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Abdominal pain is mostly caused by Cold and Heat syndromes. Although there are distinctions such as Qi stagnation pain, parasitic pain, and food retention pain, they can generally be encompassed by the concepts of Yin and Yang. First, let us discuss food retention pain, parasitic pain, and Qi stagnation pain.

Pain belonging to Yin syndromes manifests as intermittent pain (pain that comes and goes), or pain at night but not during the day, or pain when hungry but not when full, or spontaneous pain that ceases upon pressure. These are all characteristics of pain in Yin syndromes. Symptoms may include spitting clear saliva, a preference for hot drinks, craving for food, a desire to lie wrapped in blankets, a bluish complexion, cold hands and feet, a dry-free mouth, and non-sticky phlegm. For such conditions, cold-natured medicines must not be used. I have a prescription with extremely effective results, named Anfu Zhitong Dan (Peace the Abdomen and Stop Pain Pill). The brilliance of this formula lies in the use of Baishao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) to soothe the Liver and prevent Liver Wood from overacting on Spleen Earth. It is further assisted by agents that strengthen the Spleen, resolve dampness, transform phlegm, and digest food. When harmonized properly, it naturally yields miraculous effects. If parasites are present, they will also be subdued and restrained so as not to cause pain, largely because Rougui (Cortex Cinnamomi) has the inherent property of killing parasites.

In contrast, pain belonging to Yang syndromes is invariably heavier during the day and lighter at night. The pain is severe and cannot tolerate pressure; eating exacerbates the pain. The mouth is invariably thirsty, phlegm is yellow, eyes are red, the tongue is dry, and the extremities are paradoxically cold and trembling. Stool is hard, and urine is yellow-red with difficult urination. These are all manifestations of Fire pathogenic factors acting up, along with undigested parasites and food retention. Such conditions may arise from anger and frustration, drunkenness, or excessive consumption of fried, roasted, and grilled foods. The treatment should not involve forcibly suppressing the condition with cold medicines. I have another prescription, which is most excellent in its efficacy, named Qingjie Zhitong Dan (Clear and Resolve Pain-Stop Pill). This formula is also brilliant in its use of Shaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra/Alba), as pain syndromes cannot be harmonized without Shaoyao. Therefore, it must serve as the Jun (Emperor/Monarch) herb. Provided that the Chen (Minister), Zuo (Assistant), and Shi (Envoy) herbs are appropriately matched, why worry about the astringent nature of Shaoyao? Using Shaoyao as the Jun herb while attacking pathogens exemplifies the strategy of "simultaneous suppression and pacification," naturally establishing a position of invincibility. To attack diseases that must be dispersed, how could one fail to achieve miraculous results?

Although abdominal pain is a minor ailment, distinguishing between Yin and Yang is paramount. Many people suffer from serious illnesses later because they treat minor ailments incorrectly. This is precisely why I do not shy away from the trouble of transmitting knowledge on abdominal pain.

Anfu Zhitong Dan (Peace the Abdomen and Stop Pain Pill)
Baishao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) (5 qian) Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) (1 qian) Rougui (Cortex Cinnamomi) (1 qian) Jiangjiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Secati) (1 qian) Baizhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae) (5 qian) Maiya (Fructus Hordei Germinatus) (2 qian) Shanzha (Fructus Crataegi) (10 pieces) Banxia (Rhizoma Pinelliae) (2 qian) Decoct in water and take orally.

Qingjie Zhitong Dan (Clear and Resolve Pain-Stop Pill)
Shaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra/Alba) (5 qian) Zhishi (Fructus Aurantii Immaturus) (1 qian) Baizhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae) (1 qian) Shanzha (Fructus Crataegi) (20 pieces) Houpo (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis) (1 qian) Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) (2 qian) Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) (1 qian) Baijiezhi (Semen Sinapis Albae) (3 qian) Fuling (Poria) (3 qian) Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri) (8 fen) Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) (3 qian) Chao Zhizi (Fructus Gardeniae Praeparatus) (2 qian) Decoct in water and take orally.