Hypochondriac Pain And Discomfort in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different hypochondriac pain and discomfort patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Hypochondriac pain and discomfort refers to a chronic and often fluctuating pain in the upper abdominal area just below the ribs. This symptom can manifest as a sharp or dull pain that may be accompanied by a feeling of tightness or swelling. It typically affects the areas under the lower ribs on either side of the body and can sometimes extend to the chest area, causing significant discomfort. This type of pain is distinct from other abdominal or chest pains due to its specific location and the sensations it involves.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches hypochondriac pain and discomfort quite differently from Western medicine. In TCM, this symptom is often viewed as a manifestation of underlying imbalances or blockages in the body’s vital energy, known as Qi. The condition is not seen merely as a localized problem but as a signal of disharmony among the internal organs, particularly involving the Liver and Gallbladder.
Identifying the correct pattern of disharmony is crucial for treatment in TCM, as the specific causes and symptoms experienced by the patient dictate the approach to healing.
TCM Patterns for Hypochondriac Pain And Discomfort
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause hypochondriac pain and discomfort
Diagnostic signs
Wiry (Xian)
Red with redder sides and dry yellow coating.
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Diagnostic signs
Wiry (Xian)
Red on the sides
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Heat in Gall Bladder
Diagnostic signs
Rapid (Shu), Wiry (Xian)
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Diagnostic signs
Wiry (Xian)
Red on the sides
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Hypochondriac Pain And Discomfort
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address hypochondriac pain and discomfort