Flank pain 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 flank pain
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Source date: 1602
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood. Alleviates pain. Harmonizes Blood.
Why might Chai Hu Shu Gan San help with flank pain?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Liver Qi Stagnation' of which flank pain is a symptom.
The five Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat flank pain
Why might Liquorice (Gan Cao) help with flank pain?
Because Liquorice is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat flank pain as a symptom, like Xiao Yao San or Jia Wei Xiao Yao San for instance.
Liquorice is a Neutral herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Lung, the Spleen and the Stomach.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs.
Why might Atractylodes Rhizome (Bai Zhu) help with flank pain?
Because Atractylodes Rhizome is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat flank pain as a symptom, like Yue Ju Wan or Xiao Yao San for instance.
Atractylodes Rhizomes is a Warm herb that tastes Bitter and Sweet. It targets the Spleen and the Stomach.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Spleen Qi. Fortifies the Spleen Yang and dispels Damp through urination. Tonifies Qi and stops sweating. Calms restless fetus when due to Deficiency of Spleen Qi.
Why might Cape Jasmine Fruit (Zhi Zi) help with flank pain?
Because Cape Jasmine Fruit is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat flank pain as a symptom, like Yue Ju Wan or Jia Wei Xiao Yao San for instance.
Cape Jasmine Fruits is a Cold herb that tastes Bitter. It targets the Gallbladder, the Heart, the Lung and the Sanjiao.
Its main actions are: Clears Heat and calms spirit. Drains Damp-Heat affecting the Liver and Gallbladder. Clears Heat in the Blood and stops bleeding. Anti-inflammatory.
Why might Dong Quai (Dang Gui) help with flank pain?
Because Dong Quai is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat flank pain as a symptom, like Xiao Yao San or Jia Wei 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 Szechuan Lovage Root (Chuan Xiong) help with flank pain?
Because Szechuan Lovage Root is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat flank pain as a symptom, like Yue Ju Wan or Chai Hu Shu Gan San 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.
Other symptoms often associated with flank pain
Stifling sensation in the chest causing one to have deep sighs Suppressed emotions Feelings of frustration Irritability Belching Alternating fever and chills