Feeling of bearing down 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.
Feeling of bearing down can be the consequence of several so-called “patterns of disharmony” in Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted, leading to symptoms or signs that something is wrong (like feeling of bearing down here). It is similar to the concept of disease in Western Medicine but not quite: a Western disease can often be explained by several Chinese patterns and vice-versa.
A pattern often manifests itself in a combination of symptoms that, at first glance, do not seem necessarily related to each others. For instance here feeling of bearing down is often associated with pale face, frequent urination and tiredness in the pattern “Spleen Qi Sinking”.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of feeling of bearing down we’ve identified that a herbal formula called Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang can help treat the patterns behind the symptom.
Spleen Qi Sinking, a "pattern of disharmony" that can cause feeling of bearing down
In Chinese Medicine feeling of bearing down is a symptom for the pattern "Spleen Qi Sinking". Below is a small explanation for it with links for more details.
The Spleen is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Spleen in Chinese Medicine
Spleen Qi Sinking
Pulse type(s): Weak (Ruo)
Tongue color: Pale
The causes and symptoms of Spleen Qi Sinking is quite similar to the ones of Spleen Qi Deficiency. It happens more to people who have unhealthy diet and eating habits, emotional stress, damp living environment or these have to stand up long hours.
In addition to feeling of bearing down, other symptoms associated with Spleen Qi Sinking include pale face, frequent urination and tiredness.
Spleen Qi Sinking is often treated with Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, a herbal formula made of 10 herbs (including Milkvetch Roots - Huang Qi - as a key herb). Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that tonify qi", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Tonifies Qi of the Spleen and Stomach (Middle Burner)".
A herbal formula that might help with feeling of bearing down
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Source date: 1247
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Tonifies Qi of the Spleen and Stomach (Middle Burner). Raises the Yang. Detoxifies. Lifts what has sunken.
Why might Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang help with feeling of bearing down?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Spleen Qi Sinking' of which feeling of bearing down is a symptom.
Acupuncture points used for feeling of bearing down
The five Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat feeling of bearing down
Why might Dong Quai (Dang Gui) help with feeling of bearing down?
Because Dong Quai is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat feeling of bearing down as a symptom, like Sheng Yu Tang or Xiao Yao San 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 feeling of bearing down?
Because White Peony Root is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat feeling of bearing down as a symptom, like Si Wu Tang or Xiao Yao San 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 Szechuan Lovage Root (Chuan Xiong) help with feeling of bearing down?
Because Szechuan Lovage Root is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat feeling of bearing down as a symptom, like Si Wu Tang or Sheng Yu Tang for instance.
Szechuan Lovage Roots is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent. It targets the Gallbladder, the Liver and the Pericardium.
Its main actions are: Regulates and moves the Blood. Relieves Wind-Cold and pain. Circulates the Qi in the Upper Burner, relieving headaches.
Why might Ginseng (Ren Shen) help with feeling of bearing down?
Because Ginseng is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat feeling of bearing down as a symptom, like Ren Shen Zi Xie Tang or Sheng Yu Tang for instance.
Ginseng is a Warm herb that tastes Bitter and Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Lung and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Very strongly tonifies the Qi. Tonifies the Lungs and Spleen. Assists the body in the secretion of Fluids and stops thirst. Strengthens the Heart and calms the Shen (mind/spirit).
Why might Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang) help with feeling of bearing down?
Because Prepared Rehmannia is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat feeling of bearing down as a symptom, like Si Wu Tang or Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang for instance.
Prepared Rehmannia is a Warm herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Kidney and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Blood. Tonifies the Yin of the Kidneys.
Other symptoms often associated with feeling of bearing down
Scanty periods Dizziness Sore back Pale face Lower abdominal pain Dark clots in menstrual blood Frequent urination Sore and weak limbs Dark menstrual blood Restlessness