At the pathological level, the abdomen may present distension and/or pain. It can be due to an empty or full pattern and cold or heat. We will also ask about the area of the stomach and the hypochondriac region.

Abdominal Distension

Due to Deficiency

Theoretically distension is fullness, but the underlying pattern can be Spleen- and Stomach-Yang deficiency. Lacking fire to digest. The person would present diarrhea, paleness, weak pulse, slow digestion, pasty stools, sometimes dull abdominal pain, clear urine, tiredness. May not appear bloated but feels that way.

Moxa: BL-20, BL-21 and BL-25 (back-shu points of SP, ST and LI), and CV-4, CV-12, CV-8, CV-10

Due to Fullness

Invasion of cold or cold and dampness (for example, excess of raw and cold foods), blocks the Spleen-Yang energy and Yin occupies the space.

Hard abdomen. Difficulty breathing, constipation, deep-tight pulse, loss of appetite. Cold food makes it worse.

ST-36, ST-44, SP-1, SP-6, SP-9, ST-25, CV-6, CV-12, LR-13

Due to Qi Stagnation

With abdominal pain in the form of stabbing sensations, gas, tight pulse, constipation, worry. Does not present clear symptoms of cold and dampness. Treatment would be the same as fullness plus Liver and Pericardium points

Due to Intestinal Parasites

(in Spain it is not usually present)

Abdominal Pain

Due to Damp-Heat in the Bladder

Lower abdomen hurts. Frequent, urgent urination, with burning pain. Cystitis. Damp-Heat in the Bladder BL-40; BL-28, CV-3

Due to Cold Blocking the Liver Channel

Cold in the Liver Channel: Pain in the groin, genitals, inguinal hernia.

Stomach

(see stomach patterns)

Hypochondriac Region

Pain Due to Liver-Qi Stagnation

Liver-Qi stagnation Mood swings, irritability, sighing, tension, tachycardia...The cause is usually emotional (resentment, suppressed anger) You can needle points LR-2 and LR-3 at the same time with a transpierce needle to release.

Pain Due to Liver-Fire

In the long term, Liver-Qi stagnation can lead to fire. The hypochondriac pain would come with burning sensation, plus tachycardia, anxiety, red face, nervousness, headache

Pain Due to Blood Stasis

Fixed stabbing pain, from trauma, for example from a sprain. Hurts a lot when coughing. Can block the Liver and Gall Bladder channels. Use the shu-transport points or river points. SP-20 if it is chronic pain.

Xuan Yin

Fluid stagnates below the lung, in the area of the hypochondriac region. Between the upper and middle burners. Pleuritis. Cough with white phlegm and pain radiating to the hypochondriac region. Tight pulse, white and moist tongue coating. Lacking Yang. Moxibustion.

Hypochondriac Oppression

Shao Yang pattern causes hypochondriac oppression, discomfort, dizziness, dry throat, bitter taste, agitation. Pathogenic qi blocks the shao yang level.