Hypochondriac Distention in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different hypochondriac distention patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Hypochondriac distention refers to a feeling of swelling, tightness, or fullness in the upper abdominal area, particularly under the ribs, which may or may not be accompanied by pain. This condition is characterized by sensations that can feel like pressure extending from the abdomen to the chest, often fluctuating with emotional states or physical activity.
It's a symptom that not only causes physical discomfort but can also affect an individual’s mood and mental state, creating a complex interplay between physical and psychological health aspects.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hypochondriac distention is viewed as a symptom arising from imbalances in the body’s Qi (vital energy) and associated with specific organ systems, primarily the Liver and Gallbladder.
TCM theory emphasizes that such symptoms are indicative of underlying patterns of disharmony. Identifying these patterns is essential in TCM as it guides the therapeutic approach, ensuring that treatment is customized to address not only the symptom but also its root causes according to the individual’s unique energetic profile.
TCM Patterns for Hypochondriac Distention
Qi Stagnation
Causes: HypochondriaI distension, Hypochondrial distention
Liver Qi Stagnation
HypochondriaI 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
Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
Hypochondrial distention
Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Dull shallow face, Irritability, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac distention, Hypochondriac pain
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Hypochondrial distention
Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation
Heat
Causes: Hypochondrial distention
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder
Hypochondrial distention
Along with: Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Dull yellow complexion, Scanty and dark urine, Fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Bitter taste in the mouth, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Irritability, Feeling of heaviness, Limb numbness, Foot edema, Alternating diarrhea and constipation, Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Yellow sclera
Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
Hypochondrial distention
Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Dull shallow face, Irritability, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac distention, Hypochondriac pain
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Hypochondrial distention
Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation
Qi Rebellion
Causes: Hypochondrial distention
Rebellious Liver Qi
Hypochondrial distention
Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Hiccups, Sighing, Nausea or vomiting, Belching, Stomach churning, Irritability, Breast engorgement, Headaches, Dizziness
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
Hypochondrial distention
Along with: Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression, Acid reflux, Hiccups, Belching, Nausea or vomiting, Sighing, Weak limbs
Dampness
Causes: Hypochondrial distention
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder
Hypochondrial distention
Along with: Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Dull yellow complexion, Scanty and dark urine, Fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Bitter taste in the mouth, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Irritability, Feeling of heaviness, Limb numbness, Foot edema, Alternating diarrhea and constipation, Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Yellow sclera
Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
Hypochondrial distention
Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Dull shallow face, Irritability, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac distention, Hypochondriac pain
Phlegm
Causes: HypochondriaI distension
Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium
HypochondriaI distension
Along with: Hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing, Shortness of breath, Hypochondriac distention
Qi Deficiency
Causes: Hypochondrial distention
Liver Qi Deficiency
Hypochondrial distention
Along with: Dizziness, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Nervousness, Timidity, Easily startled, Lack of courage, Indecision, Sighing, Vivid dreaming, Depression, Irritability, Hypochondriac distention, Irregular periods, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Abdominal distention
Cold
Causes: Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth
Stagnation of Cold in the Liver Channel
Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth
Along with: Testicular pain, Scrotal contraction, Vertical headaches, Chills, Cold extremities, Vomiting clear liquid, Vaginal atrophy
Herbal Formulas for Hypochondriac Distention
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address hypochondriac distention
Ping Wei San
Addresses these hypochondriac distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Dries Dampness
- Improves the Spleen's transportive function
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Hypochondriac Distention Pattern Variations
Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial distention
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink...
Dang Gui Shao Yao San
Addresses these hypochondriac distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Liver Blood
- Spreads the Liver Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Resolves Dampness
Addresses These Hypochondriac Distention Pattern Variations
Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial distention
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink...
Xiao Yao San
Addresses these hypochondriac distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen
- Relieves Liver Qi stagnation
- Nourishes the Blood
Addresses These Hypochondriac Distention Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
HypochondriaI distension
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Liver Qi Deficiency
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial distention
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Nervousness, Timidity, Easily startled...
