Upper Abdominal Pain in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different upper abdominal pain patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Upper abdominal pain is a common symptom that affects the area above the navel, often reflecting disorders in the upper digestive tract. This discomfort can range from mild to severe and may manifest in various forms, such as epigastric pain, a burning sensation, or a sharp ache in the hypochondriac region. The pain may be intermittent, worsen with pressure, or sometimes alleviate with vomiting, indicating diverse underlying conditions.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets upper abdominal pain through the lens of Qi (energy) flow, organ health, and the balance of Yin and Yang. Unlike Western medicine, which often attributes pain to specific organ pathologies, TCM considers a broader spectrum of imbalances across the body's energy pathways.
Identifying the correct disharmony pattern is crucial for effective treatment, as TCM believes that each symptom, including pain, is a signal of an underlying imbalance.
TCM Patterns for Upper Abdominal Pain
Heat
Intense, ascending pathogenic force that consumes body fluids, disturbs the mind, and accelerates all physiological processes
Causes: Epigastric pain, Abdominal and epigastric pain, Burning abdominal pain, Burning epigastric pain, Intermittent epigastric pain
Heat is a major pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine that can arise from external invasion or internal generation. Heat has the characteristics of burning intensity, rising upward, consuming qi and fluids, and generating wind and disturbing blood. In TCM philosophy, normal physiological warmth is called "minor fire" (少火) which maintains life functions, while pathological heat is "major fire" (壮火) which damages the body.
Damp-Heat in the Stomach
Epigastric pain
Along with: Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal fullness, Feeling of heaviness, Face pain, Congested nose, Thick nasal discharge, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea, Feeling of heat, Dull yellow complexion, Sticky taste in the mouth
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Epigastric pain
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
Damp-Heat invading the Spleen
Abdominal and epigastric pain
Along with: Loss of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea or vomiting, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal burning, Feeling of heat, Scanty and dark urine, Low grade fever, Dull headache, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow sclera, Oily sweat, Itchy rashes, Bitter taste in the mouth, Upper abdominal fullness, Upper abdominal pain
Heat in Lessor Yang
Burning abdominal pain
Along with: Fever, Bitter taste in the mouth, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Sticky taste in the mouth, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal irritation, Upper abdominal burning pain, Tenesmus
Stomach Heat or Fire
Burning epigastric pain
Along with: Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Nausea, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Bad breath, Feeling of heat, Acne
Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat
Intermittent epigastric pain
Along with: Intermittent upper abdominal pain, Hernia-Related pain, Dysmenorrhea exacerbated by hot food or drinks, Irritability, Bitter taste in the mouth, Peptic ulcer, Chronic gastritis, Hepatitis, Cholecystitis
Qi Stagnation
Blocked or disrupted flow of vital energy causing distending pain, emotional distress, and symptoms that worsen with stress
Causes: Epigastric pain, Epigastic pain, Intermittent epigastric pain
Qi Stagnation is a fundamental pathological pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the smooth flow of vital energy becomes obstructed, creating areas of pressure, pain, and dysfunction throughout the body.
Stomach Qi Stagnation
Epigastric pain
Along with: Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Belching, Nausea, Vomit, Hiccups, Irritability
Liver Qi Stagnation
Epigastic 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
Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat
Intermittent epigastric pain
Along with: Intermittent upper abdominal pain, Hernia-Related pain, Dysmenorrhea exacerbated by hot food or drinks, Irritability, Bitter taste in the mouth, Peptic ulcer, Chronic gastritis, Hepatitis, Cholecystitis
Phlegm
Thick, sticky pathological fluid that obstructs body functions and can manifest anywhere in the body
Causes: Epigastric pain
Phlegm is both a pathological product and a pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It results from impaired fluid metabolism when the body's transformative functions fail, particularly affecting the Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys. Classical texts emphasize that "the Spleen is the source of phlegm production, while the Lungs are the storage vessel for phlegm."
Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder
Epigastric pain
Along with: Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary dysfunction, Hematuria
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Epigastric pain
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
Dampness
Heavy, sticky moisture that obstructs body functions and creates sluggishness
Causes: Epigastric pain, Abdominal and epigastric pain
Dampness manifests as swelling, bloating, a feeling of heaviness in the head and limbs, and digestive issues. It's like having waterlogged tissues that make everything feel heavy and slow. Common signs include a thick, greasy tongue coating, sticky mouth sensation, and stools that are difficult to flush.
