There may be sensation of a lump or tightness below the heart and a general feeling of stagnation. The Japanese physicians have developed hara diagnosis most extensively. Liver pulsing lump, tightness or pain on the left side of the umbilicus. Japanese practitioners tend to center this area just below the umbilicus on the lateral left side of the abdomen which roughly corresponds to the location of the portal vein. These can be used for diagnosis and treatment, in fact CV 12 is considered the command point for all the internal yang organs of transportation while Liver 14 is considered the command point for all the internal yin organs of transformation.
Many patients are cooler below the umbilicus and warmer above.
This represents counter flow chi with vacancy in the kidneys and fullness above. Tension Tension or lack of tension should be observed, especially below the rib cage and along the rectus abdominal muscles. Tension usually represents vacancy rather than repletion. Lack of tension in the muscles is a good sign indicating an elastic, healthy abdomen. The release of tension is a prerequisite for healing.