What is Borborygmi?

Borborygmi, a term less commonly used outside medical circles, refers to the rumbling or gurgling noises produced by the movement of fluid and gas through the intestines. These sounds, often associated with hunger but also indicative of digestive activities or disturbances, range from barely audible to surprisingly loud, creating an orchestra within the abdominal cavity that can both amuse and perplex.

TCM's Insight on Borborygmi

In the realm of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), borborygmi is seen through a lens vastly different from Western medicine. It's considered a symptom of underlying imbalances within the body's energy pathways or Zang-Fu organs.

TCM interprets these sounds as indicators of Qi Stagnation, Cold invasion, or the presence of Dampness, each requiring a nuanced approach to restore harmony and silence the abdominal symphony.

Root Causes According to TCM

TCM attributes borborygmi to a variety of patterns, primarily focusing on Cold and Qi Stagnation. Large Intestine Cold, for instance, manifests as a chilling ailment with symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain, leading to the characteristic sounds.

Similarly, Liver Qi Stagnation presents a complex of distention, mood fluctuations, and the unmistakable sound of intestinal discontent. These patterns underscore the intricate relationship between organ systems, Qi flow, and digestive health in TCM philosophy.

TCM Remedies for Borborygmi

Addressing borborygmi in TCM involves a holistic approach, employing herbal formulas to target specific patterns. Liang Fu Wan, aimed at warming the Interior and expelling Cold, serves as a remedy for Large Intestine Cold, bringing warmth and movement back to the gut. For Qi Stagnation, Xiao Yao San harmonizes Liver-Spleen relations, easing the Qi flow and thus, the rumblings. These formulas, alongside dietary and lifestyle adjustments, form the cornerstone of TCM's strategy against borborygmi.

Acupoint Allies

TCM further employs acupuncture to quell borborygmi, pinpointing strategic acupoints along meridians tied to the Stomach, Bladder, Spleen, and Large Intestine. Points like Burong ST-19 and Gongsun SP-4 are activated to harmonize the Middle Burner and regulate Qi, respectively. This method not only aims to silence the abdominal noises but also to fortify digestive health and prevent recurrence.

In the narrative of Traditional Chinese Medicine, borborygmi transcends mere stomach rumblings to reflect deeper imbalances within. Through its holistic approaches, TCM seeks not just to silence these sounds but to restore inner harmony and digestive wellness, illustrating a profound respect for the body's signals and the wisdom encoded within.

Root Causes of Borborygmi in TCM

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
Detailed description of the cause

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 Borborygmi

Common Symptoms: Abdominal Distention Hypochondriac Distention Chest Distension Upper Abdominal Distension Sighing Melancholia Depression Mood Swings

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation Borborygmi, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger... see more Xiao Yao San | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Yue Ju Wan | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Yi Guan Jian
Small Intestine Qi Pain Borborygmi, Lower abdominal twisting pain, Abdominal distention, Abdominal pain worsened by pressure, Excessive gas and flatulence, Abdominal pain relieved by flatulence, Testicular pain... see more Chai Hu Shu Gan San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Borborygmi

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type

All Formulas Recommended for Borborygmi Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Liver Qi Stagnation, Small Intestine Qi Pain
Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation
Yue Ju Wan Liver Qi Stagnation
Yi Guan Jian Liver Qi Stagnation

Acupoints for Borborygmi

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

  • By Meridian
  • Stomach Channel
  • Bladder Channel
  • Spleen Channel
Yingchuang ST-16

Yingchuang ST-16

In the 3nd intercostal space, on the mammillary line, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Burong ST-19

Burong ST-19

2 cun below the sternocostal angel and 6 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Guanmen ST-22

Guanmen ST-22

3 cun above the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Tianshu ST-25

Tianshu ST-25

2 cun lateral to the center of the umbilicus.

Zusanli ST-36

Zusanli ST-36

3 cun below Dubi ST-35, one finger breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia, on the tibialis anterior muscle.

Shangjuxu ST-37

Shangjuxu ST-37

6 cun below Dubi ST-35, on finger-breadth from the anterior crest of the tibia.

Xiajuxu ST-39

Xiajuxu ST-39

9 cun below Dubi ST-35, about one middle finger-width lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia.

Xiangu ST-43

Xiangu ST-43

On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones, at the level of the junction of the shafts and the heads of these metatarsal bones.

Neiting ST-44

Neiting ST-44

Between the 2nd and the 3rd toes, proximal to the interdigital fold.

Added to Cart