Tight Feeling In Chest And Stomachaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Upper Abdominal Pain and Discomfort
Did you mean? Upper Abdominal Fullness
What is Tight Feeling in Chest and Stomach?
A tight feeling in the chest and stomach is an uncomfortable sensation that may manifest as a constrictive feeling around the upper abdomen and chest area. This condition, often described as a stifling sensation or tightness, can indicate various underlying issues, ranging from digestive problems to stress-related conditions. The discomfort experienced can significantly affect one’s quality of life, making it essential to understand its causes and seek appropriate treatment.
How Does TCM View Tight Feeling in Chest and Stomach?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches the tight feeling in the chest and stomach from a holistic perspective, viewing it as a symptom of an imbalance within the body’s Qi (energy) or due to the disharmony among organs. TCM emphasizes the significance of diagnosing the underlying pattern of disharmony causing the symptom. Identifying the right pattern is crucial for treating not just the symptom but also its root cause, thereby restoring the body’s natural balance and well-being.
Root Causes of Tight Feeling In Chest And Stomach in TCM
TCM attributes the symptom to various causes, such as Dampness and Phlegm, which are common culprits. Damp-Heat, for instance, can lead to a stifling sensation accompanied by fever, headache, and a heavy feeling, treated with formulas like Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San and Lian Po Yin.
Similarly, Phlegm can cause nausea, vomit, and palpitations, with remedies such as Er Chen Tang proving effective. TCM’s approach is to identify these patterns and address them with specific herbal formulas, aiming to restore balance and alleviate the tight feeling.
Explore below more details about what might cause Tight feeling in chest and stomach according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Dampness
- Phlegm
- Heat
- Cold
- Summer Heat
- View More Causes
- Large Intestine
- Triple Burner
Dampness
"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more
Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Tight Feeling In Chest And Stomach
Common Symptoms: Diarrhea Fever Headaches Feeling Of Heaviness Thirst Abdominal Pain Nausea Vomit
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Damp-Heat | Stifling sensation in the chest and epigastrium, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling of heat, Feeling of heaviness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Acne... see more | Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San | Lian Po Yin | Yin Chen Hao Tang | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan |
| Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine | Stifling sensation in the chest and epigastrium, Abdominal pain, Abdominal fullness, Diarrhea, Hematochezia, Mucous in feces, Smelly stools, Anal burning, Scanty and dark urine, Fever, Excessive sweating, Feeling of heat, Thirst, Feeling of heaviness... see more | Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang | Shao Yao Tang |
| Exterior Cold with Interior Dampness in Summer | Stifling sensation in the chest and epigastrium, Chills with warm skin, Lack of sweating, Heavy sensation in the head, Headaches, Abdominal pain, Vomit, Diarrhea, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Fatigued extremities, Nausea... see more | Xiang Ru San |
| Summer Heat with Dampness | Stifling sensation in the chest and epigastrium, Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Anxiety, Thirst, Chest distension, Lack of appetite... see more | Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San | Xiang Ru San | Gui Ling Gan Lu Yin |
| Damp-Cold Phlegm | Stifling sensation in the chest and epigastrium, Nausea, Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Palpitations, Dizziness, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum, Upper respiratory tract infections, Chronic bronchitis, Emphysema... see more | Er Chen Tang |
| Phlegm-Dampness in the Middle-Burner | Stifling sensation in the chest and epigastrium, Nausea, Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum, Anorexia, Peptic ulcer, Chronic gastritis, Acid reflux, Abdominal pain... see more | Liu Jun Zi Tang |
Phlegm
In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more
Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Tight Feeling In Chest And Stomach
Common Symptoms: Nausea Vomit Focal Distention Profuse White Sputum Chronic Gastritis Peptic Ulcer Palpitations Dizziness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Damp-Cold Phlegm | Stifling sensation in the chest and epigastrium, Nausea, Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Palpitations, Dizziness, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum, Upper respiratory tract infections, Chronic bronchitis, Emphysema... see more | Er Chen Tang |
| Phlegm-Dampness in the Middle-Burner | Stifling sensation in the chest and epigastrium, Nausea, Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum, Anorexia, Peptic ulcer, Chronic gastritis, Acid reflux, Abdominal pain... see more | Liu Jun Zi Tang |
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 Tight Feeling In Chest And Stomach
Common Symptoms: Fever Feeling Of Heat Feeling Of Heaviness Scanty And Dark Urine Abdominal Fullness Thirst Diarrhea Neck Gland Swelling
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Damp-Heat | Stifling sensation in the chest and epigastrium, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling of heat, Feeling of heaviness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Acne... see more | Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San | Lian Po Yin | Yin Chen Hao Tang | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan |
| Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine | Stifling sensation in the chest and epigastrium, Abdominal pain, Abdominal fullness, Diarrhea, Hematochezia, Mucous in feces, Smelly stools, Anal burning, Scanty and dark urine, Fever, Excessive sweating, Feeling of heat, Thirst, Feeling of heaviness... see more | Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang | Shao Yao Tang |
Cold
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
Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Tight Feeling In Chest And Stomach
Common Symptoms: Nausea Vomit Palpitations Dizziness Focal Distention Profuse White Sputum Upper Respiratory Tract Infections Chronic Bronchitis
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Cold with Interior Dampness in Summer | Stifling sensation in the chest and epigastrium, Chills with warm skin, Lack of sweating, Heavy sensation in the head, Headaches, Abdominal pain, Vomit, Diarrhea, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Fatigued extremities, Nausea... see more | Xiang Ru San |
| Damp-Cold Phlegm | Stifling sensation in the chest and epigastrium, Nausea, Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Palpitations, Dizziness, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum, Upper respiratory tract infections, Chronic bronchitis, Emphysema... see more | Er Chen Tang |
Summer Heat
"Summer-Heat" in TCM is a unique concept that refers to a pattern of disharmony often associated with the hot summer months. Imagine the intense heat of summer stressing your body, like being in a sweltering, humid environment for too long. This can lead to symptoms like feeling overheated, excessive sweating, a feeling of irritation, and sometimes even nausea or dizziness. In TCM, this condition is thought to arise from the external environment's heat affecting the body's internal balance. It's similar to how we might feel uncomfortable and out of sorts on a very hot day. ... see more
Summer Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Tight Feeling In Chest And Stomach
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Heat with Dampness | Stifling sensation in the chest and epigastrium, Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Anxiety, Thirst, Chest distension, Lack of appetite... see more | Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San | Xiang Ru San | Gui Ling Gan Lu Yin |
Large Intestine
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
Large Intestine Patterns That Can Lead to Tight Feeling In Chest And Stomach
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine | Stifling sensation in the chest and epigastrium, Abdominal pain, Abdominal fullness, Diarrhea, Hematochezia, Mucous in feces, Smelly stools, Anal burning, Scanty and dark urine, Fever, Excessive sweating, Feeling of heat, Thirst, Feeling of heaviness... see more | Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang | Shao Yao Tang |
Triple Burner
In TCM the Triple Burner (or San Jiao) is a unique concept rather than a physical organ. It's seen as a system that oversees the flow and balance of Qi and bodily fluids across three regions of the body: the upper (respiratory and cardiovascular systems), middle (digestive system), and lower (urinary and reproductive systems). The Triple Burner facilitates the interaction between these systems, ensuring harmony in bodily functions. When it malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of symptoms depending on the affected region, such as respiratory issues, digestive problems, or urinary and reproductive disorders. The malfunction can also manifest as general imbalances in energy flow, temperature regulation, and fluid metabolism, reflecting the Triple Burner's role as a coordinator of the body's various processes and its importance in maintaining overall balance and health.... see more
Triple Burner Patterns That Can Lead to Tight Feeling In Chest And Stomach
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Phlegm-Dampness in the Middle-Burner | Stifling sensation in the chest and epigastrium, Nausea, Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum, Anorexia, Peptic ulcer, Chronic gastritis, Acid reflux, Abdominal pain... see more | Liu Jun Zi Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Tight Feeling In Chest And Stomach
For conditions arising from Dampness, like Damp-Heat or Exterior Cold with Interior Dampness, formulas like Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San and Xiang Ru San are recommended for their ability to transform Dampness and harmonize the Stomach.
When Phlegm is the underlying cause, particularly Damp-Cold Phlegm or Phlegm-Dampness in the Middle Burner, formulas such as Er Chen Tang and Liu Jun Zi Tang are effective for drying Dampness and transforming Phlegm. Each formula is selected based on the specific pattern of disharmony identified, demonstrating TCM’s nuanced approach to treatment.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address tight feeling in chest and stomach, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Dampness
- Phlegm
- Heat
- Cold
- Summer Heat
- View More Causes
- Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
- Formulas that transform dampness and harmonize stomach
- Formulas that release the exterior and clear the interior
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
- Formulas that dispel summer-Heat and resolve exterior
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that dispel summer-Heat and facilitate resolution of dampness
Top Formula for Dampness:
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause tight feeling in chest and stomach, such as Damp-Heat or Summer Heat with Dampness
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Tight Feeling In Chest And Stomach Caused by Dampness
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San | Damp-Heat, Summer Heat with Dampness |
| Xiang Ru San | Exterior Cold with Interior Dampness in Summer, Summer Heat with Dampness |
| Lian Po Yin | Damp-Heat |
| Yin Chen Hao Tang | Damp-Heat |
| Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan | Damp-Heat |
| Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang | Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine |
| Shao Yao Tang | Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine |
| Er Chen Tang | Damp-Cold Phlegm |
| Liu Jun Zi Tang | Phlegm-Dampness in the Middle-Burner |
| Gui Ling Gan Lu Yin | Summer Heat with Dampness |
Top Formula for Phlegm:
Er Chen Tang
Suitable for Phlegm patterns that may cause tight feeling in chest and stomach, such as Damp-Cold Phlegm
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Tight Feeling In Chest And Stomach Caused by Phlegm
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Er Chen Tang | Damp-Cold Phlegm |
| Liu Jun Zi Tang | Phlegm-Dampness in the Middle-Burner |
Top Formula for Heat:
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause tight feeling in chest and stomach, such as Damp-Heat
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Tight Feeling In Chest And Stomach Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San | Damp-Heat |
| Lian Po Yin | Damp-Heat |
| Yin Chen Hao Tang | Damp-Heat |
| Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan | Damp-Heat |
| Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang | Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine |
| Shao Yao Tang | Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine |
Top Formula for Cold:
Xiang Ru San
Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause tight feeling in chest and stomach, such as Exterior Cold with Interior Dampness in Summer
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Tight Feeling In Chest And Stomach Caused by Cold
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Xiang Ru San | Exterior Cold with Interior Dampness in Summer |
| Er Chen Tang | Damp-Cold Phlegm |
Top Formula for Summer Heat:
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Suitable for Summer Heat patterns that may cause tight feeling in chest and stomach, such as Summer Heat with Dampness
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Tight Feeling In Chest And Stomach Caused by Summer Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San | Summer Heat with Dampness |
| Xiang Ru San | Summer Heat with Dampness |
| Gui Ling Gan Lu Yin | Summer Heat with Dampness |
Formulas that transform Dampness and harmonize Stomach
These formulas are suitable for some tight feeling in chest and stomach-causing patterns like Damp-Heat or Summer Heat with Dampness.
One such formula is Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San, with korean mint as a key herb.
Formulas that dispel Summer-Heat and resolve Exterior
These formulas are suitable for some tight feeling in chest and stomach-causing patterns like Exterior Cold with Interior Dampness in Summer or Summer Heat with Dampness.
One such formula is Xiang Ru San, with vietnamese balm as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness
These formulas are suitable for some tight feeling in chest and stomach-causing patterns like Damp-Heat.
One such formula is Lian Po Yin, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat and expel dampness" recommended for tight feeling in chest and stomach
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Lian Po Yin | Damp-Heat |
| Yin Chen Hao Tang | Damp-Heat |
| Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan | Damp-Heat |
Formulas that Release the Exterior and Clear the Interior
These formulas are suitable for some tight feeling in chest and stomach-causing patterns like Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine.
One such formula is Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang, with kudzu root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
These formulas are suitable for some tight feeling in chest and stomach-causing patterns like Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine.
One such formula is Shao Yao Tang, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm
These formulas are suitable for some tight feeling in chest and stomach-causing patterns like Damp-Cold Phlegm.
One such formula is Er Chen Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi
These formulas are suitable for some tight feeling in chest and stomach-causing patterns like Phlegm-Dampness in the Middle-Burner.
One such formula is Liu Jun Zi Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that dispel Summer-Heat and facilitate resolution of Dampness
These formulas are suitable for some tight feeling in chest and stomach-causing patterns like Summer Heat with Dampness.
One such formula is Gui Ling Gan Lu Yin, with talc as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Tight Feeling In Chest And Stomach
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address tight feeling in chest and stomach, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Tight feeling in chest and stomach can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Korean Mint (Huo Xiang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tight feeling in chest and stomach, like Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness" recommended for tight feeling in chest and stomach
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Korean Mint (Huo Xiang) | Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San |
| Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu) | Lian Po Yin |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Tight feeling in chest and stomach 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 Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tight feeling in chest and stomach, like Lian Po Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for tight feeling in chest and stomach
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) | Lian Po Yin | Shao Yao Tang |
| Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan | Shao Yao Tang |
Herbs that drain Dampness
Tight feeling in chest and stomach 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 Virgate Wormwood (Yin Chen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tight feeling in chest and stomach, like Yin Chen Hao Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for tight feeling in chest and stomach
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Virgate Wormwood (Yin Chen) | Yin Chen Hao Tang | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan |
| Talc (Hua Shi) | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan | Gui Ling Gan Lu Yin |
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Tight feeling in chest and stomach 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 Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tight feeling in chest and stomach, like Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang.
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Tight feeling in chest and stomach can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tight feeling in chest and stomach, like Er Chen Tang.
Herbs that regulate Qi
Tight feeling in chest and stomach can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.
One such herb is Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tight feeling in chest and stomach, like Er Chen Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Tight feeling in chest and stomach 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 Vietnamese Balm (Xiang Ru), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tight feeling in chest and stomach, like Xiang Ru San.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Tight feeling in chest and stomach 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 Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for tight feeling in chest and stomach, like Liu Jun Zi Tang.