Damp-Heat in the Stomach
Epigastric pain
Along with: Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal fullness, Feeling of heaviness, Face pain, Congested nose, Thick nasal discharge, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea, Feeling of heat, Dull yellow complexion, Sticky taste in the mouth
Damp-Heat invading the Spleen
Abdominal and epigastric pain
Along with: Loss of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea or vomiting, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal burning, Feeling of heat, Scanty and dark urine, Low grade fever, Dull headache, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow sclera, Oily sweat, Itchy rashes, Bitter taste in the mouth, Upper abdominal fullness, Upper abdominal pain
Qi Rebellion
Qi flowing against its natural direction, typically surging upward when it should descend
Causes: Epigastric pain
Qi Rebellion represents a fundamental disruption in the body's energy flow, where qi moves against its proper direction - like water flowing uphill or smoke sinking downward. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each organ has a natural directional flow for its qi, and when this flow reverses, it creates a cascade of symptoms that shoot upward through the body.
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
Epigastric 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
Yin Deficiency
Depletion of cooling, moistening fluids causing dryness, false heat rising, and restless agitation throughout the body
Causes: Epigastric pain, Epigastic pain
Yin Deficiency represents a fundamental pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the body's yin fluids - blood, essence, and body fluids - become depleted, losing their ability to cool, moisten, and anchor the yang energy, resulting in relative hyperactivity of yang and internal heat manifestations.
Stomach Yin Deficiency
Epigastric pain, Epigastic pain
Along with: Loss of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating
Blood Stasis
Blood that is no longer flowing smoothly through the vessels
Causes: Epigastric pain
Blood Stasis represents blood that is no longer flowing smoothly through the vessels, either moving too slowly, pooling in certain areas, or congealing into clots. It's one of the most important pathological conditions in Traditional Chinese Medicine and can be both a result of disease and a cause of further illness.
Stomach Blood Stagnation
Epigastric pain
Along with: Nocturnal epigastric pain, Abdominal pain worsened by pressure, Nausea or vomiting, Potential vomiting of blood, Hematochezia
Yin Excess
Pathological accumulation of cold, heavy substances causing stagnation, obstruction, and suppression of yang energy with internal cold manifestations
Causes: Epigastric pain worsen by pressure
Yin Excess represents patterns in Traditional Chinese Medicine where yin-natured pathological substances - cold, phlegm, dampness, and fluids - accumulate excessively in the body, overwhelming yang energy and causing obstruction, stagnation, and cold manifestations throughout the system.
Yin Excess
Epigastric pain worsen by pressure
Along with: Absence of thirst, Slow and forceful movement, Polyuria, Feeling of chest oppression, Nausea, Excessive vaginal discharge, Loss of appetite, Pain relieved by heat, Chills, Cold extremities, Pale urine
Cold
Congeals body fluids, damages Yang Qi, and causes pain with fixed location
Causes: Severe epigastric pain
Cold is the predominant pathogenic factor of winter in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cold represents an environmental pathogen that, when excessive, causes disease characterized by its cold, congealing, and contracting nature. While Cold is the main pathogen of winter, it can cause illness in any season through exposure to cold temperatures, getting caught in rain, sweating followed by wind exposure, or excessive air conditioning.
Cold invading the Stomach
Severe epigastric pain
Along with: Severe upper abdominal pain, Chills, Cold extremities, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Nausea, Feeling worse after drinking cold drinks
Herbal Formulas for Upper Abdominal Pain
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address upper abdominal pain
Ban Xia Hou Po Tang
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Moves Qi and Dissipates Nodules
- Descends Qi
- Resolves Phlegm
- Dries Dampness
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Epigastric pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression...
Stomach Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Epigastric pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Belching, Nausea, Vomit, Hiccups...
Lian Po Yin
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Drains Dampness
- Regulates Qi and Harmonizes the Middle Burner
- Dries Dampness
- Stops Vomiting
- Eliminates Focal Distention and Fullness
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat in the Stomach
How it manifests:
Epigastric pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal fullness, Feeling of heaviness, Face pain, Congested nose, Thick nasal discharge...
