Abdominal Massesaccording to TCM

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What are Abdominal Masses?

Abdominal masses are detectable swellings within the abdominal area, which may arise from various structures such as organs, tissues, or cysts. These masses can vary widely in their nature and severity, ranging from benign growths to serious malignancies. Symptoms accompanying these masses can include pain, bloating, or even no symptoms at all, often necessitating medical imaging for a clear diagnosis.

How does TCM view Abdominal Masses?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), abdominal masses are seen as physical manifestations of internal disharmonies. The TCM perspective emphasizes the importance of Qi (vital energy) and Blood flow throughout the body.

Any disruption or Stagnation in these essential forces can lead to the formation of masses. TCM seeks to understand the underlying imbalances causing these blockages and to restore harmony through a variety of therapeutic approaches.

Root Causes of Abdominal Masses in TCM

TCM attributes the development of abdominal masses to several potential disharmonies within the body. The stagnation of Qi and Blood is often a primary concern, as it can result in the formation of palpable lumps and pain.

Blood Stasis, specifically, is characterized by fixed, stabbing pain and can be accompanied by a dark facial complexion and purple lips or nails. Additionally, factors such as emotional stress, improper diet, or external climatic influences may lead to Qi Stagnation, presenting with symptoms like chest distension and mood swings. Identifying the correct TCM pattern is crucial for effective treatment.

Explore below more details about what might cause Abdominal masses according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Blood Stasis
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Cold
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Stasis

Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more

Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Abdominal Masses

Common Symptoms: Menstrual Cramps Dark Menstrual Clots Dark Menstrual Blood Irregular Periods Purple Lips Purple Nails Amenorrhea Abdominal Pain

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Blood Stagnation Abdominal masses, Abdominal mass, Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Lumps... see more Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Di Dang Tang | Dan Shen Yin | Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Hai Tong Pi Tang | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang | Yu Lin Zhu
Liver Blood Stagnation Abdominal masses, Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Dark menstrual clots, Infertility, Purple nails, Purple lips, Purple face, Skin dryness, Petechiae... see more Xiao Yao San | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shi Xiao San
Qi And Blood Stagnation Abdominal masses, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more Dan Shen Yin | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shi Xiao San | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi Li San | Guo Qi Yin | Tao Hong Si Wu Tang
Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels Abdominal masses, Irregular periods, Brown vaginal discharge, Dark menstrual clots, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Lower abdominal pain, Umbilical pain, Breast engorgement, Breast pain... see more Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan
Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner caused by Cold Abdominal masses, Lower abdominal pain, Lower abdominal distension, Lower back pain, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots, Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, Primary dysmenorrhea, Endometriosis, Uterine fibroids... see more Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Abdominal Masses

In addressing abdominal masses, TCM practitioners often turn to herbal formulas designed to invigorate Qi and Blood, dispel Stagnation, and dissolve accumulations. For example, Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, a formula that invigorates Blood and dispels Blood Stagnation, may be used for masses characterized by stabbing pain and dark clots. This formula contains Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), known for their blood-invigorating properties.

Similarly, for Liver Blood Stagnation, a formula like Xiao Yao San, which harmonizes Liver-Spleen and includes Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), might be recommended. These herbs and formulas are chosen based on the specific TCM diagnosis and the individual's unique pattern of imbalance.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address abdominal masses, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Blood Stasis
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Cold

All Formulas Recommended for Abdominal Masses Caused by Blood Stasis

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Blood Stagnation, Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels
Dan Shen Yin Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shi Xiao San Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation, Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner caused by Cold
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang Blood Stagnation
Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang Blood Stagnation
Di Dang Tang Blood Stagnation
Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan Blood Stagnation
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang Blood Stagnation
Hai Tong Pi Tang Blood Stagnation
Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang Blood Stagnation
Yu Lin Zhu Blood Stagnation
Xiao Yao San Liver Blood Stagnation
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Qi Li San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Guo Qi Yin Qi And Blood Stagnation
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation

Acupoints for Abdominal Masses

TCM incorporates acupuncture as a key component in treating abdominal masses. Selecting the appropriate acupoints aims to restore the flow of Qi and Blood, addressing the stagnation that contributes to mass formation.

Points on the Directing Vessel, such as Xiawan REN-10, are targeted to descend Stomach Qi and ease digestive issues, while Yinjiao REN-7 is chosen to regulate menstruation and Qi in the lower abdomen. Acupuncture, combined with dietary modifications and lifestyle adjustments, forms a comprehensive approach to resolving abdominal masses and their underlying causes.

Explore below some acupoints used to address abdominal masses, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Directing Vessel
  • Bladder Channel
  • Kidney Channel
Zhongji REN-3

Zhongji REN-3

On the anterior midline, 4 cun below the umbilicus, 1 cun above Qugu REN-2, which is located at the upper border of the symphysis pubis.

Shimen REN-5

Shimen REN-5

On the midline of the abdomen, 2 cun below the umbilicus.

Yinjiao REN-7

Yinjiao REN-7

On the midline of the abdomen, 1 cun below the umbilicus.

Xiawan REN-10

Xiawan REN-10

On the midline of the abdomen, 2 cun above the umbilicus and 6 cun below the sternocostal angle.

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