Upper Abdominal Focal Distention in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different upper abdominal focal distention patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Upper abdominal focal distention signifies a localized swelling or tightness in the upper abdomen, distinct from general abdominal bloating. This condition, characterized by a perceptible hardening in the epigastric region, can cause discomfort and affect digestion. Unlike widespread abdominal distension, the focal nature of this symptom points to specific underlying imbalances in the body’s energetic and functional systems.
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), upper abdominal focal distention is seen through the lens of disharmony and imbalance within the body's Qi (energy), Body Fluids, and organ systems.
TCM identifies several patterns that can lead to this condition, including the Stagnation of Qi, the accumulation of Phlegm, and imbalances of Heat or Cold Evils in the Stomach and Spleen. Correct diagnosis of the underlying pattern is essential for effective treatment, guiding the choice of acupuncture, herbal remedies, and dietary recommendations.
TCM Patterns for Upper Abdominal Focal Distention
Phlegm
Causes: Epigastric focal distention, Hard epigastric focal distention, Hard focal distention in the epigastrium
Damp-Phlegm
Epigastric focal distention
Along with: Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Nausea, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Obesity, Swollen limbs, Abdominal fat
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Epigastric focal distention
Along with: Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat, Thirst, Head and body heaviness, Dizziness, Copious thick yellow sputum
Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner
Epigastric focal distention
Along with: Upper abdominal focal distention, Abdominal fullness, Dry heaving, Borborygmi with diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Peptic ulcer, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Gastritis, Chronic cholecystitis, Colitis
Stomach Qi Deficiency with Phelgm
Hard epigastric focal distention
Along with: Persistent belching, Hiccups, Vomit, Nausea or vomiting, Upper abdominal focal distention, Chronic gastritis, Stomach prolapse, Stomach dilation, Peptic ulcer, Chronic hepatitis
Phlegm-Fluids in the chest and hypochondrium
Hard focal distention in the epigastrium
Along with: Cough with chest pain, Upper abdominal focal distention, Dry heaving, Shortness of breath, Headaches, Vertigo, Pericardial effusion, Pneumonia, Ascites due to liver cirrhosis, Nephritis
Heat
Causes: Epigastric focal distention
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Epigastric focal distention
Along with: Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat, Thirst, Head and body heaviness, Dizziness, Copious thick yellow sputum
Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner
Epigastric focal distention
Along with: Upper abdominal focal distention, Abdominal fullness, Dry heaving, Borborygmi with diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Peptic ulcer, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Gastritis, Chronic cholecystitis, Colitis
Qi Deficiency
Causes: Hard epigastric focal distention
Stomach Qi Deficiency with Phelgm
Hard epigastric focal distention
Along with: Persistent belching, Hiccups, Vomit, Nausea or vomiting, Upper abdominal focal distention, Chronic gastritis, Stomach prolapse, Stomach dilation, Peptic ulcer, Chronic hepatitis
Dampness
Causes: Epigastric focal distention
Damp-Phlegm
Epigastric focal distention
Along with: Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Nausea, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Obesity, Swollen limbs, Abdominal fat
Herbal Formulas for Upper Abdominal Focal Distention
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address upper abdominal focal distention
Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
Addresses these upper abdominal focal distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Reverses the flow of Rebellious Stomach Qi
- Relieves both Heat and Cold Stagnation in the gastrointestinal tract
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Focal Distention Pattern Variations
Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner
How it manifests:
Epigastric focal distention
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal focal distention, Abdominal fullness, Dry heaving, Borborygmi with diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Peptic ulcer...
Er Chen Tang
Addresses these upper abdominal focal distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Dries Damp and dispels Phlegm
- Regulates Qi and harmonizes the Middle Burner (Stomach and Spleen)
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Focal Distention Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm
How it manifests:
Epigastric focal distention
Accompanying symptoms:
Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Nausea, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst...
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang
Addresses these upper abdominal focal distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Spleen and Stomach Qi
- Removes Dampness
- Moves Qi
- Alleviates pain
- Strengthens the Spleen and Harmonizes the Stomach,
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Focal Distention Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm
How it manifests:
Epigastric focal distention
Accompanying symptoms:
Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Nausea, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst...
Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan
Addresses these upper abdominal focal distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies and warms Kidney Yang
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Focal Distention Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm
How it manifests:
Epigastric focal distention
Accompanying symptoms:
Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Nausea, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst...
Xiao Xian Xiong Tang
Addresses these upper abdominal focal distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Transforms Phlegm
- Expands the chest
- Dissipates clumps
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Focal Distention Pattern Variations
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it manifests:
Epigastric focal distention
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat...
Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang
Addresses these upper abdominal focal distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Regulates the downward flow of Stomach Qi
- Expectorant, treats hiccups
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Focal Distention Pattern Variations
Stomach Qi Deficiency with Phelgm
How it manifests:
Hard epigastric focal distention
Accompanying symptoms:
Persistent belching, Hiccups, Vomit, Nausea or vomiting, Upper abdominal focal distention, Chronic gastritis...
Shi Zao Tang
Addresses these upper abdominal focal distention patterns:
Main Actions
- Purges and drives out Phlegm-Fluids
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Focal Distention Pattern Variations
Phlegm-Fluids in the chest and hypochondrium
How it manifests:
Hard focal distention in the epigastrium
Accompanying symptoms:
Cough with chest pain, Upper abdominal focal distention, Dry heaving, Shortness of breath, Headaches, Vertigo...