Upper Abdominal Distensionaccording to TCM

What is Upper Abdominal Distension?

Upper abdominal distension is a common symptom characterized by an uncomfortable feeling of tightness or swelling in the upper part of the abdomen. It is often associated with a range of conditions, manifesting as a bloated feeling in the epigastric region.

This discomfort can vary in intensity and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, belching, or a feeling of fullness even after a light meal. It's important to distinguish this symptom from other forms of abdominal swelling or distention for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

How Does TCM View Upper Abdominal Distension?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), upper abdominal distension is viewed through the lens of energetic imbalances and blockages within the body's organ systems. TCM practitioners believe that this symptom arises from disruptions in the flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood, often due to factors such as emotional stress, dietary habits, or environmental conditions.

TCM emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body's systems, hence the importance of identifying the underlying patterns of disharmony to effectively address the root causes of the symptom.

Root Causes of Upper Abdominal Distension in TCM

TCM identifies several patterns that can lead to upper abdominal distension, focusing on the flow and balance of Qi and Blood within the body. Liver Qi Stagnation is a primary cause, characterized by the interruption of Qi flow, leading to symptoms like hypochondriac distention and mood swings. Another significant pattern is the obstruction of the Spleen by Dampness coupled with Liver Qi Stagnation, manifesting as nausea, lack of appetite, and a sensation of heaviness.

Additionally, Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach is highlighted as a critical pattern, where the Qi of the Liver disrupts the normal function of the Stomach, causing symptoms such as epigastric distension, irritability, and nausea.

Explore below more details about what might cause Upper abdominal distension 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 Upper Abdominal Distension

Common Symptoms: Irritability Hypochondriac Distention Depression Nausea Lack Of Appetite Belching Abdominal Distention Melancholia

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation Epigastric distension, Epigastrium distension, 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 Xia Ru Yong Quan San | Xiao Yao San | Yue Ju Wan | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Yi Guan Jian
Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation Epigastric distension, 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
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire Epigastric distension, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation... see more Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Stomach Qi Stagnation Epigastric distension, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Belching, Nausea, Vomit, Hiccups, Irritability... see more Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang | Zuo Jin Wan
Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach Epigastric distension, Belching, Abdominal distention, Upper abdominal distension, Depression, Irritability, Dry mouth, Lack of appetite, Craving for sour foods, Dry throat, Acid reflux... see more Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang | Zuo Jin Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Upper Abdominal Distension

To address the complexities of upper abdominal distension, TCM prescribes specific formulas based on the identified patterns. For the disruption caused by Liver Qi Stagnation, Xia Ru Yong Quan San, containing Dong Quai, is recommended to soothe and invigorate Blood. When Dampness affects the Spleen along with Liver Qi Stagnation, Ping Wei San, with Cang Zhu, works to eliminate dampness and harmonize the stomach.

For cases of Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach, treatment focuses on restoring harmony between the Liver and Stomach. Formulas such as Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang, which features Crow-Dipper Rhizomes, are used to promote Qi movement and alleviate the Rebellious Qi, effectively addressing the root of distension and associated discomfort.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type

All Formulas Recommended for Upper Abdominal Distension Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach, Stomach Qi Stagnation
Zuo Jin Wan Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach, Stomach Qi Stagnation
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Liver Qi Stagnation
Xia Ru Yong Quan San Liver Qi Stagnation
Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation
Yue Ju Wan Liver Qi Stagnation
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation
Yi Guan Jian Liver Qi Stagnation
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
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire

Acupoints for Upper Abdominal Distension

TCM also employs acupuncture as a complementary treatment for upper abdominal distension, targeting specific acupoints to restore balance. Points like Chengman ST-20 and Guanmen ST-22 are stimulated to harmonize the Middle Burner and invigorate Stomach Qi.

Liangmen ST-21 is used for its effect on Stomach Qi and clearing Stomach Heat. In addressing the underlying patterns, points on the Liver and Spleen channels, such as Qimen LIV-14 and Gongsun SP-4, are also utilized to invigorate Liver Qi and harmonize the Spleen, providing relief from distension.

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

  • By Meridian
  • Stomach Channel
  • Directing Vessel
  • Liver Channel
Chengman ST-20

Chengman ST-20

5 cun above the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline, or 1 cun below Burong ST-19.

Liangmen ST-21

Liangmen ST-21

4 cun above the umbilicus and 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.

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