Focal Distention in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding different focal distention patterns according to TCM theory

Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice

Condition Categories

Abdominal Distension and Fullness Chest Swelling, Congestion, and Physical Changes
6
TCM Patterns
6
Formulas
Overview
What causes it 6 TCM patterns documented
How to recognize Symptoms specific to each focal distention pattern
Classical remedies 6 herbal formulas documented

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives focal distention as a sign of imbalance within the body's internal systems. TCM theory suggests that such symptoms arise when the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood is obstructed or when there is an accumulation of pathogenic factors such as Phlegm, Dampness, or Heat.

Identifying the underlying pattern of disharmony is crucial in TCM, as it guides the treatment strategy, aiming to restore balance and alleviate the symptom.

TCM Patterns for Focal Distention

Phlegm

Causes: Focal distention

3 variations documented
Phlegm-Heat
How it presents with focal distention

Focal distention

Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces, Depression

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Cold Phlegm
How it presents with focal distention

Focal distention

Along with: Nausea, Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Palpitations, Dizziness, Profuse white sputum,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm-Dampness in the Middle-Burner
How it presents with focal distention

Focal distention

Along with: Nausea, Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Profuse white sputum, Anorexia, Peptic ulcer,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Dampness

Causes: Focal distention

3 variations documented
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency
How it presents with focal distention

Focal distention

Along with: High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Neck pain, Stiff neck, Painful extremities,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Cold Phlegm
How it presents with focal distention

Focal distention

Along with: Nausea, Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Palpitations, Dizziness, Profuse white sputum,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm-Dampness in the Middle-Burner
How it presents with focal distention

Focal distention

Along with: Nausea, Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Profuse white sputum, Anorexia, Peptic ulcer,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Heat

Causes: Focal distention

2 variations documented
Phlegm-Heat
How it presents with focal distention

Focal distention

Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces, Depression

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heat in Yang brightness Organs
How it presents with focal distention

Focal distention

Along with: Severe constipation, Excessive gas and flatulence, Abdominal fullness, Abdominal pain worsened by pressure, Abdominal tightness, Pancreatitis,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Cold

Causes: Focal distention

2 variations documented
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency
How it presents with focal distention

Focal distention

Along with: High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Neck pain, Stiff neck, Painful extremities,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Cold Phlegm
How it presents with focal distention

Focal distention

Along with: Nausea, Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Palpitations, Dizziness, Profuse white sputum,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Deficiency

Causes: Focal distention

1 variation documented
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency
How it presents with focal distention

Focal distention

Along with: High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Neck pain, Stiff neck, Painful extremities,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Wind

Causes: Focal distention

1 variation documented
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency
How it presents with focal distention

Focal distention

Along with: High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Neck pain, Stiff neck, Painful extremities,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Herbal Formulas for Focal Distention

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address focal distention

Ren Shen Bai Du San

Addresses these focal distention patterns:

Dampness Cold Qi Deficiency Wind

Er Chen Tang

Addresses these focal distention patterns:

Phlegm Dampness Cold

Liu Jun Zi Tang

Addresses these focal distention patterns:

Phlegm Dampness

Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan

Addresses these focal distention patterns:

Phlegm Heat

Da Cheng Qi Tang

Addresses these focal distention patterns:

Heat