Yin Chen Hao Tang
Addresses these hypochondriac distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears heat
- Resolves dampness
- Reduces jaundice
Addresses These Hypochondriac Distention Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial distention
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Dull yellow complexion, Scanty and dark urine...
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Addresses these hypochondriac distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood
- Alleviates pain
- Harmonizes Blood
Addresses These Hypochondriac Distention Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
HypochondriaI distension
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Rebellious Liver Qi
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial distention
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Hiccups, Sighing, Nausea or vomiting, Belching...
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Addresses these hypochondriac distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver Fire from Stagnant Liver Qi
Addresses These Hypochondriac Distention Pattern Variations
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial distention
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression...
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
Addresses these hypochondriac distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver and Spleen Qi Stagnation
- Tonifies Spleen
- Clears Deficient Heat
- Nourishes the blood
Addresses These Hypochondriac Distention Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
HypochondriaI distension
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Shi Zao Tang
Addresses these hypochondriac distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Purges and drives out Phlegm-Fluids
Addresses These Hypochondriac Distention Pattern Variations
Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium
How it manifests:
HypochondriaI distension
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing, Shortness of breath, Hypochondriac distention
Nuan Gan Jian
Addresses these hypochondriac distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Liver and Kidneys
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Alleviates pain
Addresses These Hypochondriac Distention Pattern Variations
Stagnation of Cold in the Liver Channel
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth
Accompanying symptoms:
Testicular pain, Scrotal contraction, Vertical headaches, Chills, Cold extremities, Vomiting clear liquid...
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Addresses these hypochondriac distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi of the Spleen and Stomach (Middle Burner)
- Raises the Yang
- Detoxifies
- Lifts what has sunken
Addresses These Hypochondriac Distention Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Deficiency
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial distention
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Nervousness, Timidity, Easily startled...
Si Ni San
Addresses these hypochondriac distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Regulates Liver and Spleen
- Eliminates Internal Heat
Addresses These Hypochondriac Distention Pattern Variations
Rebellious Liver Qi
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial distention
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Hiccups, Sighing, Nausea or vomiting, Belching...
Yue Ju Wan
Addresses these hypochondriac distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Releases all types of Stagnation (Qi, Blood, Phlegm, Fire, Food and Dampness)
Addresses These Hypochondriac Distention Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
HypochondriaI distension
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Si Wu Tang
Addresses these hypochondriac distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Restores and nourishes Blood
- Stimulates Blood circulation
Addresses These Hypochondriac Distention Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Deficiency
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial distention
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Nervousness, Timidity, Easily startled...
Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang
Addresses these hypochondriac distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Regulates the downward flow of Stomach Qi
- Expectorant, treats hiccups
Addresses These Hypochondriac Distention Pattern Variations
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial distention
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression...
Yi Guan Jian
Addresses these hypochondriac distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Spreads the Liver Qi
Addresses These Hypochondriac Distention Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
HypochondriaI distension
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Addresses these hypochondriac distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Regulates the flow of Qi,
- Clears Phlegm
- Treats esophageal spasm
- Descends Rebellious Qi
- Dissipates clumps
- Relieves Stagnation
Addresses These Hypochondriac Distention Pattern Variations
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial distention
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression...
Xia Ru Yong Quan San
Addresses these hypochondriac distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Blood
- Increases breast milk supply
Addresses These Hypochondriac Distention Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
HypochondriaI distension
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Si Mo Tang
Addresses these hypochondriac distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Directs rebellious Qi downward
- Expands the chest and dissipates clumping
Addresses These Hypochondriac Distention Pattern Variations
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial distention
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression...
Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang
Addresses these hypochondriac distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Directs rebellious Qi downward
- Stops hiccup
- Augments Qi
- Clears heat
Addresses These Hypochondriac Distention Pattern Variations
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial distention
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression...
Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang
Addresses these hypochondriac distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Warms the Middle Burner
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
- Stops hiccup
Addresses These Hypochondriac Distention Pattern Variations
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial distention
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression...