Stomach Painaccording to TCM
Symptom families: General Abdominal Pain and Discomfort, Upper Abdominal Pain and Discomfort
Parent symptom: Abdominal Pain
Sub-symptom(s): Chronic Stomach Pain
TCM Herbal Formulas for Stomach Pain
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address stomach pain, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
Stomach pain can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold in the middle jiao (digestive region), necessitating warming and cold-dispelling actions.
One such formula is Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
Stomach pain can be treated by these formulas when it stems from a disharmony between the heart and the mind, often manifesting as emotional disturbances or sleep issues.
One such formula is Gan Mai Da Zao Tang, with light wheat as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Stomach Pain
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address stomach pain, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Stomach pain can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for stomach pain, like Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for stomach pain
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang |
| Maltose (Yi Tang) | Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang |
Herbs that regulate Qi
Stomach pain can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.
One such herb is Akebia Fruits (Ba Yue Zha), which is directly recommended for stomach pain.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Stomach pain can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Cockle Shells (Wa Leng Zi), which is directly recommended for stomach pain.
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Stomach pain can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Light Wheats (Fu Xiao Mai), a key herb in some formulas recommended for stomach pain, like Gan Mai Da Zao Tang.