The sensation of being tightly bound around the waist is referred to as "waist bound by rope."

This symptom is one of the clinical manifestations of Dai Mai (Belt Vessel) disorders. According to the "Shen's Book of Life Preservation," "The Dai Mai encircles the waist horizontally, resembling a belt, thus it governs and constrains the twelve Jingmai , as well as the seven vessels among the extraordinary meridians." Therefore, disorders in the twelve regular meridians and the extraordinary meridians can all affect the Dai Mai. Although their manifestations vary, the sensation of the waist being bound by a rope is a typical symptom. Since the Dai Mai encircles the waist, disorders of the Dai Mai often accompany symptoms such as lumbago, soreness, coldness, heaviness, or weakness in the waist (see related entries for details). Fu Qingzhu's Gynecology states, "The Dai Mai is responsible for constraining the system of the uterus and fetus," hence the symptom of the waist being bound by a rope is also commonly seen in gynecological conditions such as habitual abortion and leukorrheal disease.

bubble_chart Pattern Analysis

1. Disease of the Dai Channel︰The patient feels as if a rope is tightly bound around the waist, accompanied by lumbago. Apart from this, there may be no other symptoms, and the tongue and pulse are also normal. Except for the sensation of a rope tightly bound around the waist and the accompanying pain in the lumbar muscles, there are no other symptoms. This is due to the obstruction of the belt vessel qi. Zhangshi Yitong states in the chapter on various pains: "Lumbago feels as if a belt is tightly bound, causing referred pain. This belongs to the disease of the belt vessel. Use pungent flavors to disperse the knot in the belt vessel horizontally, and sweet flavors to relax the tension of the belt vessel, such as the Tiaogan Powder."
2. Dampness-heat in Liver Meridian︰The waist feels tightly bound as if by a rope, with burning pain like stabbing around the skin and muscles of the waist. The pain is severe when touched or rubbed, making movement difficult. The pain is so intense that deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing is avoided, though pressing or binding the area may slightly relieve the tightness and pain. Accompanied by symptoms of dampness-heat in the liver meridian, such as hypochondriac pain, bitter taste in the mouth, flushed face, red eyes, deafness, dark or painful urination, constipation, yellow or thick greasy tongue coating, and wiry or rapid pulse. This condition arises when dampness-heat in the liver meridian invades the belt vessel, causing the waist to feel tightly constricted, with burning pain in the surrounding skin, along with manifestations of the dampness-heat in liver meridian pattern. Treatment should focus on clearing and draining dampness-heat in the liver meridian, using the formula Gentian Liver-Draining Decoction.

bubble_chart Documentation

1. Volume 3 of "Secret Records of the Stone Chamber" states: "Suddenly, a strip of flesh like a belt grows around the waist, extending to the navel, without pain or itch. Over time, appetite decreases, and the vital energy and blood become depleted. This is due to disharmony between the kidney meridian and the belt vessel, exacerbated by excessive sexual activity and indulgence in desires, leading to this ailment. Over time, the qi of the belt vessel becomes deficient, and the blood gradually diminishes, turning the complexion dark. Although there is no major illness, the condition is indeed severe. The treatment should involve drastic tonification of kidney water, along with strengthening the belt vessel, which will naturally lead to a robust body and the disappearance of the symptom" (Prepared Rehmannia Root, Cornus officinalis, Eucommia Bark, Chinese Yam, White Atractylodes Rhizome, Malaytea Scurfpea Fruit, Ginkgo Seed, Stir-fried Chinese Angelica, Peony Root, Plantain Seed).
2. Leijing Tuyi．The Eight Extraordinary Meridians: The Belt Vessel "When diseased, it causes a feeling of looseness in the waist and abdomen, like a bag of water."