Nocturnal Epigastric Painaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Upper Abdominal Pain and Discomfort
Root Causes of Nocturnal Epigastric Pain in TCM
Explore below more details about what might cause Nocturnal epigastric pain according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Blood Stasis
- Stomach
Blood Stasis
Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more
Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Nocturnal Epigastric Pain
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach Blood Stagnation | Severe epigastric pain that may worsen at night, Nocturnal epigastric pain, Abdominal pain worsened by pressure, Nausea or vomiting, Potential vomiting of blood, Hematochezia... see more | Shi Xiao San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang |
Stomach
In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more
Stomach Patterns That Can Lead to Nocturnal Epigastric Pain
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach Blood Stagnation | Severe epigastric pain that may worsen at night, Nocturnal epigastric pain, Abdominal pain worsened by pressure, Nausea or vomiting, Potential vomiting of blood, Hematochezia... see more | Shi Xiao San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Nocturnal Epigastric Pain
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address nocturnal epigastric pain, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Blood Stasis
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Shi Xiao San
Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause nocturnal epigastric pain, such as Stomach Blood Stagnation
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Nocturnal Epigastric Pain Caused by Blood Stasis
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Shi Xiao San | Stomach Blood Stagnation |
| Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Stomach Blood Stagnation |
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
These formulas are suitable for some nocturnal epigastric pain-causing patterns like Stomach Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Shi Xiao San, with cattail pollen as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for nocturnal epigastric pain
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Shi Xiao San | Stomach Blood Stagnation |
| Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Stomach Blood Stagnation |
TCM Herbs for Nocturnal Epigastric Pain
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address nocturnal epigastric pain, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that stop bleeding
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Nocturnal epigastric pain can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Flying Squirrel Faeces (Wu Ling Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for nocturnal epigastric pain, like Shi Xiao San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for nocturnal epigastric pain
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Flying Squirrel Faeces (Wu Ling Zhi) | Shi Xiao San |
| Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang |
| Safflowers (Hong Hua) | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang |
| Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang |
Herbs that stop bleeding
Nocturnal epigastric pain can be treated by these herbs in cases where it is due to internal or external bleeding, working to stabilize and constrict blood flow.
One such herb is Cattail Pollen (Pu Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for nocturnal epigastric pain, like Shi Xiao San.