Hypochondriac Pain And Discomfortaccording to TCM

Root Causes of Hypochondriac Pain And Discomfort in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Hypochondriac pain and discomfort according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Heat
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Liver
  • Gallbladder
  • Lung
Detailed description of the cause

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 Hypochondriac Pain And Discomfort

Common Symptoms: Bitter Taste In The Mouth Thirst Headaches Dizziness Flushed Face Eye Hyperemia Scanty And Dark Urine Constipation

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Fire insulting the Lungs Distention and pain in the chest and hypochondria, Shortness of breath, Asthma, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Cough with yellow or blood tinged sputum, Headaches, Dizziness, Flushed face, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Eye hyperemia, Scanty and dark urine, Constipation... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Ke Xie Fang
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire Distention and pain in the chest and hypochondria, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling hot, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Heat in Gall Bladder Distention and pain in the chest and hypochondria, Mild chills with high fever, Bitter taste in the mouth, Stifling sensation in the chest, Vomiting of sour fluids, Thirst, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Nausea, Upper abdominal fullness, Cholecystitis, Icteric hepatitis... see more Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang
Detailed description of the cause

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 Hypochondriac Pain And Discomfort

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire Distention and pain in the chest and hypochondria, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling hot, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Detailed description of the cause

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 Hypochondriac Pain And Discomfort

Common Symptoms: Headaches Dizziness Flushed Face Thirst Bitter Taste In The Mouth Eye Hyperemia Scanty And Dark Urine Constipation

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Fire insulting the Lungs Distention and pain in the chest and hypochondria, Shortness of breath, Asthma, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Cough with yellow or blood tinged sputum, Headaches, Dizziness, Flushed face, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Eye hyperemia, Scanty and dark urine, Constipation... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Ke Xie Fang
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire Distention and pain in the chest and hypochondria, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling hot, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Detailed description of the cause

Gallbladder

In TCM the Gallbladder has a unique role in storing and excreting bile, but more importantly, it's seen as crucial for decision-making and courage. It's closely connected to the Liver, assisting in the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) and supporting the Liver's role in maintaining emotional balance. When the Gallbladder malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to physical symptoms like gallstones, jaundice, or a bitter taste in the mouth. There might also be digestive disturbances, particularly related to fat metabolism. On an emotional level, a Gallbladder disorder can manifest as indecisiveness, timidity, or a tendency to easily succumb to stress. These symptoms highlight the TCM view of the Gallbladder as integral to both physical processes and emotional resilience.... see more

Gallbladder Patterns That Can Lead to Hypochondriac Pain And Discomfort

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heat in Gall Bladder Distention and pain in the chest and hypochondria, Mild chills with high fever, Bitter taste in the mouth, Stifling sensation in the chest, Vomiting of sour fluids, Thirst, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Nausea, Upper abdominal fullness, Cholecystitis, Icteric hepatitis... see more Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Lung

In TCM the Lungs are seen as the organ responsible for controlling Qi and respiration, as well as being a key part of the body's defensive system. They are thought to maintain the balance and flow of air and moisture, and are closely linked to the skin and hair. When the Lungs are imbalanced or malfunctioning in TCM, it can lead to respiratory issues like coughing or asthma, a weakened immune system, dry skin, and emotional disturbances such as sadness or grief. These symptoms are believed to arise from disruptions in the Lungs' ability to regulate Qi and protect the body, highlighting their central role in maintaining overall health and well-being.... see more

Lung Patterns That Can Lead to Hypochondriac Pain And Discomfort

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Fire insulting the Lungs Distention and pain in the chest and hypochondria, Shortness of breath, Asthma, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Cough with yellow or blood tinged sputum, Headaches, Dizziness, Flushed face, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Eye hyperemia, Scanty and dark urine, Constipation... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Ke Xie Fang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Hypochondriac Pain And Discomfort

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address hypochondriac pain and discomfort, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Heat
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs
  • Formulas that stop bleeding
  • Formulas that clear liver-Heat

All Formulas Recommended for Hypochondriac Pain And Discomfort Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Liver Fire insulting the Lungs, Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang Heat in Gall Bladder
Ke Xie Fang Liver Fire insulting the Lungs
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire

All Formulas Recommended for Hypochondriac Pain And Discomfort Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire

TCM Herbs for Hypochondriac Pain And Discomfort

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address hypochondriac pain and discomfort, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
  • Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
  • Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
  • Herbs that cool the blood

"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for hypochondriac pain and discomfort

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Sweet Wormwood Herbs (Qing Hao) Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang
Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi) Ke Xie Fang

"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for hypochondriac pain and discomfort

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang
Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao) Long Dan Xie Gan Tang