Bloating/Abdominal Distension - Liver-Qi Stagnation Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Bloating/Abdominal Distension · Liver-Qi Stagnation Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Abdomen

Pattern Overview

Liver-Qi Stagnation is a common pattern in bloating/abdominal distension, characterized by autonomic dysfunction, abdominal distension, belching, sighing, and aggravation with stress. The core pathogenesis is emotional stress causing Liver Qi stagnation, which impairs gastrointestinal motility and causes uneven gas distribution.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Abdominal distension, belching, frequent sighing, worse with stress |

| Associated Symptoms | Chest tightness, irritability, hypochondriac fullness, poor appetite |

| Tongue and Pulse | Pale red tongue with thin white coating, wiry pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Liver Qi stagnation impairing gastrointestinal motility |

| Etiology | Chronic stress, emotional distress, irritability |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| Taichong (LR3) | Dorsum of the foot, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsals | Source point of Liver meridian; soothes Liver Qi |

| Qimen (LR14) | On the chest, 4 cun lateral to the midline, below the nipple | Front-Mu point of Liver meridian; regulates Liver Qi |

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

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

| Yanglingquan (GB34) | Depression below the head of the fibula | Regulates Qi and relieves pain |

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; combine with stress reduction techniques and counseling.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Chai Hu Shu Gan San (柴胡疏肝散) + Si Mo Tang (四磨汤)

Composition:

Bupleurum (Chai Hu), White Peony (Bai Shao), Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi Ke), Cyperus (Xiang Fu), Areca (Bing Lang), Lignum Aquilariae (Chen Xiang), Lindera (Wu Yao), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Soothes Liver Qi, promotes Qi flow, and relieves distension.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

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

| Chest tightness | Add Yu Jin, He Huan Pi to soothe Liver and relieve depression |

| Irritability | Add Zhi Zi, Dan Pi to clear Liver Heat |

| Poor appetite | Add Sha Ren, Mu Xiang to harmonize the Stomach |

Western Mechanism Reference

Autonomic dysfunction causing abnormal gastrointestinal motility, uneven gas distribution in the intestines, and bloating. Liver-Qi Stagnation corresponds to bloating associated with stress, where autonomic dysfunction and altered gastrointestinal motility contribute to gas accumulation and distension.

References

  1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Fullness with Liver-Qi Stagnation.

  2. DB-XJB: Chai Hu Shu Gan San, Si Mo Tang.

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

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