Deep-lying beam

Mass below the heart or in the umbilical region, mostly caused by binding stagnation of qì and blood. Old books describe three patterns by the same name:

1. One of the five accumulations; the accumulation of the heart, characterized by a large lump below the heart, causing vexation and insomnia (The Classic of Difficult Issues (难经 nàn jīng).
2. Hard distension in the lower abdomen with a lump outside the intestines that does not move when pushed and contains pus and static blood. It is attended by pain in the umbilical region, and generalized swelling (Plain Questions (素问 sù wèn, fù zhōng lùn).
3. From The Magic Pivot (灵枢 líng shū, xié qì zàng fù bìng xíng piān). Mass below the heart, with periodic spitting of blood.

Etymology

Chin 伏 fú, crouch, lie low, latent; 梁 liáng, roof beam.