Damp-Heat invading the Spleen
How it manifests:
Abdominal and epigastric pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea or vomiting, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal burning...
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Courses the Liver and Resolves Constraint
- Moves Qi and Alleviates Pain
- Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis
- Harmonizes the Liver and Spleen
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Epigastic pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Middle Burner
- Descends Qi
- Tonifies Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Hiccup
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Epigastric pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression...
Fei Er Wan
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Expels Parasites
- Promotes Digestion and Resolves Food Stagnation
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Clears Stomach Heat
- Moves Qi
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Burning epigastric pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Ge Hua Jie Cheng San
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Separates and reduces alcohol-Dampness
- Warms the Middle Burner
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Relieves Alcohol Toxicity
- Promotes Urination and Drains Dampness
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat in the Stomach
How it manifests:
Epigastric pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal fullness, Feeling of heaviness, Face pain, Congested nose, Thick nasal discharge...
Hua Ban Tang
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat from the Qi level
- Cools the Blood
- Resolves Toxicity
- Cools the Blood and Resolves Macules
- Nourishes Yin
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Burning epigastric pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Huang Qin Tang
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Stops Diarrhea
- Harmonizes the Middle Burner
- Relieves Abdominal Pain
- Nourishes Yin and Blood
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Heat in Lessor Yang
How it manifests:
Burning abdominal pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Bitter taste in the mouth, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Sticky taste in the mouth, Malodorous diarrhea...
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Aromatically Transforms Dampness
- Disperses Wind-Cold from the Exterior
- Regulates Qi and Harmonizes the Middle Burner
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Vomiting
- Strengthens the Spleen and Stops Diarrhea
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Cold invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Severe epigastric pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Severe upper abdominal pain, Chills, Cold extremities, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Nausea...
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Courses the Liver and Resolves Constraint
- Clears Heat from the Liver and Blood
- Nourishes Blood
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Harmonizes the Liver and Spleen
- Regulates menstruation
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Epigastic pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Jin Ling Zi San
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Courses the Liver and Drains Heat
- Moves Qi and Alleviates Pain
- Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis
- Soothes the Liver and Regulates Qi
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat
How it manifests:
Intermittent epigastric pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Intermittent upper abdominal pain, Hernia-Related pain, Dysmenorrhea exacerbated by hot food or drinks, Irritability, Bitter taste in the mouth, Peptic ulcer...
Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Hiccup
- Clears Stomach Heat
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Tonifies Qi
- Stops Vomiting
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Epigastric pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression...
Liang Fu Wan
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Interior and Dispels Cold
- Soothes the Liver and Regulates Qi
- Alleviates Pain
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Cold invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Severe epigastric pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Severe upper abdominal pain, Chills, Cold extremities, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Nausea...
Mai Men Dong Tang
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Lung and Stomach Yin
- Clears Deficiency Heat
- Descends Qi
- Generates Fluids
- Moistens Dryness
- Descends Lung Qi and Stops Cough
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Stomach Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Epigastric pain, Epigastic pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating
Qing Wei San
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Stomach Heat
- Cools the Blood
- Nourishes Yin
- Resolves Toxicity
- Disperses Depressed Heat
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Burning epigastric pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
San Jin Pai Shi Tang
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Promotes Urination
- Unblocks painful urinary dysfunction and expels stones
- Clears Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner
- Softens hardness and dissolves stones
- Promotes Urination and Drains Dampness
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder
How it manifests:
Epigastric pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary dysfunction, Hematuria
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Drains Dampness
- Stops Diarrhea
- Tonifies Lung Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Stomach Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Epigastric pain, Epigastic pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating
Si Mo Tang
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Moves Qi
- Descends Qi
- Soothes the Liver and Regulates Qi
- Broadens the Chest and Dissipates Nodules
- Supports the Upright and Dispels Pathogens
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Epigastric pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression...
