Bloated Abdomen in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different bloated abdomen patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
A bloated abdomen, commonly known as bloating, is a condition characterized by a feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdominal area. This sensation often results from an accumulation of gas in the digestive tract, leading to discomfort and sometimes abdominal pain.
Bloating can be associated with various factors, including dietary habits, digestive disorders, and stress. It's a symptom experienced by many and can range from mild discomfort to severe abdominal distension, significantly impacting daily activities and overall quality of life.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches bloated abdomen with a unique perspective, diverging from conventional Western medical explanations. In TCM, bloating is viewed as a symptom of underlying imbalances within the body's energy system, particularly involving the Qi (vital energy) and the digestive organs.
TCM emphasizes the need to identify specific patterns of disharmony that are causing the bloating, as each case may stem from different imbalances. Treatment in TCM is thus tailored to address these unique underlying causes, aiming for holistic healing and balance.
TCM Patterns for Bloated Abdomen
Qi Deficiency
Causes: Bloating
Spleen Qi Deficiency
Bloating
Along with: Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down, Slight abdominal pain, Excessive gas and flatulence, Bloated abdomen, Dyspepsia, Swollen complexion, Obesity
Yang Deficiency
Causes: Bloating
Spleen Yang Deficiency
Bloating
Along with: Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down curled up, Pale face, Cold extremities, Chills, Undigested food in stools, Excessive gas and flatulence, Bloated abdomen, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth, Dull shallow face
Herbal Formulas for Bloated Abdomen
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address bloated abdomen
Liu Jun Zi Tang
Addresses these bloated abdomen patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach
- Clears Phlegm and mucus
- Promotes appetite
Addresses These Bloated Abdomen Pattern Variations
Spleen Qi Deficiency
How it manifests:
Bloating
Accompanying symptoms:
Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down, Slight abdominal pain, Excessive gas and flatulence, Bloated abdomen...
Zhen Wu Tang
Addresses these bloated abdomen patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Yang and Qi of the Spleen and Kidneys
- Eliminates Dampness
Addresses These Bloated Abdomen Pattern Variations
Spleen Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Bloating
Accompanying symptoms:
Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down curled up, Pale face, Cold extremities, Chills...
Si Jun Zi Tang
Addresses these bloated abdomen patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach
Addresses These Bloated Abdomen Pattern Variations
Spleen Qi Deficiency
How it manifests:
Bloating
Accompanying symptoms:
Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down, Slight abdominal pain, Excessive gas and flatulence, Bloated abdomen...
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Addresses these bloated abdomen patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi of the Spleen and Stomach (Middle Burner)
- Raises the Yang
- Detoxifies
- Lifts what has sunken
Addresses These Bloated Abdomen Pattern Variations
Spleen Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Bloating
Accompanying symptoms:
Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down curled up, Pale face, Cold extremities, Chills...
Fei Er Wan
Addresses these bloated abdomen patterns:
Main Actions
- Kills parasites
- Reduces accumulation
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Bloated Abdomen Pattern Variations
Spleen Qi Deficiency
How it manifests:
Bloating
Accompanying symptoms:
Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down, Slight abdominal pain, Excessive gas and flatulence, Bloated abdomen...
Yi Huang Tang
Addresses these bloated abdomen patterns:
Main Actions
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Dries Dampness
- Clears Heat
- Stops vaginal discharge
Addresses These Bloated Abdomen Pattern Variations
Spleen Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Bloating
Accompanying symptoms:
Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down curled up, Pale face, Cold extremities, Chills...
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Addresses these bloated abdomen patterns:
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Drains Dampness
- Stops diarrhea
Addresses These Bloated Abdomen Pattern Variations
Spleen Qi Deficiency
How it manifests:
Bloating
Accompanying symptoms:
Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down, Slight abdominal pain, Excessive gas and flatulence, Bloated abdomen...
Huang Tu Tang
Addresses these bloated abdomen patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Yang
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Nourishes the Blood
- Stops bleeding
Addresses These Bloated Abdomen Pattern Variations
Spleen Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Bloating
Accompanying symptoms:
Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down curled up, Pale face, Cold extremities, Chills...
Wen Pi Tang
Addresses these bloated abdomen patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Spleen Yang
- Clears Cold Evil
Addresses These Bloated Abdomen Pattern Variations
Spleen Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Bloating
Accompanying symptoms:
Slight abdominal distension after eating, General weakness, Desire to lie down curled up, Pale face, Cold extremities, Chills...