Severe Upper Abdominal Painaccording to TCM

What is Severe Upper Abdominal Pain?

Severe upper abdominal pain can strike with such ferocity that it might bring everyday life to a standstill. This intense discomfort, located between the chest and the belly button, often demands immediate attention. The pain might feel sharp, stabbing, or create a persistent, gnawing ache that wraps around the upper body, hinting at various underlying issues that could range from the simple to the complex. This symptom, known in medical parlance as severe epigastric pain, casts a wide net, potentially signaling everything from acute gastritis to more pressing concerns like pancreatitis or gallstones.

How does TCM view Severe Upper Abdominal Pain?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches severe upper abdominal pain not as a singular ailment but as a symptom of imbalance within the body's Qi (energy), Yin and Yang, and the flow of Blood. In TCM, this region corresponds to the Middle Burner, which encompasses the Spleen and Stomach, organs crucial for digestion and assimilation of nutrients.

TCM posits that pain arises from disruptions to these systems, whether through external factors like diet and climate or internal ones like emotional stress. Recognizing and treating the specific pattern of disharmony is paramount to alleviating pain and restoring health.

Root Causes of Severe Upper Abdominal Pain in TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), severe upper abdominal pain is often seen as a signal of disharmony within the body's internal landscape. A common TCM diagnosis for such pain is Cold invading the Stomach, where an external Cold penetrates the Stomach, disrupting its function and causing pain. This condition manifests through symptoms such as a sharp, severe pain in the upper abdomen, a preference for warmth, aversion to cold foods and drinks, and possible nausea or vomiting of clear fluids. It highlights TCM's perspective that external environmental factors can significantly impact our internal organ systems, leading to discomfort and disease.

Explore below more details about what might cause Severe upper abdominal pain according to TCM.

Cold

In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more

Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Severe Upper Abdominal Pain

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Cold invading the Stomach	Severe epigastric pain, Severe upper abdominal pain, Chills, Cold extremities, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Nausea, Feeling worse after drinking cold drinks... see more	Liang Fu Wan | Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San | Wu Zhu Yu Tang

Stomach

In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more

Stomach Patterns That Can Lead to Severe Upper Abdominal Pain

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Cold invading the Stomach	Severe epigastric pain, Severe upper abdominal pain, Chills, Cold extremities, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Nausea, Feeling worse after drinking cold drinks... see more	Liang Fu Wan | Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San | Wu Zhu Yu Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Severe Upper Abdominal Pain

To counteract the effects of Cold invading the Stomach, TCM turns to remedies designed to expel cold and warm the middle. Among these, Liang Fu Wan, featuring Lesser Galangal Rhizomes (Gao Liang Jiang) and Black Pepper (Hua Jiao), stands out. This formula works by directly warming the stomach and dispersing cold, thereby alleviating pain. It is an illustration of TCM's principle that the treatment should directly address the root cause of an ailment — in this case, using warmth to counteract cold — to restore balance and health to the body.

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

Top Formula for Cold:
Liang Fu Wan

Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause severe upper abdominal pain, such as Cold invading the Stomach

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All Formulas Recommended for Severe Upper Abdominal Pain Caused by Cold

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Liang Fu Wan	Cold invading the Stomach
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San	Cold invading the Stomach
Wu Zhu Yu Tang	Cold invading the Stomach

Acupoints for Severe Upper Abdominal Pain

In addressing severe upper abdominal pain from Cold invading the Stomach, TCM emphasizes the use of acupuncture as a potent means to restore harmony and alleviate discomfort. A key point in this therapeutic approach is Zhongwan (REN-12), found on the midline of the abdomen, 4 cun above the umbilicus. Stimulating this point is believed to significantly warm the Stomach, expel cold, and alleviate pain. This practice reflects the intricate understanding in TCM of how pinpointing specific locations on the body can mobilize the body’s innate healing processes, offering relief from acute conditions like severe upper abdominal pain.

See more details below about Taiyi ST-23, an acupoint used to address severe upper abdominal pain.

Taiyi ST-23

2 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.