Si Ni San
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Soothes the Liver and Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Liver and Spleen
- Courses the Liver and Resolves Constraint
- Transmits Yang and unblocks counterflow
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Phlegm in Kidneys or Gallbladder
How it manifests:
Epigastric pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Frequent and urgent urination, Urinary dysfunction, Hematuria
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Mildly Purges Heat Accumulation
- Softens Hardness and Moistens Dryness
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Clears Interior Heat
- Promotes Bowel Movement
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Burning epigastric pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Wu Ling San
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes Urination and Drains Dampness
- Warms Yang and Transforms Qi
- Releases the Exterior
- Supplements Earth to Control Water
- Resolves Phlegm-Fluid Retention
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Yin Excess
How it manifests:
Epigastric pain worsen by pressure
Accompanying symptoms:
Absence of thirst, Slow and forceful movement, Polyuria, Feeling of chest oppression, Nausea, Excessive vaginal discharge...
Wu Pi Yin
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes Urination and Reduces Edema
- Transforms Dampness and Moves Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Descends Lung Qi to open the water pathways
- Moves Qi and Relieves Distension
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Yin Excess
How it manifests:
Epigastric pain worsen by pressure
Accompanying symptoms:
Absence of thirst, Slow and forceful movement, Polyuria, Feeling of chest oppression, Nausea, Excessive vaginal discharge...
Wu Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Middle Burner and tonifies deficiency
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Vomiting
- Warms the Liver Channel and Dispels Cold
- Warms the Interior and Dispels Cold
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Cold invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Severe epigastric pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Severe upper abdominal pain, Chills, Cold extremities, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Nausea...
Xiao Xian Xiong Tang
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Transforms Phlegm
- Broadens the Chest and Dissipates Nodules
- Descends Qi and Resolves Binding
- Eliminates Focal Distention
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it manifests:
Epigastric pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat...
Xiao Yao San
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Courses the Liver and Resolves Constraint
- Nourishes Blood and Softens the Liver
- Strengthens the Spleen and Harmonizes the Middle
- Harmonizes the Liver and Spleen
- Regulates menstruation
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Epigastic pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Xie Huang San
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat from the Spleen and Stomach
- Clears Heat and Drains Fire from the Middle Burner
- Disperses Depressed Heat
- Awakens the Spleen and Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Burning epigastric pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Descends Qi
- Resolves Phlegm
- Tonifies Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Eliminates Focal Distention
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Epigastric pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression...
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis
- Moves Qi and Alleviates Pain
- Opens the Chest and Disperses Stagnation
- Courses the Liver and Resolves Constraint
- Guides Herbs and Blood Downward
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Stomach Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Epigastric pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Nocturnal epigastric pain, Abdominal pain worsened by pressure, Nausea or vomiting, Potential vomiting of blood, Hematochezia
Yi Guan Jian
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin
- Soothes the Liver and Regulates Qi
- Nourishes Blood and Softens the Liver
- Generates Fluids
- Courses the Liver and Drains Heat
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Epigastic pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Yi Wei Tang
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Protects the Stomach
- Generates Fluids
- Moistens Dryness
- Clears deficiency Heat from the Stomach
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Stomach Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Epigastric pain, Epigastic pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating
Yue Ju Wan
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Moves Qi and Resolves Stagnation
- Resolves the Six Stagnations (Liu Yu)
- Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis
- Clears Heat and Drains Fire
- Dries Dampness and strengthens the Spleen
- Promotes Digestion and Resolves Food Stagnation
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Epigastic pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Zuo Jin Wan
Addresses these upper abdominal pain patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver Fire
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Vomiting
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Drains Dampness
- Disperses Accumulations and Dissipates Nodules
Addresses These Upper Abdominal Pain Pattern Variations
Stomach Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Epigastric pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Belching, Nausea, Vomit, Hiccups...
Shi Xiao San
Traditional formula for upper abdominal pain
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis
- Dissipates Nodules and Softens Hardness
- Alleviates Pain
Bao He Wan
Traditional formula for upper abdominal pain
Main Actions
- Promotes Digestion and Resolves Food Stagnation
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Moves Qi
- Transforms Dampness
- Clears Heat from food stagnation
Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan
Traditional formula for upper abdominal pain
Main Actions
- Promotes Digestion and Resolves Food Stagnation
- Clears Heat and Drains Dampness
- Moves Qi and Relieves Distension
- Purges Heat and Unblocks the Bowels
- Dries Dampness in the Intestines
Gua Di San
Traditional formula for upper abdominal pain
Main Actions
- Induces Vomiting to Expel Phlegm
- Expels pathogenic factors from the chest
- Unblocks Qi Stagnation in the Upper Jiao