Hypochondriac Painaccording to TCM

*redirected from Hypochondrial pain

What is Hypochondriac Pain?

Hypochondriac pain refers to discomfort or pain located under the lower ribs and above the navel on either side of the body. This type of pain can range from mild to severe and is often described as a persistent, sharp, or stabbing sensation that may intensify with movements such as coughing and deep breathing. Recognized across medical disciplines, hypochondriac pain can signal underlying issues that require both diagnostic insight and targeted care.

How does TCM View Hypochondriac Pain?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets hypochondriac pain not just as a localized discomfort but as an indication of imbalance within the body’s vital energy, or Qi, and associated organ systems. According to TCM, such pain often stems from disruptions in the Liver or Gallbladder Channel, which can be caused by emotional stress or dietary factors, leading to Qi Stagnation or the accumulation of pathogenic factors like Dampness and Heat. Effective treatment in TCM hinges on identifying the specific disharmony pattern, underscoring the importance of a holistic diagnostic approach.

Root Causes of Hypochondriac Pain in TCM

TCM identifies multiple patterns that could underpin hypochondriac pain, with two primary ones being Heat and Qi Stagnation. Heat, particularly Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder, manifests with symptoms such as a feeling of fullness and discomfort in the hypochondria, nausea, and a bitter taste in the mouth, reflecting an overload of toxins that inflame the gallbladder pathway.

Qi Stagnation, on the other hand, typically results from emotional upheaval or stress, leading to the constrained flow of Qi and Blood, which causes pain and fullness in the hypochondrial region. Recognizing these patterns allows practitioners to tailor treatments that address both the symptoms and the root causes of the pain.

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Hypochondriac Pain

Common Symptoms: Bitter Taste In The Mouth Irritability Dizziness Hypochondriac Distention Dry Mouth Without Desire To Drink Feeling Of Heaviness Alternating Sensation Of Hot And Cold Nausea

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder Hypochondrial pain, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Dull yellow complexion, Scanty and dark urine, Fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Bitter taste in the mouth, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Irritability, Feeling of heaviness, Limb numbness, Foot edema, Alternating diarrhea and constipation, Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Yellow sclera... see more Yin Chen Hao Tang
Gallbladder Heat Hypochondrial pain, Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Bitter taste in the mouth, Thirst, Dry throat, Hypochondriac pain, Nausea, Upper abdominal fullness... see more Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang
Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation Hypochondrial pain, Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Lack of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Dull shallow face, Irritability, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac distention, Hypochondriac pain... see more Ping Wei San | Dang Gui Shao Yao San
Heat Excess in the Liver or Gallbladder Fixed pain in the hypochondria, Hypochondriac pain, Headaches, Dizziness, Red and irritated eyes, Hearing loss, Ear swelling, Bitter taste in the mouth, Irritability, Painful urination, Swollen and itchy external genitalia... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Hypochondriac Pain

For conditions like Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder, TCM recommends formulations such as Yin Chen Hao Tang, which utilizes Virgate Wormwood to clear heat and drain dampness effectively. Another example is Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang, used to harmonize the lesser Yang-warp disorders and cool down Gallbladder Heat, enhancing the flow of Qi and reducing discomfort.

When dealing with Qi Stagnation, Yue Ju Wan is commonly prescribed to promote Qi movement, alleviate mood swings, and relieve the pent-up tension that exacerbates hypochondrial pain. These targeted treatments reflect TCM’s nuanced approach to restoring harmony and balance within the body.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type

All Formulas Recommended for Hypochondriac Pain Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Heat Excess in the Liver or Gallbladder
Yin Chen Hao Tang Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder
Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang Gallbladder Heat
Ping Wei San Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
Dang Gui Shao Yao San Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation

Acupoints for Hypochondriac Pain

In managing hypochondriac pain, TCM also emphasizes acupoint therapy, which involves stimulating specific points along the meridians to enhance Qi flow and alleviate symptoms. Points such as Danshu BL-19 and Ganshu BL-18 are pivotal for resolving Damp-Heat and invigorating Liver Qi, which can significantly relieve pain.

Additionally, points like Waiguan TB-5 and Zulingqi GB-41 on the Triple Burner and Gall Bladder Channels respectively, play crucial roles in expelling Wind-Heat and easing Liver Qi Stagnation, providing a multifaceted approach to treatment that includes dietary advice, herbal medicine, and acupuncture. This holistic strategy ensures a comprehensive healing process, targeting the underlying issues while alleviating the discomfort associated with hypochondriac pain.

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

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
  • Triple Burner Channel
  • Gall Bladder Channel
Ganshu BL-18

Ganshu BL-18

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9).

Danshu BL-19

Danshu BL-19

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

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).

Added to Cart