Bloating/Abdominal Distension - Food Stagnation Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Bloating/Abdominal Distension · Food Stagnation Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Abdomen

Pattern Overview

Food Stagnation is a common pattern in bloating/abdominal distension, characterized by delayed food digestion, abdominal distension, sour belching, poor appetite, and nausea. The core pathogenesis is excessive or improper food intake causing stagnation in the Stomach and Intestines, leading to impaired digestion, gas production, and bloating.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Abdominal distension, sour belching, poor appetite, nausea |

| Associated Symptoms | Foul breath, loose stools with undigested food, abdominal pain relieved after defecation |

| Tongue and Pulse | Pale red tongue with greasy coating, slippery or wiry pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Food stagnation in the Stomach and Intestines |

| Etiology | Overeating, eating too quickly, irregular eating habits, rich and heavy food intake |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus | Front-Mu point of Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |

| Liangmen (ST21) | 4 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to the midline | Treats epigastric pain and promotes digestion |

| Tianshu (ST25) | 2 cun lateral to the umbilicus | Front-Mu point of Large Intestine; regulates bowel function |

| Zusanli (ST36) | 3 cun below the patella, 1 finger-width lateral to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; promotes digestion |

| Jianli (RN11) | 3 cun above the umbilicus | Harmonizes the Stomach and promotes digestion |

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may combine with moxibustion to promote digestion.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Bao He Wan (保和丸)

Composition:

Hawthorn (Shan Zha), Medicated Leaven (Shen Qu), Radish Seed (Lai Fu Zi), Pinellia (Ban Xia), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Poria (Fu Ling), Forsythia (Lian Qiao), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Promotes digestion, resolves food stagnation, and harmonizes the Stomach.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Severe distension | Add Hou Po, Zhi Shi to regulate Qi and relieve distension |

| Foul breath | Add Huang Lian, Huang Qin to clear Heat |

| Nausea | Add Sheng Jiang, Zhu Ru to descend rebellious Qi |

| Abdominal pain | Add Mu Xiang, Yan Hu Suo to regulate Qi and stop pain |

Western Mechanism Reference

Delayed food digestion causing increased intestinal bacterial fermentation, gas production, intestinal distension, and bloating sensation. Food Stagnation corresponds to functional dyspepsia with delayed gastric emptying, where undigested food and gas accumulation contribute to abdominal distension and discomfort.

References

  1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Fullness with Food Stagnation.

  2. DB-XJB: Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan.

  3. WHO. (2023). Digestive health. World Health Organization.

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