation, Dark menstrual clots, Postpartum abdominal pain,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Blood Stasis

Causes: Abdominal pain, Lower abdominal pain, Epigastric pain, Umbilical pain

9 variations documented
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain, Lower abdominal pain

Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails,

Blood Stagnation
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps,

Liver Blood Stagnation
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: Hypochondriac pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Dark menstrual clots,

Stomach Blood Stagnation
How it presents with abdominal pain

Epigastric pain

Along with: Nocturnal epigastric pain, Abdominal pain worsened by pressure, Nausea or vomiting, Potential vomiting of blood, Hematochezia

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Blood Stagnation and Phlegm in the Uterus
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: Persistent uterine bleeding of purple or dark blood, Lower abdominal distension and pain that increases with pressure, Lower abdominal fibroids and cysts, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Prolonged lochia,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels
How it presents with abdominal pain

Lower abdominal pain, Umbilical pain

Along with: Irregular periods, Brown vaginal discharge, Dark menstrual clots, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner caused by Cold
How it presents with abdominal pain

Lower abdominal pain

Along with: Abdominal masses, Lower abdominal distension, Lower back pain, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Blood Deficiency and Stagnation
How it presents with abdominal pain

Lower abdominal pain

Along with: Dizziness, Blurry vision, Lackluster complexion and nails, Muscle tension, Insomnia, Palpitations,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner
How it presents with abdominal pain

Lower abdominal pain

Along with: Nighttime fever, Incoherent or confused speech, Irritability, Restlessness, Thirst, Amenorrhea,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Stagnation

Causes: Abdominal pain, Lower abdominal pain, Epigastic pain, Epigastric pain, Abdominal pain relieved by flatulence, Lower abdominal twisting pain, Intermittent epigastric pain

8 variations documented
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain, Lower abdominal pain

Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails,

Large Intestine Qi Stagnation
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: Abdominal distention, Constipation, Anxiety, Bitty stools

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Qi Stagnation
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: General fullness, Moving pain, Depression, Irritability, Mood swings, Sighing

Liver Qi Stagnation
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain, Lower abdominal pain, Epigastic pain

Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia,

Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression,

Stomach Qi Stagnation
How it presents with abdominal pain

Epigastric pain

Along with: Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Belching, Nausea, Vomit, Hiccups,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Small Intestine Qi Pain
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain relieved by flatulence, Lower abdominal twisting pain

Along with: Abdominal distention, Abdominal pain worsened by pressure, Borborygmi, Excessive gas and flatulence, Testicular pain

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat
How it presents with abdominal pain

Intermittent epigastric pain

Along with: Intermittent upper abdominal pain, Hernia-Related pain, Dysmenorrhea exacerbated by hot food or drinks, Irritability, Bitter taste in the mouth, Peptic ulcer,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Dampness

Causes: Abdominal and epigastric pain, Abdominal pain, Lower abdominal pain, Epigastric pain

8 variations documented
Damp-Heat invading the Spleen
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal and epigastric pain

Along with: Loss of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea or vomiting, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal burning,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Cold
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: Mouth ulcers, White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Cold extremities,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: Abdominal fullness, Diarrhea, Hematochezia, Mucous in feces, Smelly stools, Anal burning,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Exterior Cold with Interior Dampness in Summer
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: Chills with warm skin, Lack of sweating, Heavy sensation in the head, Headaches, Vomit, Diarrhea,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it presents with abdominal pain

Lower abdominal pain

Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue,

Damp-Heat
How it presents with abdominal pain

Lower abdominal pain

Along with: Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst,

Damp-Heat in the Stomach
How it presents with abdominal pain

Epigastric pain

Along with: Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal fullness, Feeling of heaviness, Face pain, Congested nose, Thick nasal discharge,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner
How it presents with abdominal pain

Lower abdominal pain

Along with: Scanty and yellow urine, Lower back pain, Weakness of lower extremities, Red and swollen feet, Swollen knee, Thick greasy vaginal secretions,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yang Deficiency

Causes: Abdominal pain, abdominal pain relieved by presure and warmth, Abdominal pain and distension relieved by pressure and warmth, Epigastric pain relieved with pressure or eating, Abdominal pain that worsens with cold

6 variations documented
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills,

Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold
How it presents with abdominal pain

abdominal pain relieved by presure and warmth

Along with: Chronic dysentery, Dark blood in stool, Mucous in feces, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
How it presents with abdominal pain

abdominal pain relieved by presure and warmth

Along with: Chills, General cold feeling, Pale urine, Undigested food in stools, General weakness, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth,

