Chest Distensionaccording to TCM

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What is Chest Distension?

Chest distension involves a feeling of tightness, pressure, or swelling within the chest area. It is often described as a sensation of fullness or congestion, sometimes accompanied by mild discomfort or a sense of the chest being swollen or overly full. This symptom can vary in intensity and may be perceived as either a localized or more generalized area of discomfort within the thoracic region.

How does TCM View Chest Distension?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches chest distension not just as a singular symptom but as a signal of underlying imbalances within the body’s energetic systems. TCM emphasizes understanding the specific pattern of disharmony causing the symptom. This holistic approach ensures that treatment is tailored to the individual’s unique constellation of signs and symptoms, aiming to restore balance and health by addressing the root causes rather than just the manifestation of distension.

Root Causes of Chest Distension in TCM

One common cause is Damp-Phlegm accumulation in the Lungs, which can lead to symptoms like a stifling sensation, coughing, and a feeling of fullness in the chest. Another prevalent pattern is Qi Stagnation, often related to emotional stress or Liver dysfunction, which manifests as distension along with mood fluctuations and abdominal discomfort.

Additionally, conditions such as Heat or Cold invading the chest can cause distension by disrupting the normal flow of Qi and impacting organ functions, further complicating the smooth operation of the body’s energetic systems.

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Phlegm
  • Dampness
  • Qi Stagnation
Detailed description of the cause

Phlegm

In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more

Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Chest Distension

Common Symptoms: Dizziness Nausea Stifling Sensation In The Chest Feeling Of Heaviness Shortness Of Breath Sputum Edema Depression

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus Chest fullness, Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Obesity, Infertility, Ovarian cysts, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness... see more Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang | Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang
Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs Chest fullness, Coughing, Pale face, Sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Discomfort when lying down, Wheezing, Nausea, Feeling of heaviness, Dizziness, Profuse white sputum, Asthma, Chest distension... see more Er Chen Tang
Phlegm Chest fullness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness Yue Ju Wan | Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang | Wen Dan Tang
Phlegm-Fluids Chest fullness, Abdominal distention, Vomiting clear liquid, Feeling of heaviness, Shortness of breath, Hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing, Coughing, Lack of sweating, Absence of thirst, Edema, Chest distension... see more Er Chen Tang | Wen Dan Tang | Wu Ling San | Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine Chest fullness, Abdominal distention, Vomiting clear liquid, Dry tongue, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Stomach splashing sound, Chest distension, Diarrhea, Weight loss... see more Xiao Chai Hu Tang | Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang | Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs Chest fullness, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat, Thirst, Head and body heaviness, Dizziness, Copious thick yellow sputum... see more Er Chen Tang | Wen Dan Tang | Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang | Qing Xin Li Ge Tang | Ren Shen Ge Jie San | Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin
Phlegm-Heat Focal distention, Chest fullness, Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces, Depression Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan
Damp-Cold Phlegm Focal distention, Nausea, Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Palpitations, Dizziness, Profuse white sputum, Upper respiratory tract infections, Chronic bronchitis, Emphysema, Goitre... see more Er Chen Tang
Phlegm-Dampness in the Middle-Burner Focal distention, Nausea, Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Profuse white sputum, Anorexia, Peptic ulcer, Chronic gastritis, Acid reflux, Abdominal pain, Bloated abdomen... see more Liu Jun Zi Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Chest Distension

Addressing chest distension involves selecting TCM formulas based on the underlying patterns identified. For Damp-related symptoms leading to Phlegmatic conditions in the Lungs, Er Chen Tang, which includes ingredients like Crow-Dipper Rhizomes, is commonly used to transform Phlegm and alleviate fullness.

When the distension is linked to Qi Stagnation, particularly from emotional stress or Liver Qi Stagnation, Xiao Yao San can be effective. This formula works to soothe the liver, promote Qi flow, and ease the chest's oppressive feelings.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Phlegm
  • Dampness
  • Qi Stagnation

All Formulas Recommended for Chest Distension Caused by Phlegm

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Er Chen Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs, Phlegm-Fluids, Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs, Damp-Cold Phlegm... see more
Wen Dan Tang Phlegm, Phlegm-Fluids, Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang Phlegm-Fluids, Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine
Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs, Phlegm-Heat
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang Phlegm
Yue Ju Wan Phlegm
Xiao Chai Hu Tang Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine
Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Wu Ling San Phlegm-Fluids
Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine
Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine
Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Qing Xin Li Ge Tang Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Ren Shen Ge Jie San Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Liu Jun Zi Tang Phlegm-Dampness in the Middle-Burner

Acupoints for Chest Distension

TCM also incorporates acupuncture as part of the therapeutic approach to chest distension. Specific acupoints like Danshu (BL-19) are used to clear Damp-Heat from the Liver and Gallbladder, which can alleviate symptoms of fullness and pressure. Another point, Feishu (BL-13), is utilized to strengthen Lung Qi, clear Heat, and reduce the heaviness and fullness sensation in the chest. These points are strategically chosen to target the underlying imbalances contributing to the sensation of chest distension, promoting a holistic return to well-being.

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

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
  • Stomach Channel
  • Kidney Channel
Dazhu BL-11

Dazhu BL-11

On the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra (T1), 1.5 cun (about 2 finger-breadths) lateral to the posterior midline.

Feishu BL-13

Feishu BL-13

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3).

Jueyinshu BL-14

Jueyinshu BL-14

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th thoracic vertebra (T4).

Xinshu BL-15

Xinshu BL-15

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 5th thoracic vertebra (T5).

Danshu BL-19

Danshu BL-19

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra (T10).

Pohu BL-42

Pohu BL-42

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3).

Shentang BL-44

Shentang BL-44

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 5th thoracic vertebra (T5).

Geguan BL-46

Geguan BL-46

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra (T7).

Hunmen BL-47

Hunmen BL-47

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9).

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