Hernia-Related Painaccording to TCM

What is Hernia-Related Pain?

Hernia-related pain is a discomfort or ache that occurs when an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall. Typically manifesting in the abdominal area, it can range from mild to severe and often intensifies with activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as lifting heavy objects or coughing. This condition not only affects physical well-being but can also limit daily activities, making early diagnosis and management essential.

How does TCM View Hernia-Related Pain?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches hernia-related pain distinctively, focusing on the imbalance and disharmony within the body's internal energy systems. Unlike Western medicine, which often targets the physical symptoms directly, TCM seeks to identify and treat the underlying patterns of disharmony that lead to the manifestation of symptoms.

Recognizing the complexity of pain, TCM practitioners assess the individual's overall condition to tailor a treatment strategy that addresses the specific type of disharmony, be it Qi stagnation, Cold accumulation, or Heat.

Root Causes of Hernia-Related Pain in TCM

In TCM, hernia-related pain is often attributed to the stagnation of Qi or the invasion of Cold into the body's lower regions. Qi Stagnation, particularly from the liver transforming into Heat, can cause intermittent abdominal pain and discomfort, signaling an imbalance that needs to be addressed.

Similarly, an Internal Cold pattern may manifest as abdominal pain that improves with warmth, indicating a deficiency of warm, vital energy. These examples illustrate the TCM perspective that various underlying disharmonies can result in hernia-related symptoms, underscoring the importance of a tailored approach to treatment.

Explore below more details about what might cause Hernia-Related pain according to TCM.

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 Hernia-Related Pain

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat	Hernial pain, Intermittent upper abdominal pain, Hernia-Related pain, Dysmenorrhea exacerbated by hot food or drinks, Irritability, Bitter taste in the mouth, Peptic ulcer, Chronic gastritis, Hepatitis, Cholecystitis... see more	Jin Ling Zi San

Cold

In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more

Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Hernia-Related Pain

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Interior Cold	Hernial pain, Postpartum abdominal pain, Abdominal cold sensation, Hernia-Related pain, Flank pain, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth... see more	Dang Gui Sheng Jiang Yang Rou Tang | Wu Ji San | Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang

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 Hernia-Related Pain

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat	Hernial pain, Intermittent upper abdominal pain, Hernia-Related pain, Dysmenorrhea exacerbated by hot food or drinks, Irritability, Bitter taste in the mouth, Peptic ulcer, Chronic gastritis, Hepatitis, Cholecystitis... see more	Jin Ling Zi San

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 Hernia-Related Pain

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat	Hernial pain, Intermittent upper abdominal pain, Hernia-Related pain, Dysmenorrhea exacerbated by hot food or drinks, Irritability, Bitter taste in the mouth, Peptic ulcer, Chronic gastritis, Hepatitis, Cholecystitis... see more	Jin Ling Zi San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Hernia-Related Pain

To address hernia-related pain, TCM relies on a sophisticated array of formulas and herbs tailored to the individual's specific disharmony. For Qi stagnation transforming into Heat, formulas like Jin Ling Zi San, which promotes Qi movement and features Sichuan chinaberries to regulate Qi, are recommended.

In cases of Internal Cold, Dang Gui Sheng Jiang Yang Rou Tang, a formula that tonifies Qi and Blood with warming herbs like Mutton, may be used. These treatments exemplify TCM's nuanced approach, aiming to restore balance and alleviate pain through the careful selection of herbs and formulas.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address hernia-Related pain, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Jin Ling Zi San

Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause hernia-Related pain, such as Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat

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Top Formula for Cold:
Dang Gui Sheng Jiang Yang Rou Tang

Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause hernia-Related pain, such as Interior Cold

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All Formulas Recommended for Hernia-Related Pain Caused by Cold

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Dang Gui Sheng Jiang Yang Rou Tang	Interior Cold
Wu Ji San	Interior Cold
Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang	Interior Cold

Top Formula for Heat:
Jin Ling Zi San

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause hernia-Related pain, such as Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat

Learn more

Acupoints for Hernia-Related Pain

TCM also employs acupuncture as a complementary treatment for hernia-related pain, targeting specific acupoints to harmonize Qi and Blood flow. One such acupoint, Qichong ST-30, located near the inguinal groove, is particularly effective.

Stimulating Qichong ST-30 invigorates Blood and Qi in the lower burner and subdues rebellious Qi, offering relief from pain and discomfort. This targeted approach reflects TCM's holistic view, seeking not only to relieve symptoms but also to address the root causes of disharmony within the body.

See more details below about Qichong ST-30, an acupoint used to address hernia-Related pain.

Qichong ST-30

5 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline, superior to the inguinal groove, on the medial side of the femoral artery, nerve and vein.