Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is a common ailment that can be caused by various factors. In Chinese medicine, different types of abdominal pain are believed to have distinct underlying causes and are treated accordingly. This article discusses the types of abdominal pain according to Chinese medicine, and the herbal remedies and dietary recommendations associated with each type.

Abdominal Pain Patterns of Disharmony

Cold Spleen Abdominal Pain

Symptoms of cold spleen abdominal pain include sudden attacks of pain, prolonged discomfort, increased pain when cold and relief when warm, cold hands and feet, dark-yellow skin, diarrhea with a cool sensation, and indigestion. The treatment goal for this type of pain is to disperse cold and warm the spleen. Wen-Pi-Tang is a traditional remedy that consists of ingredients like cinnamon, clove oil, dill seed, garlic, pistachio nut, cayenne pepper, fennel, fresh ginger, mustard seed, prickly ash, star anise, white or yellow mustard, and wine.

Deficiency and Cold Abdominal Pain

This type of pain is characterized by prolonged pain that gets worse when cold and improves when warm, increased pain when hungry, fatigue, and love of hot drinks. Treatment focuses on strengthening energy and warming the internal region. The recommended remedy is Li-Zhong-Tang, which includes ingredients such as cayenne pepper, dill seed, fennel, fresh ginger, mustard seed, prickly ash, star anise, white or yellow mustard, wine, and various fruits and vegetables.

Excess and Hot Abdominal Pain

Symptoms include pain that worsens when hot and improves when cold, pain with burning sensations, and forceful vomiting. The treatment goal is to sedate heat and regulate energy. Hou-Pu-San-Wu-Tang is a traditional remedy containing banana, bitter endive, black fungus, salt, spinach, strawberry, and other cooling ingredients.

Indigestion Abdominal Pain

This type of pain is characterized by discomfort that worsens with massage and improves after bowel movements, belching of bad breath after meals, and indigestion. The treatment goal is to promote digestion and harmonize the stomach. Bao-He-Wan or Zhi-Shi-Dao-Zhi-Wan are recommended remedies, containing ingredients such as asafoetida, buckwheat, castor bean, jellyfish, peach, radish, and water chestnut.

Energy Congestion Abdominal Pain

Symptoms include pain that reduces after flatulence, chest and rib discomfort, and swelling and congestion after eating. Treatment aims to regulate energy and promote energy circulation. Mu-Xiang-Shun-Qi-San is a traditional remedy that includes ingredients like beef, cherry, bird's nest, butterfish, chicken, coconut meat, date, tofu, and mustard seed.

Blood Coagulation Abdominal Pain

This type of pain is characterized by the sensation of being pricked by a needle, pain in a fixed region, bleeding from gums, and vomiting of blood. The treatment goal is to activate the blood, transform coagulations, promote energy circulation, and relieve pain. Shao-Fu-Zhu-Yu-Tang is a traditional remedy containing ingredients like ambergris, brown sugar, chestnut, eggplant, peach, black soybean, sturgeon, and sweet basil.

Chinese medicine offers a holistic approach to treating abdominal pain by addressing the underlying causes and providing targeted treatments. Understanding the different types of abdominal pain and their corresponding herbal remedies and dietary recommendations can be a helpful tool for those seeking relief from their discomfort. As always, consult with a qualified practitioner before starting any new treatment or making significant changes to your diet.