Internal medicine

Abdominal distension

The feeling of fullness in the abdomen is a common digestive symptom. Abdominal distension is mainly caused by gastrointestinal distension, ascites due to various causes and abdominal tumours, etc.

Intra-abdominal lesions (including gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary and pancreatic lesions), excessive gas production during food or drug metabolism, systemic diseases and psychological imbalance can cause gastrointestinal distension.

Symptoms

  • Bloating

  • Feeling of fullness

  • Feeling of pressure

According to TCM, abdominal distension is generally caused by weakness of the spleen and stomach, poor nutrition, problems with the transport and transformation of energy, liver qi stagnation, gastrointestinal dampness and heat, and blood stagnation. Depending on the different causes, it is treated with acupuncture or Chinese herbs.

Acupuncture therapy has a good effect in regulating Qi and promoting gastrointestinal motor function, thus improving stomach or abdominal bloating. Needling acupuncture points on the spleen, stomach, large and small intestine meridians or cupping and Tuina massage can have a good effect