Abdominal bloating according to Chinese Medicine

Epigastric fullness, Alvarez syndrome, Abdominal fullness, Feeling of distension and Bloating redirect here

The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.

What is abdominal bloating?

Bloating refers to a sensation of abdominal distension or fullness, that may or may not be associated with measurable distension, but is not part of another functional bowel or gastroduodenal disorder.

What causes abdominal bloating according to TCM?

There are 29 patterns of disharmony in our database that are associated with abdominal bloating. TCM sees our body (and mind) as a holistic system in which health issues stem from imbalances, known as "patterns of disharmony". These patterns can manifest in a wide range of symptoms and illnesses, such as abdominal bloating here.

Most of the patterns associated with abdominal bloating are "Full" (also called "Excess") in nature. This means that according to TCM abdominal bloating is more likely to be an acute condition, caused by an excess of pathological factors or substances that overwhelm the body's defensive capabilities.

"Heat" is the most common of these pathogenic factors, present in 8 of the patterns associated with abdominal bloating. Other pathogenic factors and excesses which might contribute to abdominal bloating include "Dampness", "Phlegm" and "Damp-Heat".

For more details on the underlying causes and patterns behind abdominal bloating, refer to this comprehensive page on the subject.

Herbal formulas used in TCM for abdominal bloating

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Individual herbs used in TCM for abdominal bloating

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Acupuncture and acupressure points for abdominal bloating

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TCM dietary and lifestyle recommendations that might help with abdominal bloating

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