Abdominal tightness according to Chinese Medicine
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.
A herbal formula that might help with abdominal tightness
Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 5 herbs
Key actions: Clears Stagnant Heat in the intestines. Reduces swelling and disperses lumps.
Why might Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang help with abdominal tightness?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Blood Stagnation with Heat' of which guarding of the abdominal musculature is a symptom.
The five Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat abdominal tightness
Why might Dong Quai (Dang Gui) help with abdominal tightness?
Because Dong Quai is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat abdominal tightness as a symptom, like Xiao Yao San or Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang for instance.
Dong Quai is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent and Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Liver and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Blood. Lubricates the Intestines. Relieve constipation. Promotes circulation and dispels Bi Pain. Reduce Dysmenorrhea and help with irregular menstruation.
Why might White Peony Root (Bai Shao) help with abdominal tightness?
Because White Peony Root is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat abdominal tightness as a symptom, like Xiao Yao San or Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang for instance.
White Peony Roots is a Neutral herb that tastes Bitter and Sour. It targets the Liver and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Blood and preserves the Yin. Nourishes the Liver and assists in the smooth flow of Qi. Regulates the meridians and eases the pain.
Why might Rhubarb (Da Huang) help with abdominal tightness?
Because it is a key herb in Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern '' (a pattern with abdominal tightness as a symptom)
Rhubarb is a Cold herb that tastes Bitter. It targets the Spleen, the Stomach, the Large intestine, the Liver and the Pericardium.
Its main actions are: Drains Excess Heat and eliminates Dampness, especially when in the Bright Yang stage according to the Six Stages Theory. Cools the Blood and stops bleeding. Invigorates Blood, breaks up Stasis and relieves pain. Clears Heat and toxins from Excess. Applied topically for Hot sores and Blood Stasis.
Why might Bupleurum Root (Chai Hu) help with abdominal tightness?
Because it is a key herb in Xiao Yao San, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern '' (a pattern with abdominal tightness as a symptom)
Bupleurum Roots is a Cool herb that tastes Bitter. It targets the Gallbladder and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Harmonizes exterior and interior. Smoothes the Liver and upraises the Yang.
Why might Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bo) help with abdominal tightness?
Because it is a key herb in Er Miao San, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern '' (a pattern with abdominal tightness as a symptom)
Phellodendron Bark is a Cold herb that tastes Bitter. It targets the Bladder, the Kidney and the Large intestine.
Its main actions are: Expels Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner. Clears Kidney Yin Deficient Heat. Applied externally or toxic Fire, especially associated with Dampness.
Other symptoms often associated with abdominal tightness
Scanty periods Lower abdominal pain Sore back Dizziness Dark clots in menstrual blood Dark menstrual blood Restlessness Pale face Feeling of heat Sore and weak limbs