Hypochondrial distention 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.
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Hypochondrial distention 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 hypochondrial distention 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 hypochondrial distention is often associated with irritability, epigastric distension and depression in the pattern “Liver Qi Stagnation”. As you will see below, we have in record five patterns that can cause hypochondrial distention.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of hypochondrial distention we’ve identified five herbal formulas that may help treat patterns behind the symptom.
We’ve also selected below the five medicinal herbs that we think are most likely to help treat hypochondrial distention.
The five "patterns of disharmony" that can cause hypochondrial distention
In Chinese Medicine hypochondrial distention is a symptom for 5 patterns that we have on record. Below is a small explanation for each of them with links for more details.
The Liver is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Liver in Chinese Medicine
Liver Qi Stagnation
Pulse type(s): Wiry (Xian)
Tongue color: Normal (light red)
When Liver Qi does not flow smoothly or regularly, it becomes Stagnant and in Excess. This leads to Heat accumulating in the Liver. The feeling of ‘Distension’ (zhang 胀) is the main symptom of Liver Qi Stagnation.
In addition to hypochondrial distention, other symptoms associated with Liver Qi Stagnation include irritability, epigastric distension and depression.
From a Western Medicine standpoint Liver Qi Stagnation is associated with health issues such as Low Breast Milk Supply, Mastitis or Breast Engorgement.
Liver Qi Stagnation is often treated with Xiao Yao San, a herbal formula made of 6 herbs (including Bupleurum Roots - Chai Hu - as a key herb). Xiao Yao San belongs to the category of "formulas that harmonize liver-spleen", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen".
The Liver is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Liver in Chinese Medicine
Rebellious Liver Qi
Pulse type(s): Wiry (Xian)
In addition to hypochondrial distention, other symptoms associated with Rebellious Liver Qi include irritability, epigastric distension and dizziness.
Rebellious Liver Qi is often treated with Chai Hu Shu Gan San, a herbal formula made of 7 herbs (including Bupleurum Roots - Chai Hu - as a key herb). Chai Hu Shu Gan San belongs to the category of "formulas that promote qi movement", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood".
The Gallbladder is a so-called "Fu" Organ. Learn more about the Gallbladder in Chinese Medicine
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Slippery (Hua), Wiry (Xian)
In addition to hypochondrial distention, other symptoms associated with Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder include irritability, bitter taste in the mouth and dizziness.
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder is often treated with Yin Chen Hao Tang, a herbal formula made of 3 herbs (including Virgate Wormwood - Yin Chen - as a key herb). Yin Chen Hao Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that clear heat and expel dampness", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Clears heat".
Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) is the king ingredient for Xiao Chai Hu Tang, a formula used for Lesser Yang stage
Lesser Yang stage
Pulse type(s): Wiry (Xian), Fine (Xi)
In addition to hypochondrial distention, other symptoms associated with Lesser Yang stage include irritability, bitter taste in the mouth and blurred vision.
Lesser Yang stage is often treated with Xiao Chai Hu Tang, a herbal formula made of 7 herbs (including Bupleurum Roots - Chai Hu - as a key herb). Xiao Chai Hu Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Treats the Lesser Yang Channels (Gallbladder and Triple Warmer)".
The Liver is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Liver in Chinese Medicine
Liver Qi Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Weak (Ruo)
In addition to hypochondrial distention, other symptoms associated with Liver Qi Deficiency include irritability, dizziness and depression.
Liver Qi Deficiency 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)".
Five herbal formulas that might help with hypochondrial distention
Xiao Yao San
Source date: 1107 AD
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Key actions: Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen. Relieves Liver Qi stagnation. Nourishes the Blood.
Why might Xiao Yao San help with hypochondrial distention?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Liver Qi Stagnation' of which hypochondriai distension is a symptom.
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 hypochondrial distention?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Rebellious Liver Qi' of which hypochondrial distention is a symptom.
Yin Chen Hao Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 3 herbs
Key actions: Clears heat. Resolves dampness. Reduces jaundice.
Why might Yin Chen Hao Tang help with hypochondrial distention?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder' of which hypochondrial distention is a symptom.
Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Treats the Lesser Yang Channels (Gallbladder and Triple Warmer). Regulates the Liver and Spleen functions. Addresses combined Yin-Yang symptoms of External and Internal, Excess and Deficiency, and Hot and Cold.
Why might Xiao Chai Hu Tang help with hypochondrial distention?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Lesser Yang stage' of which hypochondrial distention is a symptom.
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 hypochondrial distention?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Liver Qi Deficiency' of which hypochondrial distention is a symptom.
Acupuncture points used for hypochondrial distention
The five Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat hypochondrial distention
Why might Liquorice (Gan Cao) help with hypochondrial distention?
Because Liquorice is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat hypochondrial distention as a symptom, like Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang or Ping Wei 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 White Peony Root (Bai Shao) help with hypochondrial distention?
Because White Peony Root is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat hypochondrial distention 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 Ginseng (Ren Shen) help with hypochondrial distention?
Because Ginseng is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat hypochondrial distention as a symptom, like Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang or Si Mo 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 Fresh Ginger (Sheng Jiang) help with hypochondrial distention?
Because Fresh Ginger is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat hypochondrial distention as a symptom, like Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang or Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang for instance.
Fresh Ginger is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent. It targets the Lung, the Spleen and the Stomach.
Its main actions are: Relieves the Exterior and disperses Cold. Warms and circulates Qi in the Middle Burner. Calms a restless fetus and treats morning sickness. Treats seafood poisoning.
Why might Bupleurum Root (Chai Hu) help with hypochondrial distention?
Because Bupleurum Root is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat hypochondrial distention as a symptom, like Xiao Yao San or Chai Hu Shu Gan San for instance.
Bupleurum Roots is a Cool herb that tastes Bitter. It targets the Gallbladder and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Harmonizes exterior and interior. Smoothes the Liver and upraises the Yang.
Other symptoms often associated with hypochondrial distention
Irritability Bitter taste in the mouth Epigastric distension Dizziness Depression Poor appetite Fatigue Frequent sighing Scanty and dark urine Headaches