Hypochondriac Pain in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different hypochondriac pain patterns according to TCM theory
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Hypochondriac pain refers to discomfort or pain located under the lower ribs and above the navel on either side of the body. This type of pain can range from mild to severe and is often described as a persistent, sharp, or stabbing sensation that may intensify with movements such as coughing and deep breathing. Recognized across medical disciplines, hypochondriac pain can signal underlying issues that require both diagnostic insight and targeted care.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets hypochondriac pain not just as a localized discomfort but as an indication of imbalance within the body’s vital energy, or Qi, and associated organ systems. According to TCM, such pain often stems from disruptions in the Liver or Gallbladder Channel, which can be caused by emotional stress or dietary factors, leading to Qi Stagnation or the accumulation of pathogenic factors like Dampness and Heat. Effective treatment in TCM hinges on identifying the specific disharmony pattern, underscoring the importance of a holistic diagnostic approach.
TCM Patterns for Hypochondriac Pain
Heat
Causes: Hypochondrial pain, Fixed pain in the hypochondria
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder
Hypochondrial pain
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
Gallbladder Heat
Hypochondrial pain
Along with: Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Bitter taste in the mouth, Thirst, Dry throat, Hypochondriac pain, Nausea, Upper abdominal fullness
Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
Hypochondrial pain
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
Heat Excess in the Liver or Gallbladder
Fixed pain in the hypochondria
Along with: Hypochondriac pain, Headaches, Dizziness, Red and irritated eyes, Hearing loss, Ear swelling, Bitter taste in the mouth, Irritability, Painful urination, Swollen and itchy external genitalia
Qi Stagnation
Causes: Fixed pain in the hypochondria, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondrial pain
Qi Stagnation
Fixed pain in the hypochondria
Along with: General fullness, Moving pain, Depression, Irritability, Mood swings, Sighing
Liver Qi Stagnation
Hypochondriac pain
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 pain
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
Dampness
Causes: Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondrial pain
Dampness in the Gallbladder
Hypochondriac pain
Along with: Jaundice, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow eyes, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Yellow sclera, Cloudy urine, Absence of thirst, Sticky taste in the mouth, Dull headache, Feeling of heaviness
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder
Hypochondrial pain
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 pain
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
Blood Stasis
Causes: Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondrial pain
Pericardium Blood Stagnation
Hypochondriac pain
Along with: Palpitations, Chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Purple lips, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots
Liver Blood Stagnation
Hypochondrial pain
Along with: Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Dark menstrual clots, Infertility, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Purple lips, Purple face, Skin dryness, Petechiae
Qi Rebellion
Causes: Hypochondrial pain
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
Hypochondrial pain
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
Cold
Causes: Hypochondriac pain
Exterior Cold invading the Interior
Hypochondriac pain
Along with: Abdominal pain, Constipation, Chills, Low grade fever, Cold extremities, Sweating that doesn't reduce fever, Epigastric palpitations, Dizziness, Twitching, Unsteadiness
Herbal Formulas for Hypochondriac Pain
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address hypochondriac pain
Ping Wei San
Addresses these hypochondriac pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Dries Dampness
- Improves the Spleen's transportive function
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Hypochondriac Pain Pattern Variations
Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial pain
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 pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Liver Blood
- Spreads the Liver Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Resolves Dampness
Addresses These Hypochondriac Pain Pattern Variations
Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial pain
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 pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen
- Relieves Liver Qi stagnation
- Nourishes the Blood
Addresses These Hypochondriac Pain Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Hypochondriac pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Liver Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods...
Yin Chen Hao Tang
Addresses these hypochondriac pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears heat
- Resolves dampness
- Reduces jaundice
Addresses These Hypochondriac Pain Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial pain
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 pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood
- Alleviates pain
- Harmonizes Blood
Addresses These Hypochondriac Pain Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Hypochondriac pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Liver Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods...
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Addresses these hypochondriac pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Fire from the Liver and Gallbladder
- Clears and drains Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner
Addresses These Hypochondriac Pain Pattern Variations
Heat Excess in the Liver or Gallbladder
How it manifests:
Fixed pain in the hypochondria
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Headaches, Dizziness, Red and irritated eyes, Hearing loss, Ear swelling...
Yue Ju Wan
Addresses these hypochondriac pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Releases all types of Stagnation (Qi, Blood, Phlegm, Fire, Food and Dampness)
Addresses These Hypochondriac Pain Pattern Variations
Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Fixed pain in the hypochondria
Accompanying symptoms:
General fullness, Moving pain, Depression, Irritability, Mood swings, Sighing
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Hypochondriac pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Da Huang Fu Zi Tang
Addresses these hypochondriac pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Interior
- Disperses Cold
- Unblocks the bowels
- Alleviates pain
Addresses These Hypochondriac Pain Pattern Variations
Exterior Cold invading the Interior
How it manifests:
Hypochondriac pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal pain, Constipation, Chills, Low grade fever, Cold extremities, Sweating that doesn't reduce fever...
San Ren Tang
Addresses these hypochondriac pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Damp-Heat
- Disseminates the Qi
- Facilitates the Qi mechanisms
Addresses These Hypochondriac Pain Pattern Variations
Dampness in the Gallbladder
How it manifests:
Hypochondriac pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Jaundice, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow eyes, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption...
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these hypochondriac pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates the Blood
- Dispels blood Stagnation
- Spreads the Liver Qi
- Unblocks the channels
Addresses These Hypochondriac Pain Pattern Variations
Pericardium Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Hypochondriac pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Purple lips...
Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang
Addresses these hypochondriac pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Regulates the downward flow of Stomach Qi
- Expectorant, treats hiccups
Addresses These Hypochondriac Pain Pattern Variations
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression...
Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang
Addresses these hypochondriac pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and relieves acute conditions of the Gallbladder
- Relieves acute Damp-Heat syndromes
- Resolves Phlegm
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Hypochondriac Pain Pattern Variations
Gallbladder Heat
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Bitter taste in the mouth, Thirst, Dry throat, Hypochondriac pain, Nausea...
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
Addresses these hypochondriac pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver and Spleen Qi Stagnation
- Tonifies Spleen
- Clears Deficient Heat
- Nourishes the blood
Addresses These Hypochondriac Pain Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Hypochondriac pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these hypochondriac pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Eliminates Blood Stagnation below the diaphragm
- Stops pain
- Promotes Qi movement
Addresses These Hypochondriac Pain Pattern Variations
Liver Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods...
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Addresses these hypochondriac pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Regulates the flow of Qi,
- Clears Phlegm
- Treats esophageal spasm
- Descends Rebellious Qi
- Dissipates clumps
- Relieves Stagnation
Addresses These Hypochondriac Pain Pattern Variations
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression...
Yi Guan Jian
Addresses these hypochondriac pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Spreads the Liver Qi
Addresses These Hypochondriac Pain Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Hypochondriac pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Shi Xiao San
Addresses these hypochondriac pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Dispels Blood Stagnation
- Eases pain
Addresses These Hypochondriac Pain Pattern Variations
Liver Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods...
Si Mo Tang
Addresses these hypochondriac pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Directs rebellious Qi downward
- Expands the chest and dissipates clumping
Addresses These Hypochondriac Pain Pattern Variations
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression...
Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang
Addresses these hypochondriac pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Directs rebellious Qi downward
- Stops hiccup
- Augments Qi
- Clears heat
Addresses These Hypochondriac Pain Pattern Variations
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression...
Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang
Addresses these hypochondriac pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Warms the Middle Burner
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
- Stops hiccup
Addresses These Hypochondriac Pain Pattern Variations
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Hypochondrial pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression...