Stabbing Fixed Painaccording to TCM
Symptom family: General Body Pain and Discomfort
What is stabbing fixed pain?
Stabbing fixed pain, medically referred to as a type of localized, intense, and sharp discomfort, is often described as a constant, piercing sensation that feels as though it is in a specific, unchanging spot. Unlike diffuse pain that spreads across an area, stabbing fixed pain is concentrated and persistent. This type of pain is typically associated with conditions where there is physical damage or severe inflammation affecting the tissues. It can be a symptom of various underlying health issues and often requires targeted treatment to address the root cause.
How does TCM view stabbing fixed pain?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), understanding the underlying pattern is crucial for effective treatment. A pattern in TCM refers to the specific imbalance or disharmony within the body’s energy systems. Identifying the correct pattern is essential because it dictates the treatment approach. Stabbing fixed pain is often linked to patterns of Qi And Blood Stagnation. Recognizing and addressing these patterns helps restore balance and alleviate pain, demonstrating TCM’s holistic approach to health.
Root Causes of Stabbing Fixed Pain in TCM
In TCM, the primary cause of stabbing fixed pain is Blood Stasis, which refers to the stagnant or sluggish flow of Blood within the body. This condition is characterized by symptoms such as dark complexion, purple lips, and nails, as well as the presence of fixed, stabbing pain. Blood Stagnation can lead to the formation of abdominal masses, menstrual cramps with dark clots, and other localized pains.
Another common cause is the combined pattern of Qi And Blood Stagnation. This pattern manifests similarly but also includes symptoms like chest distension, irritability, and mood swings. The stagnation of Qi and Blood results in a lack of proper circulation, contributing to the sensation of fixed, stabbing pain.
Explore below more details about what might cause Stabbing fixed pain according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- Blood Stasis
- Qi Stagnation
Blood Stasis
Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more
Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Stabbing Fixed Pain
Common Symptoms: Dark Face Purple Lips Abdominal Masses Purple Nails Menstrual Cramps Dark Menstrual Clots Dark Menstrual Blood Mottled Skin
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Stagnation | Boring fixed stabbing pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Lumps... see more | Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Di Dang Tang | Dan Shen Yin | Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Hai Tong Pi Tang | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang |
| Qi And Blood Stagnation | Boring fixed stabbing pain, 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 | Dan Shen Yin | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Shi Xiao San | Qi Li San | Guo Qi Yin |
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 Stabbing Fixed Pain
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Qi And Blood Stagnation | Boring fixed stabbing pain, 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 | Dan Shen Yin | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Shi Xiao San | Qi Li San | Guo Qi Yin |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Stabbing Fixed Pain
For treating stabbing fixed pain caused by Blood Stasis, TCM often recommends formulas such as Tao He Cheng Qi Tang and Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang. Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, with Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) as a key herb, helps invigorate blood and dispel stasis, making it effective for pain with dark menstrual clots and abdominal masses. Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, featuring Rhubarb (Da Huang), is used to clear internal abscesses and resolve pain from Blood Stagnation.
In cases where Qi And Blood Stagnation are the underlying issues, formulas like Dan Shen Yin and Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang are commonly used. Dan Shen Yin, with Red Sage Roots (Dan Shen), is particularly effective for chest pain and distension caused by stagnated Blood and Qi. Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang, which also includes Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), works to invigorate blood and resolve stasis, making it suitable for pain associated with irritability and mood swings. These formulas aim to restore the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, thereby alleviating the fixed, stabbing pain characteristic of these patterns.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address stabbing fixed pain, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Blood Stasis
- Qi Stagnation
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
- Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
- External formulas for external disorders
- Formulas that warm the meridians and disperse cold
- Formulas that regulate blood
- Formulas that promote qi movement
- Formulas that tonify blood
Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Dan Shen Yin
Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause stabbing fixed pain, such as Blood Stagnation or Qi And Blood Stagnation
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Stabbing Fixed Pain Caused by Blood Stasis
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Dan Shen Yin | Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| Di Dang Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Hai Tong Pi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shi Xiao San | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Qi Li San | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Guo Qi Yin | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Dan Shen Yin
Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause stabbing fixed pain, such as Qi And Blood Stagnation
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Stabbing Fixed Pain Caused by Qi Stagnation
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Dan Shen Yin | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shi Xiao San | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Qi Li San | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Guo Qi Yin | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
These formulas are suitable for some stabbing fixed pain-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation or Qi And Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Dan Shen Yin, with red sage root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for stabbing fixed pain
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dan Shen Yin | Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| Di Dang Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shi Xiao San | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Qi Li San | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
These formulas are suitable for some stabbing fixed pain-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
These formulas are suitable for some stabbing fixed pain-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is San Zhong Kui Jian Tang, with phellodendron bark as a key herb.
External formulas for External disorders
These formulas are suitable for some stabbing fixed pain-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Hai Tong Pi Tang, with erythrinae bark as a key herb.
Formulas that warm the Meridians and disperse Cold
These formulas are suitable for some stabbing fixed pain-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that regulate Blood
These formulas are suitable for some stabbing fixed pain-causing patterns like Qi And Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang, with peach kernel as a key herb.
Formulas that promote Qi movement
These formulas are suitable for some stabbing fixed pain-causing patterns like Qi And Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Chai Hu Shu Gan San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Blood
These formulas are suitable for some stabbing fixed pain-causing patterns like Qi And Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Guo Qi Yin, with dong quai as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Stabbing Fixed Pain
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address stabbing fixed pain, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that stop bleeding
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Stabbing fixed pain can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for stabbing fixed pain, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for stabbing fixed pain
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Stabbing fixed pain can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for stabbing fixed pain, like San Zhong Kui Jian Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for stabbing fixed pain
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Stabbing fixed pain can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for stabbing fixed pain, like Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for stabbing fixed pain
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang |
| Angelica Roots (Bai Zhi) | Hai Tong Pi Tang |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Stabbing fixed pain can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Dong Quai (Dang Gui), a key herb in some formulas recommended for stabbing fixed pain, like Guo Qi Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for stabbing fixed pain
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dong Quai (Dang Gui) | Guo Qi Yin |
| Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) | Guo Qi Yin |
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Stabbing fixed pain can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for stabbing fixed pain, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Stabbing fixed pain can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), a key herb in some formulas recommended for stabbing fixed pain, like Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Stabbing fixed pain can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for stabbing fixed pain, like San Zhong Kui Jian Tang.
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Stabbing fixed pain can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Erythrinae Barks (Hai Tong Pi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for stabbing fixed pain, like Hai Tong Pi Tang.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Stabbing fixed pain can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for stabbing fixed pain, like Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Stabbing fixed pain can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for stabbing fixed pain, like Chai Hu Shu Gan San.
Herbs that stop bleeding
Stabbing fixed pain can be treated by these herbs in cases where it is due to internal or external bleeding, working to stabilize and constrict blood flow.
One such herb is Cattail Pollen (Pu Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for stabbing fixed pain, like Shi Xiao San.