Palpation of the abdomen

Abdominal pain which is alleviated by pressure is associated with deficiency, while that aggravated by pressure is related to excess. Abdominal distension and fullness with tympanic note on percussion indicate stagnation ofqi if the abdomen does not feel hard on pressure and the urination is normal. If the abdomen feels like a rubber bag containing water, and dysurine is present, it suggests accumulation of fluid. Immovable hard masses in the abdomen with pain at a definite site indicate stagnation of blood. Unfixed soft masses oi the intermittent feeling of an indefinite mass in the abdomen with unfixed painful areas indicate stagnation of qi.