Chronic Abdominal Pain - Cold Obstruction Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for chronic abdominal
Chronic Abdominal Pain · Cold Obstruction Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Abdomen
Pattern Overview
Cold Obstruction is a common pattern in chronic abdominal pain,
characterized by **visceral hypersensitivity with cold-induced smooth
muscle spasm, cold pain, abdominal cramps, relief with warmth, and cold
extremities. The core pathogenesis is invasion of Cold-Dampness into
the Spleen and Stomach**, causing cold-induced smooth muscle spasm, Qi
stagnation, and visceral hypersensitivity.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
warmth |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
appetite, preference for warm drinks |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
tense pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Cold-Dampness invading the Spleen and Stomach |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
Spleen-Stomach deficiency |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Qihai (RN6) | 1.5 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
the lower abdomen |
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi |
| Taibai (SP3) |
|---|
| Source point of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen-Qi |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method; heavy
moxibustion is strongly recommended to warm the meridians and disperse
Cold.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Liang Fu Wan (良附丸) + Zheng Qi Tian Xiang San
(正气天香散)
Composition:
Cyperus (Xiang Fu), Alpinia (Gao Liang Jiang), Lindera (Wu Yao),
Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Angelica (Dang Gui), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Disperses Cold, warms the Stomach, and relieves pain.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe cold pain | Add Fu Zi, Gui Zhi to warm Yang and disperse Cold |
|---|
| Abdominal cramps | Add Bai Shao, Gan Cao to relax muscles |
|---|
| Loose stools |
|---|
diarrhea |
| Poor appetite | Add Sha Ren, Mu Xiang to harmonize the Stomach |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Visceral hypersensitivity with cold-induced smooth muscle spasm,
increased visceral afferent sensitivity, and autonomic dysfunction. Cold
Obstruction corresponds to chronic abdominal pain with cold sensitivity,
where cold-induced smooth muscle spasm and visceral hypersensitivity
contribute to abdominal cramps and pain.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Abdominal Pain with Cold Obstruction.
2. WHO. (2023). Digestive health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
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research papers and clinical case studies on TCM digestive health.
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Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.