Abdominal pain according to Chinese Medicine
Gastralgia and Abdominal colic 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.
Subtypes: Abdominal pain after childbirth Abdominal pain relieved by eating Abdominal pain relieved by flatulence Abdominal pain relieved by pressure Abdominal pain relieved by vomiting Abdominal pain relieved by warmth Abdominal pain that worsens with cold Abdominal pain worsened by pressure Burning abdominal pain Epigastric pain
Related conditions: Abdominal bloating Abdominal distension
What is abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain is a sensation of unpleasant feeling indicating potential or actual damage to some body structure felt in the stomach or abdomen.
What causes abdominal pain according to TCM?
There are 44 patterns of disharmony in our database that are associated with abdominal pain. 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 pain here.
Most of the patterns associated with abdominal pain are "Full" (also called "Excess") in nature. This means that according to TCM abdominal pain 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 10 of the patterns associated with abdominal pain. Other pathogenic factors and excesses which might contribute to abdominal pain include "Cold", "Dampness" and "Qi Stagnation".
For more details on the underlying causes and patterns behind abdominal pain, refer to this comprehensive page on the subject.
Herbal formulas used in TCM for abdominal pain
Section coming soon...
Individual herbs used in TCM for abdominal pain
Section coming soon...
Acupuncture and acupressure points for abdominal pain
Section coming soon...
TCM dietary and lifestyle recommendations that might help with abdominal pain
Section coming soon...