Abdominal Tightnessaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Abdominal Pressure and Rigidity
Root Causes of Abdominal Tightness in TCM
Explore below more details about what might cause Abdominal tightness according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Heat
- Dampness
- Stomach
- Large Intestine
- Small Intestine
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 Abdominal Tightness
Common Symptoms: Abdominal Fullness Fever Neck Gland Swelling Headaches Tight Feeling In Chest And Stomach Sticky Taste In The Mouth Absence Of Thirst Feeling Hot
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Damp-Heat | Abdominal tightness, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling hot, Feeling of heaviness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Acne... see more | Er Miao San | Xiao Yao San | Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang |
| Heat in Yang brightness Organs | Tense and firm abdomen, Severe constipation, Excessive gas and flatulence, Focal distention, Abdominal fullness, Abdominal pain worsened by pressure, Abdominal tightness, Pancreatitis, Appendicitis, Cholecystitis, Bacillary dysentery... see more | Da Cheng Qi 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 Abdominal Tightness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Damp-Heat | Abdominal tightness, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling hot, Feeling of heaviness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Acne... see more | Er Miao San | Xiao Yao San | Qing Re Tiao Xue 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 Abdominal Tightness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Heat in Yang brightness Organs | Tense and firm abdomen, Severe constipation, Excessive gas and flatulence, Focal distention, Abdominal fullness, Abdominal pain worsened by pressure, Abdominal tightness, Pancreatitis, Appendicitis, Cholecystitis, Bacillary dysentery... see more | Da Cheng Qi Tang |
Large Intestine
In TCM the Large Intestine is primarily seen as responsible for the absorption of fluids and the excretion of waste. It is closely related to the Lung in terms of energy flow and function, reflecting the interconnectedness of organ systems in TCM. When the Large Intestine malfunctions, it can lead to issues such as constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain, and an inability to let go of emotional waste, like holding onto grief or stress. This is in line with the TCM view that the physical and emotional aspects of health are deeply connected. An imbalanced Large Intestine can also manifest as skin problems, signifying the organ’s role in eliminating toxins and maintaining balance in the body’s internal environment.... see more
Large Intestine Patterns That Can Lead to Abdominal Tightness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Heat in Yang brightness Organs | Tense and firm abdomen, Severe constipation, Excessive gas and flatulence, Focal distention, Abdominal fullness, Abdominal pain worsened by pressure, Abdominal tightness, Pancreatitis, Appendicitis, Cholecystitis, Bacillary dysentery... see more | Da Cheng Qi Tang |
Small Intestine
In TCM the Small Intestine plays a critical role in receiving partially digested food from the Stomach and further separating the clear from the turbid, essentially distinguishing nutrients from waste. This process is vital for proper absorption and assimilation of food. The Small Intestine is also associated with clarity of judgment and decision-making. When it malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to digestive issues such as abdominal pain, bloating, poor appetite, or irregular bowel movements. Additionally, a malfunctioning Small Intestine may manifest as mental confusion or difficulty in making decisions, reflecting its role in discernment and clarity in both physical and mental realms. ... see more
Small Intestine Patterns That Can Lead to Abdominal Tightness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Heat in Yang brightness Organs | Tense and firm abdomen, Severe constipation, Excessive gas and flatulence, Focal distention, Abdominal fullness, Abdominal pain worsened by pressure, Abdominal tightness, Pancreatitis, Appendicitis, Cholecystitis, Bacillary dysentery... see more | Da Cheng Qi Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Abdominal Tightness
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address abdominal tightness, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Heat
- Dampness
- Formulas that expel dampness
- Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
- Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
- Formulas that purge heat accumulation
Top Formula for Heat:
Er Miao San
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause abdominal tightness, such as Damp-Heat
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Abdominal Tightness Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Er Miao San | Damp-Heat |
| Xiao Yao San | Damp-Heat |
| Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang | Damp-Heat |
| Da Cheng Qi Tang | Heat in Yang brightness Organs |
Top Formula for Dampness:
Er Miao San
Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause abdominal tightness, such as Damp-Heat
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Abdominal Tightness Caused by Dampness
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Er Miao San | Damp-Heat |
| Xiao Yao San | Damp-Heat |
| Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang | Damp-Heat |
Formulas that expel Dampness
These formulas are suitable for some abdominal tightness-causing patterns like Damp-Heat.
One such formula is Er Miao San, with phellodendron bark as a key herb.
Formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen
These formulas are suitable for some abdominal tightness-causing patterns like Damp-Heat.
One such formula is Xiao Yao San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness
These formulas are suitable for some abdominal tightness-causing patterns like Damp-Heat.
One such formula is Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang, with mudan peony bark as a key herb.
Formulas that purge Heat accumulation
These formulas are suitable for some abdominal tightness-causing patterns like Heat in Yang brightness Organs.
One such formula is Da Cheng Qi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Abdominal Tightness
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address abdominal tightness, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
Herbs that cool the Blood
Abdominal tightness can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Mudan Peony Bark (Mu Dan Pi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for abdominal tightness, like Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for abdominal tightness
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Mudan Peony Bark (Mu Dan Pi) | Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang |
| Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang) | Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Abdominal tightness 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 Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for abdominal tightness, like Er Miao San.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Abdominal tightness 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 abdominal tightness, like Xiao Yao San.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Abdominal tightness can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for abdominal tightness, like Da Cheng Qi Tang.