Flank Painaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Renal and Side Pain
Did you mean? Renal Colic
What is Flank Pain?
Flank pain, commonly experienced as a discomfort or ache in the side of the body between the ribs and the hip, is a symptom that can indicate various underlying conditions. This type of pain can range from a mild, dull ache to severe, sharp discomfort.
It is often associated with issues in the Kidneys or urinary tract, but can also be a sign of musculoskeletal problems or gastrointestinal diseases. Due to its varied potential causes, flank pain is a symptom that typically necessitates further medical evaluation to determine its origin.
How does TCM view Flank Pain?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches flank pain from a holistic standpoint, diverging significantly from the more localized perspective of Western medicine. In TCM, flank pain is not merely a symptom of a localized issue but a manifestation of broader patterns of disharmony within the body.
It emphasizes that symptoms like flank pain can be the result of various imbalances, and pinpointing the correct pattern of disharmony is crucial for effective treatment. This approach reflects TCM's focus on restoring overall balance and harmony in the body.
Root Causes of Flank Pain in TCM
In TCM, flank pain is often attributed to specific patterns of disharmony, with a particular focus on the concept of Qi Stagnation. One prevalent cause is Liver Qi Stagnation, where the smooth flow of energy (Qi) in the Liver is disrupted.
This disruption can lead to symptoms such as hypochondriac distention, chest and upper abdominal distension, and emotional symptoms like melancholia and mood swings. The idea is that emotional stress or lifestyle factors can lead to a stagnation of Qi, which manifests physically as flank pain. This perspective highlights TCM’s view of the interconnectedness of emotional well-being and physical health.
Explore below more details about what might cause Flank pain according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Qi Stagnation
- Cold
- Liver
Qi Stagnation
Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more
Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Flank Pain
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Qi Stagnation | Flank pain, 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... see more | Chai Hu Shu Gan San |
Cold
In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more
Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Flank Pain
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Cold | Flank pain, Postpartum abdominal pain, Abdominal cold sensation, Hernia-Related pain, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth... see more | Dang Gui Sheng Jiang Yang Rou Tang | Wu Ji San | Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang |
Liver
In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more
Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Flank Pain
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Qi Stagnation | Flank pain, 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... see more | Chai Hu Shu Gan San |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Flank Pain
To address flank pain, TCM employs specific formulas and herbs, particularly those that promote the movement of Qi and release Exterior conditions. A prime example is the use of the formula Chai Hu Shu Gan San, which includes Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu).
The choice of such formulas in TCM is guided by the principle of restoring the smooth flow of Qi, thus not only alleviating the symptom of flank pain but also addressing the underlying disharmony in the body’s energy system.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address flank pain, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Qi Stagnation
- Cold
- Formulas that promote qi movement
- Formulas that tonify qi and blood
- Formulas that release the exterior and warm the interior
- Formulas that vent membrane source
Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause flank pain, such as Liver Qi Stagnation
Learn more
Top Formula for Cold:
Dang Gui Sheng Jiang Yang Rou Tang
Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause flank pain, such as Interior Cold
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Flank Pain Caused by Cold
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Dang Gui Sheng Jiang Yang Rou Tang | Interior Cold |
| Wu Ji San | Interior Cold |
| Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang | Interior Cold |
Formulas that promote Qi movement
These formulas are suitable for some flank pain-causing patterns like Liver Qi Stagnation.
One such formula is Chai Hu Shu Gan San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood
These formulas are suitable for some flank pain-causing patterns like Interior Cold.
One such formula is Dang Gui Sheng Jiang Yang Rou Tang, with mutton as a key herb.
Formulas that Release the Exterior and Warm the Interior
These formulas are suitable for some flank pain-causing patterns like Interior Cold.
Formulas that vent membrane source
These formulas are suitable for some flank pain-causing patterns like Interior Cold.
One such formula is Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Flank Pain
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address flank pain, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Herbs that drain dampness
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Flank pain can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Ephedra (Ma Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for flank pain, like Wu Ji San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for flank pain
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ephedra (Ma Huang) | Wu Ji San |
| Angelica Roots (Bai Zhi) | Wu Ji San |
| Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang |
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Flank pain can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for flank pain, like Chai Hu Shu Gan San.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Flank pain can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Muttons (Yang Rou), a key herb in some formulas recommended for flank pain, like Dang Gui Sheng Jiang Yang Rou Tang.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Flank pain can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), a key herb in some formulas recommended for flank pain, like Wu Ji San.