Abdominal pain associated with prolonged sitting

Abdominal Pain May Not Always Be from the Stomach: The Hidden Role of the Iliopsoas Muscle
Many people, when experiencing abdominal pain, tend to think of common causes such as gastritis, indigestion, or appendicitis. However, a significant number of individuals actually suffer from pain originating from the iliopsoas muscle, a deep muscle located beneath the abdominal cavity. This long muscle extends from the lower spine (T12–L4) to the femur (thigh bone) and plays a vital role in hip flexion, which is essential for actions such as sitting, squatting, or climbing stairs.

In clinical practice, patients who sit for prolonged periods often report experiencing cramping or tight pain in the lower abdomen, typically from the navel downwards, sometimes accompanied by radiating pain into the thigh. If such pain patterns are observed in individuals whose work requires prolonged sitting, it's highly likely that iliopsoas muscle tension is the root cause.

TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Perspective on the Iliopsoas Muscle
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the iliopsoas muscle is located near the Kidney meridian, which governs not only kidney function but also bones, the bladder, fear-related emotions, salty flavors, fluids, and cold energy.

People who are often stressed, sit for long periods in air-conditioned environments, rarely get up to walk, frequently hold in their urine, and don’t drink enough water are more prone to iliopsoas muscle tension. In TCM, kidney-related disorders are typically associated with deficiency syndromes, which may stem from:
- Congenital kidney deficiencies
- Young patients whose kidney essence and Qi are not yet fully developed
- Older individuals experiencing natural decline of kidney essence and Qi with age
- Excessive sexual activity depleting kidney energy

Recommendations for Relieving Iliopsoas Muscle Tension
1. Stretching Exercise – Low Lunge Stretch
This pose effectively lengthens the iliopsoas. Hold the pose for 30–45 seconds. Rest for 30 seconds Repeat 5–10 rounds, about 5 days/week

2. Acupressure on Shui Dao (ST28, 水道)
Located 3 cun below the navel and 2 cun lateral to the midline.
This point aligns closely with the location of the iliopsoas muscle and can help alleviate tension.

3. Herbal Tea Recipe
Dried tangerine peel (3–5 grams)
Dried jujube (2–3 pieces)
Fresh ginger slices (3 pieces)
Wash all ingredients and boil in 500 ml of water for 30 minutes.
Drink warm, 1–2 cups per day.
This tea helps relieve abdominal bloating, promote blood circulation, and relax the iliopsoas muscle, which is closely linked to the abdominal and pelvic areas.

4. Movement Habits
Every 45 minutes during the day, get up and move around for 5–10 minutes before sitting again. Avoid sitting with knees bent up
At night, sleep primarily on your back. If side-sleeping is necessary, use a body pillow for support.

5. Dietary Recommendations :
- Eat freshly cooked meals
- Avoid frequent consumption of microwaved food, which can lead to abdominal bloating

References

Detchawin Laisiriruengrai, PT – "Tight Iliopsoas Muscle: A Silent Cause of Back Pain"
Mahidol University, Physical Therapy Center, April 21, 2021

Acupuncture Points on the Spleen Meridian, yinyanghouse

Acupuncture and Moxibustion Volume 1, Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ministry of Public Health, 2008

Dr. Kowit Kampirapap, Traditional Chinese Diagnostics

-----------------------------
Article by:

刘财蓬 中医师
TCM. Dr. Tanaporn Tanasrivanichchai (Liu Cai Peng)