Umbilical Painaccording to TCM

What is Umbilical Pain?

Umbilical pain, commonly experienced as discomfort or pain around the belly button or navel area, can range from mild to severe and may indicate various underlying health issues. This type of pain is often described in relation to its location - the central point of the abdomen - and can be associated with symptoms such as bloating, digestive problems, or changes in bowel habits. Understanding the cause of umbilical pain is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, as it can stem from simple digestive upset to more serious conditions requiring medical attention.

How does TCM view Umbilical Pain?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on umbilical pain, viewing it as a manifestation of imbalance within the body's energy system. Unlike the disease-specific approach of Western medicine, TCM seeks to understand pain in the context of the flow of Qi and Blood (energy) and the balance of Yin and Yang.

Diagnosing the specific pattern of disharmony causing the pain—be it Qi stagnation, Blood Stasis, or Dampness accumulation—is essential in TCM. This diagnosis guides the selection of treatment modalities, aiming to restore balance and address the root cause of the symptom.

Root Causes of Umbilical Pain in TCM

TCM identifies several patterns that can lead to umbilical pain, with Blood Stasis being a significant factor, particularly when related to the Directing and Penetrating Vessels. This condition is characterized by a stagnation or blockage of blood flow, leading to sharp, stabbing pain, often accompanied by symptoms such as irregular periods and dark menstrual blood. Another cause can be Dampness invading the lower abdomen, resulting in a dull, persistent ache that worsens with cold exposure. Addressing these underlying imbalances through TCM practices is crucial for alleviating umbilical pain and promoting overall health.

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

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 Umbilical Pain

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels	Umbilical pain, Irregular periods, Brown vaginal discharge, Dark menstrual clots, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Lower abdominal pain, Breast engorgement, Breast pain, Anxiety... see more	Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Umbilical Pain

For umbilical pain arising from Blood Stasis, TCM recommends formulations like Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan, which contains Cinnamon twigs (Gui Zhi) to invigorate blood and dispel stasis. This formula is particularly suited for conditions marked by menstrual irregularities and lower abdominal pain, indicative of stagnant Blood.

In treating umbilical pain, the choice of herbs and formulas is meticulously tailored to the individual's specific disharmony pattern, ensuring a holistic approach that not only addresses the symptom but also nurtures the body back to equilibrium.

See more details below about Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan, a herbal formula used to address umbilical pain.

Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan

Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause umbilical pain, such as Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels

Learn more

Acupoints for Umbilical Pain

TCM also employs acupuncture as a treatment for umbilical pain, targeting specific acupoints to harmonize Qi flow and alleviate discomfort. Points like Guanyuan REN-4 and Qihai REN-6 are central for nourishing Blood and Yin, as well as strengthening the Kidneys.

Tianshu ST-25, located near the umbilicus, is key for regulating the Intestines and Spleen, highlighting the interconnectedness of TCM's approach to treating abdominal pain. By stimulating these acupoints, TCM aims to restore the smooth circulation of Qi and Blood, directly addressing the energetic imbalances underlying umbilical pain.

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

Guanyuan REN-4

On the midline of the abdomen, 3 cun below the umbilicus.

Shimen REN-5

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

Qihai REN-6

On the midline of the abdomen, 1.5 cun below the umbilicus.

Yinjiao REN-7

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

Zhongting REN-16

On the midline of the chest, on the level of the 5th intercostal space. On the sternocostal angle, where the two lower borders of the ribcage meet.

Yongquan KID-1

In the depression between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones on the sole when the foot is in plantar flexion, approximately at the junction of the anterior and middle third of the sole.

Siman KID-14

2 cun below the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Huangshu KID-16

0.5 cun lateral to the center of the umbilicus.

Zhongfeng LIV-4

1 cun anterior to the tip of medial malleolus, in the depression on the medial side of the tendon of the tibialis anterior.

Ququan LIV-8

On the medial aspect of the knee join. Flex the knee and locate the point above the medial end of the popliteal crease, posterior to the medial condyle of the tibia, on the anterior border of the insertion of semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscle, about 1 cun anterior to Yingu KID-10.

Tianshu ST-25

2 cun lateral to the center of the umbilicus.

Shangjuxu ST-37

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

Dachangshu BL-25

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th lumber vertebra (L4).

Sanyinjiao SP-6

3 cun directly above the tip of the medial malleolus, on the posterior border of the tibia, on the line drawn from the medial malleolus to Yinlingquan SP-9.