Upper Abdominal Oppressionaccording to TCM
What is Upper Abdominal Oppression?
Upper abdominal oppression describes a sensation of pressure, tightness, or discomfort in the area between the chest and the navel. It is often experienced as a feeling of constriction that can affect breathing and digestion, making the individual feel as though they cannot fully expand their abdomen.
This condition can vary in intensity, from a mild, barely noticeable discomfort to a severe, debilitating sensation that impacts daily activities and quality of life.
How does TCM View Upper Abdominal Oppression?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), upper abdominal oppression is seen through a holistic lens, attributed to imbalances within the body's organ systems and the flow of Qi (vital energy).
TCM practitioners believe that this symptom arises from disharmony between the Liver and Spleen, obstruction by Phlegm, or the Stagnation of Qi, reflecting an underlying imbalance that requires a targeted treatment strategy. Recognizing the specific pattern of disharmony is crucial for effective intervention, emphasizing the importance of a personalized approach in TCM.
Root Causes of Upper Abdominal Oppression in TCM
TCM identifies several potential causes for upper abdominal oppression, focusing on patterns of disharmony within the body. One common cause is Phlegm-Heat, characterized by symptoms like a feeling of oppression in the epigastrium and mucous in feces. Formulas such as Wen Dan Tang and Ding Chuan Tang are recommended for their properties in drying Dampness and transforming Phlegm.
Another cause is Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation, presenting as a feeling of oppression and fullness of the epigastrium and irritability. Ping Wei San and Dang Gui Shao Yao San are used to transform Dampness and invigorate Blood, addressing both the obstruction and the underlying Liver Qi Stagnation.
Explore below more details about what might cause Upper abdominal oppression according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Heat
- Phlegm
- Qi Stagnation
- Dampness
- Qi Rebellion
- View More Causes
- Liver
- Stomach
- Spleen
Heat
In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more
Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Upper Abdominal Oppression
Common Symptoms: Nausea Diarrhea Mucous In Feces Depression Flushed Face Restlessness Feeling Of Oppression Of The Chest Dry Mouth
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Phlegm-Heat | A feeling of oppression in the epigastrium, Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces, Depression | Wen Dan Tang | Ding Chuan Tang | Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Gun Tan Wan |
| Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation | Feeling of oppression and fullness of the epigastrium, Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Lack of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Dull shallow face, Irritability, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac distention, Hypochondriac pain... see more | Ping Wei San | Dang Gui Shao Yao San |
| Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen | A feeling of oppression in chest and epigastrium, Head and body heaviness, Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Diarrhea, Fever not reduced by sweating... see more | Lian Po Yin | Ge Hua Jie Cheng San | Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang |
Phlegm
In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more
Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Upper Abdominal Oppression
Common Symptoms: Depression Mucous In Feces Flushed Face Restlessness Feeling Of Oppression Of The Chest Dry Mouth Copious Thick Yellow Sputum Focal Distention
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Phlegm-Heat | A feeling of oppression in the epigastrium, Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces, Depression | Wen Dan Tang | Ding Chuan Tang | Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Gun Tan Wan |
| Qi-Phlegm | A feeling of oppression in chest and epigastrium, Globus sensation, Dysphagia, Upper abdominal oppression, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression... see more | Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang |
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 Upper Abdominal Oppression
Common Symptoms: Irritability Nausea Lack Of Appetite Diarrhea Feeling Of Heaviness Dry Mouth Without Desire To Drink Dull Shallow Face Upper Abdominal Distension
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation | Feeling of oppression and fullness of the epigastrium, Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Lack of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Dull shallow face, Irritability, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac distention, Hypochondriac pain... see more | Ping Wei San | Dang Gui Shao Yao San |
| Qi-Phlegm | A feeling of oppression in chest and epigastrium, Globus sensation, Dysphagia, Upper abdominal oppression, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression... see more | Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang |
Dampness
"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more
Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Upper Abdominal Oppression
Common Symptoms: Nausea Diarrhea Lack Of Appetite Feeling Of Heaviness Dry Mouth Without Desire To Drink Dull Shallow Face Irritability Upper Abdominal Distension
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation | Feeling of oppression and fullness of the epigastrium, Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Lack of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Dull shallow face, Irritability, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac distention, Hypochondriac pain... see more | Ping Wei San | Dang Gui Shao Yao San |
| Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen | A feeling of oppression in chest and epigastrium, Head and body heaviness, Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Diarrhea, Fever not reduced by sweating... see more | Lian Po Yin | Ge Hua Jie Cheng San | Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang |
Qi Rebellion
Rebellious Qi in TCM is a bit like having a rebel inside your body. Qi, which is the vital energy flowing through your body, is supposed to move in certain directions to keep everything in balance and working well. But with Rebellious Qi, this energy decides to go the opposite way. Think of it like a river flowing upstream instead of downstream. This can cause various issues like heartburn, coughing, or even headaches. It's as if the body's natural flow is disrupted, creating a kind of internal chaos. TCM focuses on correcting this flow, restoring order and balance.... see more
Qi Rebellion Patterns That Can Lead to Upper Abdominal Oppression
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach | A feeling of oppression in the epigastrium, Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression, Acid reflux, Hiccups, Belching, Nausea or vomiting, Sighing, Weak limbs... see more | Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang | Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang | Si Mo Tang | Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang | Ding Xiang Shi Di 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 Upper Abdominal Oppression
Common Symptoms: Irritability Upper Abdominal Distension Hypochondriac Pain Hypochondriac Distention Upper Abdominal Pain Acid Reflux Hiccups Belching
