Intercostal neuralgia 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.
Intercostal neuralgia 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 intercostal neuralgia 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 intercostal neuralgia is often associated with belching, vomiting and flank pain in the pattern “Liver Qi Stagnation”.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of intercostal neuralgia we’ve identified four 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 intercostal neuralgia.
Liver Qi Stagnation, a "pattern of disharmony" that can cause intercostal neuralgia
In Chinese Medicine intercostal neuralgia is a symptom for the pattern "Liver Qi Stagnation". Below is a small explanation for it 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 intercostal neuralgia, other symptoms associated with Liver Qi Stagnation include belching, vomiting and flank pain.
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".
Four herbal formulas that might help with intercostal neuralgia
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 intercostal neuralgia?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Liver Qi Stagnation' of which intercostal neuralgia is a symptom.
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
Source date: Ming dynasty
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Clears Liver and Spleen Qi Stagnation. Tonifies Spleen. Clears Deficient Heat. Nourishes the blood.
Why might Jia Wei Xiao Yao San help with intercostal neuralgia?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Liver Qi Stagnation' of which intercostal neuralgia is a symptom.
Yue Ju Wan
Source date: 1481 AD
Number of ingredients: 5 herbs
Key actions: Promotes the movement of Qi. Releases all types of Stagnation (Qi, Blood, Phlegm, Fire, Food and Dampness).
Why might Yue Ju Wan help with intercostal neuralgia?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Liver Qi Stagnation' of which intercostal neuralgia 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 intercostal neuralgia?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Liver Qi Stagnation' of which intercostal neuralgia is a symptom.
The five Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat intercostal neuralgia
Why might Bupleurum Root (Chai Hu) help with intercostal neuralgia?
Because it is a key herb in Xiao Yao San, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Liver Qi Stagnation' (a pattern with intercostal neuralgia as a symptom)
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.
Why might Dong Quai (Dang Gui) help with intercostal neuralgia?
Because it is a key herb in Xiao Yao San, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Liver Qi Stagnation' (a pattern with intercostal neuralgia as a symptom)
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 intercostal neuralgia?
Because it is a key herb in Xiao Yao San, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Liver Qi Stagnation' (a pattern with intercostal neuralgia as a symptom)
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 Poria-Cocos Mushroom (Fu Ling) help with intercostal neuralgia?
Because it is a key herb in Xiao Yao San, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Liver Qi Stagnation' (a pattern with intercostal neuralgia as a symptom)
Poria-Cocos Mushrooms is a Neutral herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Kidney, the Lung and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Encourages urination and drains Dampness. Tonic to the Spleen/Stomach. Assists the Heart and calms the Spirit.
Why might Atractylodes Rhizome (Bai Zhu) help with intercostal neuralgia?
Because it is a key herb in Xiao Yao San, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Liver Qi Stagnation' (a pattern with intercostal neuralgia as a symptom)
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.
Other symptoms often associated with intercostal neuralgia
Belching Vomiting Flank pain Stifling sensation in the chest causing one to have deep sighs Suppressed emotions Feelings of frustration Irritability Alternating fever and chills Peptic ulcers Asthma