Upper Abdominal Fullnessaccording to TCM

What is Upper Abdominal Fullness?

Upper abdominal fullness is a symptom characterized by a sensation of tightness, swelling, or an uncomfortable pressure in the area above the navel and below the chest. This sensation can be persistent or intermittent, often worsening after eating or during periods of stress. It is associated with a range of digestive discomforts, including bloating and a feeling of being overly full regardless of the amount of food consumed.

How Does TCM View Upper Abdominal Fullness?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets upper abdominal fullness as a manifestation of disharmony within the body’s energy system, particularly involving the Spleen and Stomach. TCM emphasizes the flow of Qi (vital energy) and balance among the body's organ systems.

It suggests that upper abdominal fullness can result from imbalances such as Dampness, Heat, or Stagnation affecting these organs, impacting the smooth flow of Qi and Body Fluids through the body.

Root Causes of Upper Abdominal Fullness in TCM

TCM attributes upper abdominal fullness to several patterns of disharmony, primarily focusing on the Spleen and Stomach's functional disturbances. A common pattern involves the invasion of Damp-Heat, where the body accumulates excessive moisture combined with Heat, leading to symptoms such as a feeling of heaviness, lack of appetite, and nausea.

Another prevalent pattern is the Cold-Damp invasion, where Cold and Damp qualities impede the Spleen's function, manifesting as epigastric discomfort, a sweet taste in the mouth, and a general sensation of heaviness. These patterns reflect an imbalance in the body's energy system, affecting the flow of Qi and the balance of Yin and Yang, ultimately leading to the symptom of upper abdominal fullness.

Explore below more details about what might cause Upper abdominal fullness 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 Upper Abdominal Fullness

Common Symptoms: Nausea Feeling Of Heaviness Dry Mouth Without Desire To Drink Bitter Taste In The Mouth Lack Of Appetite Feeling Of Heat Dull Yellow Complexion Upper Abdominal Pain

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat invading the Spleen Abdominal and epigastric fullness, Lack of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea or vomiting, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal burning, Feeling of heat, Scanty and dark urine, Low grade fever, Dull headache, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow sclera, Oily sweat, Itchy rashes, Bitter taste in the mouth, Upper abdominal fullness, Upper abdominal pain... see more Lian Po Yin
Damp-Heat in the Stomach Epigastrium fullness, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal fullness, Feeling of heaviness, Face pain, Congested nose, Thick nasal discharge, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea, Feeling of heat, Dull yellow complexion, Sticky taste in the mouth... see more Lian Po Yin | Ge Hua Jie Cheng San
Gallbladder Heat Epigastrium fullness, 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 Feeling of oppression and fullness of the epigastrium, 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 in Gall Bladder Epigastrium fullness, Mild chills with high fever, Bitter taste in the mouth, Stifling sensation in the chest, Vomiting of sour fluids, Thirst, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Nausea, Upper abdominal fullness, Cholecystitis, Icteric hepatitis... see more Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Upper Abdominal Fullness

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), upper abdominal fullness is treated with specific herbs and formulas tailored to the underlying patterns of disharmony. For Damp-Heat conditions, practitioners might use formulas containing Huang Lian (Goldthread Rhizomes) to clear Heat and dry Dampness.

In cases of Cold-Damp affecting the Spleen, Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu) are employed for their Spleen-strengthening and Damp-transforming qualities. Formulas like Ping Wei San are recommended to harmonize the Stomach, improve digestion, and relieve bloating. TCM emphasizes personalized treatment, combining herbal therapy with acupuncture to regulate Qi flow and address the root causes, ensuring not just symptomatic relief but also long-term balance and health.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type

All Formulas Recommended for Upper Abdominal Fullness Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Lian Po Yin Damp-Heat invading the Spleen, Damp-Heat in the Stomach
Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang Gallbladder Heat, Heat in Gall Bladder
Ping Wei San Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
Ge Hua Jie Cheng San Damp-Heat in the Stomach
Dang Gui Shao Yao San Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation

Acupoints for Upper Abdominal Fullness

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

  • By Meridian
  • Stomach Channel
  • Directing Vessel
  • Spleen Channel
Burong ST-19

Burong ST-19

2 cun below the sternocostal angel and 6 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

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.

Guanmen ST-22

Guanmen ST-22

3 cun above the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Qichong ST-30

Qichong ST-30

5 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline, superior to the inguinal groove, on the medial side of the femoral artery, nerve and vein.

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