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach | A feeling of oppression in the epigastrium, Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression, Acid reflux, Hiccups, Belching, Nausea or vomiting, Sighing, Weak limbs... see more | Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang | Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang | Si Mo Tang | Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang | Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang |
| Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation | Feeling of oppression and fullness of the epigastrium, Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Lack of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Dull shallow face, Irritability, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac distention, Hypochondriac pain... see more | Ping Wei San | Dang Gui Shao Yao San |
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 Upper Abdominal Oppression
Common Symptoms: Irritability Upper Abdominal Pain Upper Abdominal Distension Hypochondriac Pain Hypochondriac Distention Acid Reflux Hiccups Belching
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach | A feeling of oppression in the epigastrium, Irritability, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal oppression, Acid reflux, Hiccups, Belching, Nausea or vomiting, Sighing, Weak limbs... see more | Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang | Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang | Si Mo Tang | Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang | Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang |
| Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen | A feeling of oppression in chest and epigastrium, Head and body heaviness, Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Diarrhea, Fever not reduced by sweating... see more | Lian Po Yin | Ge Hua Jie Cheng San | Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang |
Spleen
In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more
Spleen Patterns That Can Lead to Upper Abdominal Oppression
Common Symptoms: Nausea Diarrhea Lack Of Appetite Feeling Of Heaviness Dry Mouth Without Desire To Drink Dull Shallow Face Irritability Upper Abdominal Distension
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation | Feeling of oppression and fullness of the epigastrium, Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Lack of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Dull shallow face, Irritability, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac distention, Hypochondriac pain... see more | Ping Wei San | Dang Gui Shao Yao San |
| Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen | A feeling of oppression in chest and epigastrium, Head and body heaviness, Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Diarrhea, Fever not reduced by sweating... see more | Lian Po Yin | Ge Hua Jie Cheng San | Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Upper Abdominal Oppression
To treat upper abdominal oppression, TCM practitioners select formulas based on the identified pattern of disharmony. For Phlegm-Heat, Wen Dan Tang and Ding Chuan Tang are chosen for their effectiveness in clearing Heat and transforming Phlegm.
For cases involving Dampness obstruction and Liver Qi Stagnation, Ping Wei San and Dang Gui Shao Yao San are preferred for their ability to harmonize the Stomach and invigorate Blood. This targeted approach ensures that treatment addresses not only the symptoms but also the root cause of the discomfort, reflecting TCM's holistic perspective on healing.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address upper abdominal oppression, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Heat
- Phlegm
- Qi Stagnation
- Dampness
- Qi Rebellion
- View More Causes
- Formulas for a rebellious qi
- Formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm
- Formulas that promote qi movement
- Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
- Formulas that transform dampness and harmonize stomach
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
- Formulas that reduce food stagnation with tonification
- Formulas that tonify qi
Top Formula for Heat:
Wen Dan Tang
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause upper abdominal oppression, such as Phlegm-Heat
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Upper Abdominal Oppression Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Wen Dan Tang | Phlegm-Heat |
| Ding Chuan Tang | Phlegm-Heat |
| Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Phlegm-Heat |
| Gun Tan Wan | Phlegm-Heat |
| Ping Wei San | Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation |
| Dang Gui Shao Yao San | Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation |
| Lian Po Yin | Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen |
| Ge Hua Jie Cheng San | Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen |
| Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang | Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen |
Top Formula for Phlegm:
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Suitable for Phlegm patterns that may cause upper abdominal oppression, such as Qi-Phlegm
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Upper Abdominal Oppression Caused by Phlegm
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang | Qi-Phlegm |
| Wen Dan Tang | Phlegm-Heat |
| Ding Chuan Tang | Phlegm-Heat |
| Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Phlegm-Heat |
| Gun Tan Wan | Phlegm-Heat |
Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause upper abdominal oppression, such as Qi-Phlegm
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Upper Abdominal Oppression Caused by Qi Stagnation
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang | Qi-Phlegm |
| Ping Wei San | Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation |
| Dang Gui Shao Yao San | Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation |
Top Formula for Dampness:
Ping Wei San
Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause upper abdominal oppression, such as Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Upper Abdominal Oppression Caused by Dampness
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Ping Wei San | Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation |
| Dang Gui Shao Yao San | Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation |
| Lian Po Yin | Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen |
| Ge Hua Jie Cheng San | Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen |
| Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang | Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen |
Top Formula for Qi Rebellion:
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Suitable for Qi Rebellion patterns that may cause upper abdominal oppression, such as Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Upper Abdominal Oppression Caused by Qi Rebellion
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang | Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach |
| Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang | Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach |
| Si Mo Tang | Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach |
| Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang | Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach |
| Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang | Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach |
Formulas for a rebellious Qi
These formulas are suitable for some upper abdominal oppression-causing patterns like Phlegm-Heat.
