Abdominal Colicaccording to TCM
Symptom families: General Abdominal Pain and Discomfort, Abdominal Spasms and Cramps
Sub-symptom(s): Spasms Of The Lower Abdomen Stomach Spasms Intestinal Spasms
What is Abdominal Colic?
Abdominal colic manifests as intense, spasmodic pain in the stomach or lower abdomen. This discomfort can come in waves, often described as cramping or squeezing. It's a symptom rather than a disease itself, indicative of an underlying issue that could range from minor irritations to more severe gastrointestinal conditions. Sub-symptoms include spasms of the lower abdomen, stomach spasms, and intestinal spasms, highlighting the multifaceted nature of this symptom and its potential to affect various parts of the digestive tract.
How does TCM view Abdominal Colic?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches abdominal colic not just as a localized discomfort but as a sign of deeper imbalances within the body's energy systems. TCM emphasizes the importance of identifying the specific pattern of disharmony causing the symptom.
This approach diverges from Western medicine by focusing on restoring balance and harmony to the body's Qi (energy), rather than solely addressing the symptom. Understanding the root cause, whether it be Qi Stagnation, Dampness, Cold invading the intestines, or Qi Deficiency, is crucial in TCM for effective treatment.
Root Causes of Abdominal Colic in TCM
In TCM, abdominal colic is often attributed to specific patterns of disharmony within the body, such as Food Stagnation and Qi Stagnation. Food Stagnation refers to the blockage of food in the stomach and intestines, leading to pain, whereas Qi Stagnation involves the disruption of the smooth flow of energy, causing tension and cramps.
These conditions underscore the TCM principle that the body's energy flow and digestive processes are intimately connected. Effective treatment, therefore, seeks to resolve these blockages and restore balance, demonstrating TCM's holistic approach to health and wellness.
Explore below more details about what might cause Abdominal colic according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Yang Deficiency
- Kidney
Yang Deficiency
Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more
Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Abdominal Colic
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Yang Deficiency | Spasms of the lower abdomen, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan |
Kidney
In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more
Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Abdominal Colic
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Yang Deficiency | Spasms of the lower abdomen, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Abdominal Colic
In addressing abdominal colic, TCM utilizes a variety of herbs to target the underlying causes. For Food Stagnation, herbs like Hawthorn Berries (Shan Zha) and Malt (Mai Ya) are favored for their ability to promote digestion and alleviate stagnation. To combat Qi Stagnation, Coco-Grass Rhizomes (Xiang Fu) and Green tangerine peel (Qing Pi) are used to smooth and regulate the flow of Qi.
Additionally, warming herbs like Evodia Fruits (Wu Zhu Yu) address Coldness obstructing the digestive system, while tonic herbs like Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) support Qi and strengthen the digestive system. These targeted herbal strategies reflect TCM's nuanced understanding of abdominal colic and its commitment to treating the individual as a whole.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address abdominal colic, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Yang Deficiency
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan
Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause abdominal colic, such as Kidney Yang Deficiency
Learn moreFormulas that nourish Yin and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some abdominal colic-causing patterns like Kidney Yang Deficiency.
One such formula is Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
Abdominal colic 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.
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
Abdominal colic 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 Da Jian Zhong Tang, with sichuan pepper as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Abdominal Colic
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address abdominal colic, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that relieve food stagnation
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
Herbs that relieve Food Stagnation
Abdominal colic can be treated by these herbs in cases of digestive disturbances due to overeating or consuming hard-to-digest foods, assisting in breaking down and moving food through the digestive system.
One such herb is Hawthorn Berries (Shan Zha), which is directly recommended for abdominal colic.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that relieve Food Stagnation" recommended for abdominal colic
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Hawthorn Berries (Shan Zha) | Not applicable |
| Malt (Mai Ya) | Not applicable |
| Medicated Leaven (Shen Qu) | Not applicable |
| Shiral Leaves (Bu Zha Ye) | Not applicable |
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Abdominal colic can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Sichuan Pepper (Hua Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for abdominal colic, like Da Jian Zhong Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for abdominal colic
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Sichuan Pepper (Hua Jiao) | Da Jian Zhong Tang |
| Evodia Fruits (Wu Zhu Yu) | Not applicable |
| Star Anise (Ba Jiao Hui Xiang) | Not applicable |
Herbs that drain Dampness
Abdominal colic can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Bitter Orange Flowers (Dai Dai Hua), which is directly recommended for abdominal colic.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for abdominal colic
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Bitter Orange Flowers (Dai Dai Hua) | Not applicable |
| Ginger Peel (Sheng Jiang Pi) | Not applicable |
Herbs that regulate Qi
Abdominal colic 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 Coco-Grass Rhizomes (Xiang Fu), which is directly recommended for abdominal colic.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that regulate Qi" recommended for abdominal colic
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Coco-Grass Rhizomes (Xiang Fu) | Not applicable |
| Green Tangerine Peel (Qing Pi) | Not applicable |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Abdominal colic 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 Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu), which is directly recommended for abdominal colic.
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Abdominal colic can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Prepared Sichuan Aconite (Zhi Chuan Wu), which is directly recommended for abdominal colic.
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Abdominal colic can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Tsaoko Fruits (Cao Guo), which is directly recommended for abdominal colic.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Abdominal colic can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for abdominal colic, like Ba Wei Di Huang Wan.
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Abdominal colic 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 abdominal colic, like Gan Mai Da Zao Tang.