Abdominal Distentionaccording to TCM

What is Abdominal Distention?

Abdominal distention refers to the sensation of increased pressure within the abdomen, leading to a noticeable enlargement or bloating of the stomach area. This condition can cause discomfort, fullness, and sometimes pain, affecting daily activities and overall well-being.

Abdominal distention encompasses a range of sensations, from slight bloating to severe swelling, and can be associated with various digestive and systemic health issues.

How Does TCM View Abdominal Distention?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches abdominal distention not as a single symptom but as a sign of underlying disharmony within the body’s energy system. TCM practitioners believe that distention arises from imbalances such as Qi stagnation, Phlegm accumulation, Blood Stgantion, Qi Deficiency, and Yang Deficiency, each affecting the body's internal organs differently.

Identifying the specific pattern of disharmony is crucial for effective treatment in TCM, aiming to restore balance and alleviate the symptom.

Root Causes of Abdominal Distention in TCM

TCM identifies several key patterns that can lead to abdominal distention. Qi Stagnation, particularly in the Liver, can cause the abdomen to distend, often accompanied by mood swings and discomfort that fluctuates with emotional states.

Similarly, Phlegm accumulation, resulting from improper diet or metabolic issues, can lead to a sense of fullness and visible swelling. Blood Stagnation, marked by fixed pain and possibly dark, clotted menstrual blood in women, can also manifest as abdominal distention.

Additionally, Qi and Yang Deficiencies—reflecting a lack of vital energy or warmth—can lead to a bloated abdomen, often accompanied by coldness and fatigue.

Explore below more details about what might cause Abdominal distention according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Heat
  • Dampness
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 Abdominal Distention

Common Symptoms: Irritability Upper Abdominal Distension Depression Irregular Periods Abdominal Pain Lack Of Appetite Hypochondriac Distention Mood Swings

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation Abdomen distension, Abdominal distension, Abdominal distention and fullness, 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 Xiao Yao San | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Yue Ju Wan | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Yi Guan Jian | Wu Yao Tang | Xia Ru Yong Quan San
Large Intestine Qi Stagnation Abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Abdominal pain, Constipation, Anxiety, Bitty stools Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Qi And Blood Stagnation Abdominal distension, Abdominal distention and fullness, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more Si Wu Tang | Xiao Yao San | Jin Ling Zi San | Tao Hong Si Wu Tang | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Wen Jing Tang | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan
Small Intestine Qi Pain Abdominal distension, Lower abdominal twisting pain, Abdominal distention, Abdominal pain worsened by pressure, Borborygmi, Excessive gas and flatulence, Abdominal pain relieved by flatulence, Testicular pain... see more Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation Feeling of oppression and fullness of the epigastrium, 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
Blood and Qi Deficiency with Blood Stagnation Abdominal distension, Lack of appetite, Weak limbs, Lower back pain, Abdominal distention, Irregular periods, Red and white vaginal discharge, Infertility... see more Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang
Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach Abdominal distension, 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 Abdominal Distention

To address the complex nature of abdominal distention, TCM utilizes a variety of herbal formulas tailored to the underlying pattern of disharmony. For Qi Stagnation, Xiao Yao San helps to soothe Liver Qi and alleviate emotional stress, thereby reducing distention.

In cases of Phlegm dampness, Wu Ling San promotes urination and leaches out excess Dampness, relieving swelling. When Blood Stagnation is the culprit, Tao Hong Si Wu Tang invigorates blood circulation and disperses stasis.

For individuals suffering from Qi Deficiency, Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang strengthens the body’s vital energy, and for those with Yang Deficiency, formulas like Wu Ling San warm the body and dispel cold, addressing the root causes of abdominal distention.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Heat
  • Dampness

All Formulas Recommended for Abdominal Distention Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Liver Qi Stagnation, Large Intestine Qi Stagnation, Small Intestine Qi Pain
Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
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
Ping Wei San Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
Si Wu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation
Yue Ju Wan Liver Qi Stagnation
Yi Guan Jian Liver Qi Stagnation
Wu Yao Tang Liver Qi Stagnation
Xia Ru Yong Quan San Liver Qi Stagnation
Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang Blood and Qi Deficiency with Blood Stagnation
Jin Ling Zi San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wen Jing Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Qi And Blood 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 Abdominal Distention

TCM also incorporates acupuncture as a method to relieve abdominal distention, selecting acupoints that harmonize the Stomach and Spleen, invigorate Qi, and promote the elimination of Phlegm and Dampness.

Points such as Chongyang ST-42 and Daju ST-27 regulate digestive Qi and resolve dampness, while Guanmen ST-22 and Jiexi ST-41 focus on invigorating stomach Qi and clearing Heat. Additionally, Spleen Channel points like Dadu SP-2 and Diji SP-8 are vital for strengthening the Spleen, regulating Qi, and supporting digestion, providing a holistic approach to treating abdominal distention and its underlying causes.

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

  • By Meridian
  • Stomach Channel
  • Spleen Channel
  • Bladder 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.

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.

Tianshu ST-25

Tianshu ST-25

2 cun lateral to the center of the umbilicus.

Wailing ST-26

Wailing ST-26

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

Daju ST-27

Daju ST-27

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

Shuidao ST-28

Shuidao ST-28

3 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to 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.

Yinshi ST-33

Yinshi ST-33

3 cun above the upper-lateral border of the patella, on a line between the lateral patellar border and the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS).

Shangjuxu ST-37

Shangjuxu ST-37

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

Jiexi ST-41

Jiexi ST-41

At the junction of the dorsum of the foot and leg, between the tendons of extensor digitorum and the extensor hallucis longus muscle. Approximately at the level of the tip of the external malleolus.

Chongyang ST-42

Chongyang ST-42

Distal to Jiexi ST-41, at the highest point of the dorsum of foot, between the tendons of the extensor hallucis longus and the extensor digitorum longus, directly lateral to the point where the dorsalis pedis artery may be palpated. The point is bordered proximally by the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones and distally by the 2nd and 3rd cuneiform bones.

Xiangu ST-43

Xiangu ST-43

On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones, at the level of the junction of the shafts and the heads of these metatarsal bones.

Neiting ST-44

Neiting ST-44

Between the 2nd and the 3rd toes, proximal to the interdigital fold.

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