Spleen Yang Deficiency
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain and distension relieved by pressure and warmth

Along with: Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down curled up, Pale face, Cold extremities, Chills,

Stomach Yang Deficient and Cold
How it presents with abdominal pain

Epigastric pain relieved with pressure or eating

Along with: Loss of appetite, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Absence of thirst, Weak limbs, Cold extremities,

Spleen or Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain that worsens with cold

Along with: Urinary dysfunction, Deep pain and heaviness in limbs, Dizziness, Heavy sensation in the head, Edema, Diarrhea,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Phlegm

Causes: Abdomen pain, Epigastric pain, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal pain

4 variations documented
Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdomen pain, Epigastric pain

Along with: Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary dysfunction, Hematuria

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it presents with abdominal pain

Lower abdominal pain

Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue,

Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it presents with abdominal pain

Epigastric pain

Along with: Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Blood Stagnation and Phlegm in the Uterus
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: Persistent uterine bleeding of purple or dark blood, Lower abdominal distension and pain that increases with pressure, Lower abdominal fibroids and cysts, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Prolonged lochia,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Deficiency

Causes: Lower abdominal pain, Slight abdominal pain, Abdominal pain

3 variations documented
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with abdominal pain

Lower abdominal pain

Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen Qi Deficiency
How it presents with abdominal pain

Slight abdominal pain

Along with: Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down, Excessive gas and flatulence, Bloated abdomen, Dyspepsia,

Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain, Lower abdominal pain

Along with: Dizziness, Unsteadiness, Blurry vision, Deafness, Tinnitus, Shortness of breath,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Blood Deficiency

Causes: Lower abdominal pain

3 variations documented
Blood Deficiency
How it presents with abdominal pain

Lower abdominal pain

Along with: Dizziness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Dull shallow face, Pale lips, Poor memory,

Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it presents with abdominal pain

Lower abdominal pain

Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Blood Deficiency and Stagnation
How it presents with abdominal pain

Lower abdominal pain

Along with: Dizziness, Blurry vision, Lackluster complexion and nails, Muscle tension, Insomnia, Palpitations,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Rebellion

Causes: Abdominal pain, Epigastric pain

2 variations documented
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Spleen
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: Irritability, Abdominal distention, Alternating diarrhea and constipation, Dry stools, Excessive gas and flatulence, Generalized fatigue

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
How it presents with abdominal pain

Epigastric pain

Along with: Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression,

Yin Deficiency

Causes: Epigastric pain, Epigastic pain

1 variation documented
Stomach Yin Deficiency
How it presents with abdominal pain

Epigastric pain, Epigastic pain

Along with: Loss of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating

Yin Excess

Causes: Epigastric pain worsen by pressure

1 variation documented
Yin Excess
How it presents with abdominal pain

Epigastric pain worsen by pressure

Along with: Absence of thirst, Slow and forceful movement, Polyuria, Feeling of chest oppression, Nausea, Excessive vaginal discharge,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Wind

Causes: Abdominal pain

1 variation documented
Bright Yang Fire in Stomach and Intestines
How it presents with abdominal pain

Abdominal pain

Along with: Afternoon fever, Excessive sweating, Sweating on limbs, Abdominal fullness, Constipation, Dry stools,

Herbal Formulas for Abdominal Pain

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address abdominal pain

Xiao Yao San

Addresses these abdominal pain patterns:

Qi Stagnation Blood Stasis Qi Rebellion Heat Dampness

Si Wu Tang

Addresses these abdominal pain patterns:

Blood Stasis Qi Stagnation Blood Deficiency Cold

Tao Hong Si Wu Tang

Addresses these abdominal pain patterns:

Blood Stasis Qi Stagnation Blood Deficiency

Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang

Addresses these abdominal pain patterns:

Heat Cold Wind

Wen Jing Tang

Addresses these abdominal pain patterns:

Cold Blood Stasis Qi Stagnation

Shen Ling Bai Zhu San

Addresses these abdominal pain patterns:

Yin Deficiency Qi Deficiency Cold

Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang

Addresses these abdominal pain patterns:

Blood Stasis Qi Stagnation Cold

Xiao Cheng Qi Tang

Addresses these abdominal pain patterns:

Heat Cold Wind

Wei Ling Tang

Addresses these abdominal pain patterns:

Cold Dampness Phlegm