Hypochondriac Pain

Hypochondriac Pain Diagnosis:

Pain in the hypochondriac region usually due to Liver Qi stagnation, blood stasis, liver yin deficiency or external pathogen invasions. The pain can be on one or both sides of the abdomen and have a distended, stabbing, fixed or dull quality.

Western Medicine Diagnosis of Hypochondriac Pain:

hepatitis, Gallbladder pleura infections, intercostals neuralgia (more common in women)

Chinese Medicine

The Hypochondriac region is controlled by Liver in traditional chinese medicine.  When Liver Qi stagnates it often will show as a distention, pressure or discomfort under the ribs.  This pain may also be caused by injury or Blood Stasis, Damp/Heat, poor diet, or Liver Blood and Yin deficiency.

Excess Causes of Hypochondriac Pain

Liver Qi Stagnation Hypochondriac pain which moves, pain aggravated by stress and emotion Tongue - red Pulse - wiry

Principle of Treatment: spread liver qi, harmonize the blood and alleviate pain

Acupuncture points sedate, foot jueyin and shaoyang, LR 14, 3, SJ 6, GB 34 (soothe Liver Gallbladder), ST 36 - nausea – Ren 12 - Blood Stasis– BL 17, SP 6, 21 - Damp/Heat– PC 6, Ren 12, ST 44

Herbal Medicine Formula: Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang

Blood Stasis Hypochondriac pain which is fixed and is aggravated at night Tongue - purple Pulse - wiry

Principle of Treatment: promote blood circulation and remove stasis in collaterals

Herbal Medicine Formula: Xuan Fu Hua Tang

Damp Heat Invasion Hypochondria pain with bitter taste, aversion to cold, fever, fullness in chest, nauseous, vomit, possible jaundice Tongue - red, yellow greasy coat Pulse - rapid

Principle of Treatment: clear liver heat, induce diresis to eliminate dampness

Herbal Medicine Formula: Long Dan Xie Gan Tang

Deficiency Causes of Hypchondriac Pain:

Liver Blood/Yin Deficiency Hypochondriac pain which is dull and chronic, blurred vision, dull/pale complexion Tongue - pale Pulse - thin, rapid

Principle of Treatment: nourish liver Qi

Acupuncture points tonify and sedate, foot jueyin, Shu, BL 18, 23, LR 14 and 2 (soothe Liver Qi, deficient Heat), ST 36 and SP 6 (Produce Qi and blood) - dizziness – Du 20, GB 20 Herbal Medicine Formula: Yi Guan Jian

Alternative Treatment Methods

auricular acupuncture  -  liver, gallbladder, shenmen, chest, medium to strong stimulation

injections  -   Hua Tou Jia Ji with corresponding painful ribs, keep needle just above where sensation occurs and inject vitamin B12 or 10% glucose

Electro Acupuncture - add to points chosen, continuous mild frequency, 105 minutes

7 Star Acupuncture on ashi points (Blood Stasis) then cup, also try scrapping