One such formula is Ding Chuan Tang, with ginkgo nuts as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas for a rebellious qi" recommended for upper abdominal oppression
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ding Chuan Tang | Phlegm-Heat |
| Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang | Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach |
| Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang | Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach |
| Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang | Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach |
Formulas that promote Qi movement
These formulas are suitable for some upper abdominal oppression-causing patterns like Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach or Qi-Phlegm.
One such formula is Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that promote qi movement" recommended for upper abdominal oppression
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang | Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach, Qi-Phlegm |
| Si Mo Tang | Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach |
Formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm
These formulas are suitable for some upper abdominal oppression-causing patterns like Phlegm-Heat.
One such formula is Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan, with arisaema with bile as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm" recommended for upper abdominal oppression
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Phlegm-Heat |
| Gun Tan Wan | Phlegm-Heat |
Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm
These formulas are suitable for some upper abdominal oppression-causing patterns like Phlegm-Heat.
One such formula is Wen Dan Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that transform Dampness and harmonize Stomach
These formulas are suitable for some upper abdominal oppression-causing patterns like Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation.
One such formula is Ping Wei San, with black atractylodes rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
These formulas are suitable for some upper abdominal oppression-causing patterns like Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation.
One such formula is Dang Gui Shao Yao San, with white peony root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness
These formulas are suitable for some upper abdominal oppression-causing patterns like Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen.
One such formula is Lian Po Yin, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that reduce food Stagnation with tonification
These formulas are suitable for some upper abdominal oppression-causing patterns like Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen.
One such formula is Ge Hua Jie Cheng San, with kudzu flower as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi
These formulas are suitable for some upper abdominal oppression-causing patterns like Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen.
One such formula is Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Upper Abdominal Oppression
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address upper abdominal oppression, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that stop bleeding
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Upper abdominal oppression can be treated by these herbs when it is related to heat-phlegm accumulation, aiding in dissolving phlegm and soothing the respiratory system.
One such herb is Arisaema With Bile (Dan Nan Xing), a key herb in some formulas recommended for upper abdominal oppression, like Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for upper abdominal oppression
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Arisaema With Bile (Dan Nan Xing) | Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan |
| Chlorite Schist (Meng Shi) | Gun Tan Wan |
| Bamboo Shavings (Zhu Ru) | Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang |
Herbs that regulate Qi
Upper abdominal oppression can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.
One such herb is Lindera Roots (Wu Yao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for upper abdominal oppression, like Si Mo Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that regulate Qi" recommended for upper abdominal oppression
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Lindera Roots (Wu Yao) | Si Mo Tang |
| Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi) | Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang |
| Persimmon Calyxes (Shi Di) | Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang |
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Upper abdominal oppression can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), a key herb in some formulas recommended for upper abdominal oppression, like Wen Dan Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for upper abdominal oppression
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) | Wen Dan Tang | Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang |
| Inula Flowers (Xuan Fu Hua) | Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang |
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Upper abdominal oppression can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for upper abdominal oppression, like Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness" recommended for upper abdominal oppression
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu) | Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang | Lian Po Yin |
| Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu) | Ping Wei San |
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Upper abdominal oppression can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Ginkgo Nuts (Bai Guo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for upper abdominal oppression, like Ding Chuan Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Upper abdominal oppression 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 upper abdominal oppression, like Ding Chuan Tang.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Upper abdominal oppression 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 Cloves (Ding Xiang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for upper abdominal oppression, like Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Upper abdominal oppression can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is White Peony Roots (Bai Shao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for upper abdominal oppression, like Dang Gui Shao Yao San.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Upper abdominal oppression can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for upper abdominal oppression, like Lian Po Yin.
Herbs that stop bleeding
Upper abdominal oppression 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 Kudzu Flowers (Ge Hua), a key herb in some formulas recommended for upper abdominal oppression, like Ge Hua Jie Cheng San.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Upper abdominal oppression can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for upper abdominal oppression, like Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang.