Symptom families: Abdominal Thermal Sensations, Cold Sensations and Intolerance
Sub-symptom(s): Cold Sensation In Lower Abdomen
Abdominal cold sensation is described as a chilling feeling within the stomach or abdominal area, often indicating an underlying imbalance within the body. This condition can manifest as a coldness perceived internally, sometimes accompanied by pain, discomfort, or digestive issues. It's a symptom noted for its specificity—directly pointing toward a coldness inside rather than a general feeling of being cold. Recognizing this sensation is crucial for diagnosing and addressing the root causes effectively in both modern and traditional medical practices.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets the abdominal cold sensation as a sign of an imbalance in the body's natural energy flow or Qi. It suggests the presence of internal Cold, which can stagnate the flow of Qi and blood within the abdomen, leading to discomfort.
TCM emphasizes understanding the underlying patterns of disharmony causing this sensation to tailor a treatment plan that not only alleviates the symptom but also restores the body's harmony and balance.
TCM identifies several patterns that could lead to an abdominal cold sensation, with Cold invading the Large Intestine and Interior Cold being among the primary causes. These conditions reflect an intrusion of Cold into the body, disrupting the normal function of the intestines and abdominal region.
Symptoms might include diarrhea, chills, and pain that improves with warmth, indicating a deep-seated coldness requiring warming and Qi-moving treatments to restore internal warmth and energy flow.
Explore below more details about what might cause Abdominal cold sensation according to TCM.
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
Common Symptoms: Postpartum Abdominal Pain Abdominal Pain Diarrhea Chills Hernia-Related Pain Flank Pain Abdominal Pain Relieved By Pressure And Warmth Menstrual Cramps
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Cold invading the Large Intestine | Cold sensation in abdomen, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Chills, Abdominal cold sensation | Liang Fu Wan | Tao Hua Tang |
Interior Cold | Cold abdominal, Postpartum abdominal pain, Abdominal cold sensation, Hernia-Related pain, Flank pain, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth... see more | Dang Gui Sheng Jiang Yang Rou Tang | Wu Ji San | Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang |
Full Cold in the Directing and Penetraing Vessels | Cold in the lower abdomen, Menstrual cramps, Cold sensation in lower abdomen, Infertility, Late menstruation, Dark menstrual clots, Postpartum abdominal pain, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Uterine hypoplasia, Endometrial hyperplasia, Endometriosis... see more | Wen Jing Tang |
In TCM the Large Intestine is primarily seen as responsible for the absorption of fluids and the excretion of waste. It is closely related to the Lung in terms of energy flow and function, reflecting the interconnectedness of organ systems in TCM. When the Large Intestine malfunctions, it can lead to issues such as constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain, and an inability to let go of emotional waste, like holding onto grief or stress. This is in line with the TCM view that the physical and emotional aspects of health are deeply connected. An imbalanced Large Intestine can also manifest as skin problems, signifying the organ’s role in eliminating toxins and maintaining balance in the body’s internal environment.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Cold invading the Large Intestine | Cold sensation in abdomen, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Chills, Abdominal cold sensation | Liang Fu Wan | Tao Hua Tang |
To counteract the coldness and revitalize the abdomen's warmth, TCM recommends specific formulas such as Liang Fu Wan and Dang Gui Sheng Jiang Yang Rou Tang. These formulas are designed to expel Cold and warm the Interior, utilizing ingredients like Lesser Galangal Rhizomes and Mutton, known for their warming properties. The choice of formula depends on the individual's specific pattern of disharmony, ensuring a personalized approach to treatment that addresses both the symptom and its root cause.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address abdominal cold sensation, organized by cause and by formula type.
Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause abdominal cold sensation, such as Full Cold in the Directing and Penetraing Vessels
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Wen Jing Tang | Full Cold in the Directing and Penetraing Vessels |
Liang Fu Wan | Cold invading the Large Intestine |
Tao Hua Tang | Cold invading the Large Intestine |
Dang Gui Sheng Jiang Yang Rou Tang | Interior Cold |
Wu Ji San | Interior Cold |
Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang | Interior Cold |
These formulas are suitable for some abdominal cold sensation-causing patterns like Full Cold in the Directing and Penetraing Vessels or Dampness and Phlegm in the Uterus.
One such formula is Wen Jing Tang, with cinnamon twigs as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some abdominal cold sensation-causing patterns like Cold invading the Large Intestine.
One such formula is Liang Fu Wan, with lesser galangal rhizome as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some abdominal cold sensation-causing patterns like Cold invading the Large Intestine.
One such formula is Tao Hua Tang, with red halloysite as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some abdominal cold sensation-causing patterns like Interior Cold.
One such formula is Dang Gui Sheng Jiang Yang Rou Tang, with mutton as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some abdominal cold sensation-causing patterns like Interior Cold.
These formulas are suitable for some abdominal cold sensation-causing patterns like Interior Cold.
One such formula is Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Acupuncture points like Fuai SP-16, Sanyinjiao SP-6, Huiyang BL-35, and Shenque REN-8 are invaluable for treating abdominal cold sensations. These points are strategically located to regulate the intestines, tonify the Spleen and Stomach, resolve dampness, and warm the Yang. By stimulating these points, TCM practitioners aim to restore the flow of Qi and blood, eliminate internal Cold, and bring back balance and warmth to the abdominal area.
Explore below some acupoints used to address abdominal cold sensation, organized by meridian.
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.
On the mammillary line 4 cun lateral to the umbilicus center.
3 cun above the umbilicus center and 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline, on the mamillary line.
On the midline of the abdomen, 3 cun below the umbilicus.
In the center of the umbilicus.
On either side of the coccyx tip, 0.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
When a fist is made, with the ulnar side downward and elbow flexed, the point is 2 cun distal to Quchi LI-11 of the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.