General Fullness in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different general fullness patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
General fullness is a symptom characterized by a pervasive sense of heaviness, bloating, and distension throughout the body, particularly in the abdominal region. This sensation can range from mild discomfort to significant distress, impacting one's quality of life.
Unlike specific localized fullness, which might be confined to one area, general fullness is felt more broadly, often accompanied by a lack of appetite and a sensation of satiety even without eating. Understanding its root causes is crucial for effective management and relief.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), general fullness is seen through the lens of energetic imbalances and blockages within the body. TCM posits that this condition stems from disruptions in the flow of Qi (vital energy), the accumulation of Dampness, Phlegm, or a Deficiency in vital substances like Yin.
These disturbances are often linked to the functions of the Liver, Spleen, and Stomach, organs pivotal in the digestion and movement of Qi and Body Fluids. Identifying and treating the underlying disharmony is key to alleviating general fullness in TCM practice.
TCM Patterns for General Fullness
Qi Stagnation
Causes: Feeling of distension
Liver Qi Stagnation
Feeling of distension
Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger, Melasma
Qi Stagnation
Feeling of distension
Along with: General fullness, Moving pain, Depression, Irritability, Mood swings, Sighing
Yin Deficiency
Causes: Feeling of fullness
Stomach Yin Deficiency
Feeling of fullness
Along with: Loss of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating
Qi Deficiency
Causes: Feeling of fullness
Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency
Feeling of fullness
Along with: Dizziness, Unsteadiness, Blurry vision, Deafness, Tinnitus, Shortness of breath, Weak voice, Pale face, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea
Phlegm
Causes: General sensation of heaviness distention and fullness
Oedema
General sensation of heaviness distention and fullness
Along with: Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema, Ocular swelling, Abdominal distention
Dampness
Causes: General sensation of heaviness distention and fullness
Oedema
General sensation of heaviness distention and fullness
Along with: Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema, Ocular swelling, Abdominal distention
Herbal Formulas for General Fullness
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address general fullness
Wu Pi Yin
Addresses these general fullness patterns:
Main Actions
- Reduces edema, diuretic
- Regulates and strengthens Spleen Qi
Addresses These General Fullness Pattern Variations
Oedema
How it manifests:
General sensation of heaviness distention and fullness
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal edema, Ankle edema, Facial edema, Foot edema, Oedema of hands, Leg edema...
Mai Men Dong Tang
Addresses these general fullness patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Stomach
- Generates Body Fluids
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
Addresses These General Fullness Pattern Variations
Stomach Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Feeling of fullness
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang
Addresses these general fullness patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Spleen and Stomach Qi
- Removes Dampness
- Moves Qi
- Alleviates pain
- Strengthens the Spleen and Harmonizes the Stomach,
Addresses These General Fullness Pattern Variations
Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency
How it manifests:
Feeling of fullness
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Unsteadiness, Blurry vision, Deafness, Tinnitus, Shortness of breath...
Xiao Yao San
Addresses these general fullness patterns:
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen
- Relieves Liver Qi stagnation
- Nourishes the Blood
Addresses These General Fullness Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Feeling of distension
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Feeling of distension
Accompanying symptoms:
General fullness, Moving pain, Depression, Irritability, Mood swings, Sighing
Yi Wei Tang
Addresses these general fullness patterns:
Main Actions
- Strengthen the Stomach
- Creates Body Fluids
Addresses These General Fullness Pattern Variations
Stomach Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Feeling of fullness
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
Addresses these general fullness patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver and Spleen Qi Stagnation
- Tonifies Spleen
- Clears Deficient Heat
- Nourishes the blood
Addresses These General Fullness Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Feeling of distension
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Addresses these general fullness patterns:
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Drains Dampness
- Stops diarrhea
Addresses These General Fullness Pattern Variations
Stomach Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Feeling of fullness
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating
Yue Ju Wan
Addresses these general fullness patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Releases all types of Stagnation (Qi, Blood, Phlegm, Fire, Food and Dampness)
Addresses These General Fullness Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Feeling of distension
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Addresses these general fullness patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood
- Alleviates pain
- Harmonizes Blood
Addresses These General Fullness Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Feeling of distension
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Feeling of distension
Accompanying symptoms:
General fullness, Moving pain, Depression, Irritability, Mood swings, Sighing
Yi Guan Jian
Addresses these general fullness patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Spreads the Liver Qi
Addresses These General Fullness Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Feeling of distension
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Si Mo Tang
Addresses these general fullness patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Directs rebellious Qi downward
- Expands the chest and dissipates clumping
Addresses These General Fullness Pattern Variations
Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Feeling of distension
Accompanying symptoms:
General fullness, Moving pain, Depression, Irritability, Mood swings, Sighing
Qi Ge San
Addresses these general fullness patterns:
Main Actions
- Regulates Qi and removes Stagnation
- Moistens Dryness
- Transforms Phlegm
Addresses These General Fullness Pattern Variations
Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Feeling of distension
Accompanying symptoms:
General fullness, Moving pain, Depression, Irritability, Mood swings, Sighing