the pain has no fixed location, and they are easier to treat."2(394)

The "General Treatise on the Aetiology and Symptomatology of Diseases" (AD 610) says:

Abdominal masses are due to cold and heat not being regulated [i.e. exposure to

extremes of weather], irregular diet and stagnation of the Qi of the Yin organs. If

they do not move they are called Zheng; if they are movable they are called Jia.

"Jia" implies the meaning of "false": this is because these masses can come and

go and are not actual masses.3(395)

Aetiology and Pathology

Emotional Strain

Emotional strain is the most common cause of the formation of abdominal masses. Anger,
especially when repressed, frustration, resentment, hatred can all lead to stagnation of Liver-Qi
and, in the long run, to stasis of Liver-Blood. The Liver channel plays an important role in the
movement of Qi in the lower abdomen and, in women, Liver-Blood plays a paramount role in the
circulation of Blood in this area.

Anger and its related emotions are not the only ones leading to stagnation of Qi. Other emotions
such as worry may also lead to stagnation of Qi and Blood but they affect more the Lungs and
Heart and therefore the chest rather than the lower abdomen.

Diet

Diet is another important aetiological factor in the formation of abdominal masses. Irregular
eating or the excessive consumption of cold and raw foods may lead to the formation of Cold in
the lower abdomen. Cold contracts and naturally interferes with the circulation of Qi and Blood,
especially Blood, and may lead to stasis of Blood.

Excessive consumption of greasy foods, on the other hand, impairs the Spleen and may lead to
the formation of Dampness and Phlegm. If this settles in the lower abdomen, it leads to the
formation of abdominal masses. There is also an interaction between Phlegm and stasis of Blood
so that one may lead to or aggravate the other.

External Pathogenic Factors

External pathogenic factors are less important in the aetiology of abdominal masses. The most
important pathogenic factor is external Cold which can invade the lower abdomen and impair the