Upper Abdominal Oppressionaccording to TCM
What is Upper Abdominal Oppression?
Upper abdominal oppression describes a sensation of pressure, tightness, or discomfort in the area between the chest and the navel. It is often experienced as a feeling of constriction that can affect breathing and digestion, making the individual feel as though they cannot fully expand their abdomen.
This condition can vary in intensity, from a mild, barely noticeable discomfort to a severe, debilitating sensation that impacts daily activities and quality of life.
How does TCM View Upper Abdominal Oppression?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), upper abdominal oppression is seen through a holistic lens, attributed to imbalances within the body's organ systems and the flow of Qi (vital energy).
TCM practitioners believe that this symptom arises from disharmony between the Liver and Spleen, obstruction by Phlegm, or the Stagnation of Qi, reflecting an underlying imbalance that requires a targeted treatment strategy. Recognizing the specific pattern of disharmony is crucial for effective intervention, emphasizing the importance of a personalized approach in TCM.
Root Causes of Upper Abdominal Oppression in TCM
TCM identifies several potential causes for upper abdominal oppression, focusing on patterns of disharmony within the body. One common cause is Phlegm-Heat, characterized by symptoms like a feeling of oppression in the epigastrium and mucous in feces. Formulas such as Wen Dan Tang and Ding Chuan Tang are recommended for their properties in drying Dampness and transforming Phlegm.
Another cause is Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation, presenting as a feeling of oppression and fullness of the epigastrium and irritability. Ping Wei San and Dang Gui Shao Yao San are used to transform Dampness and invigorate Blood, addressing both the obstruction and the underlying Liver Qi Stagnation.
Explore below more details about what might cause Upper abdominal oppression according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Heat
- Phlegm
- Qi Stagnation
- View More Causes
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 Oppression
Common Symptoms: Nausea Diarrhea Mucous In Feces Depression Flushed Face Restlessness Stifling Sensation In The Chest Dry Mouth
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Phlegm-Heat | A feeling of oppression in the epigastrium, Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces, Depression | Wen Dan Tang | Ding Chuan Tang | Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Gun Tan Wan |
| 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 |
| Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen | A feeling of oppression in chest and epigastrium, Head and body heaviness, Upper abdominal oppression, Nausea, Diarrhea, Fever not reduced by sweating... see more | Lian Po Yin | Ge Hua Jie Cheng San | Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Upper Abdominal Oppression
To treat upper abdominal oppression, TCM practitioners select formulas based on the identified pattern of disharmony. For Phlegm-Heat, Wen Dan Tang and Ding Chuan Tang are chosen for their effectiveness in clearing Heat and transforming Phlegm.
For cases involving Dampness obstruction and Liver Qi Stagnation, Ping Wei San and Dang Gui Shao Yao San are preferred for their ability to harmonize the Stomach and invigorate Blood. This targeted approach ensures that treatment addresses not only the symptoms but also the root cause of the discomfort, reflecting TCM's holistic perspective on healing.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address upper abdominal oppression, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Heat
- Phlegm
- Qi Stagnation
- View More Causes
Top Formula for Heat:
Wen Dan Tang
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause upper abdominal oppression, such as Phlegm-Heat
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Upper Abdominal Oppression Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Wen Dan Tang | Phlegm-Heat |
| Ding Chuan Tang | Phlegm-Heat |
| Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Phlegm-Heat |
| Gun Tan Wan | Phlegm-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 |
| Lian Po Yin | Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen |
| Ge Hua Jie Cheng San | Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen |
| Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang | Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen |
TCM Herbs for Upper Abdominal Oppression
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address upper abdominal oppression, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Upper abdominal oppression can be treated by these herbs when it is related to heat-phlegm accumulation, aiding in dissolving phlegm and soothing the respiratory system.
One such herb is Arisaema With Bile (Dan Nan Xing), a key herb in some formulas recommended for upper abdominal oppression, like Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for upper abdominal oppression
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Arisaema With Bile (Dan Nan Xing) | Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan |
| Chlorite Schist (Meng Shi) | Gun Tan Wan |
| Bamboo Shavings (Zhu Ru) | Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang |