Bloating/Abdominal Distension - Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Bloating/Abdominal Distension · Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Abdomen

Pattern Overview

Spleen-Stomach Deficiency is a common pattern in bloating/abdominal distension, characterized by digestive enzyme insufficiency, abdominal distension, poor appetite, fatigue, and loose stools. The core pathogenesis is Spleen Qi deficiency failing to transform and transport, leading to incomplete digestion, gas accumulation, and bloating.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Abdominal distension, poor appetite, fatigue, loose stools |

| Associated Symptoms | Bloating after meals, pale complexion, cold limbs, weakness |

| Tongue and Pulse | Pale tongue with thin white coating, thready and weak pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Spleen Qi deficiency failing to transform and transport |

| Etiology | Irregular eating habits, overwork, chronic illness, poor nutrition |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

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

| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 | Back-Shu point of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |

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

| Gongsun (SP4) | Medial foot, below the base of the 1st metatarsal | Luo-connecting point of Spleen; harmonizes the Stomach |

| Taibai (SP3) | Medial foot, behind the base of the 1st metatarsal | Source point of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method; moxibustion may be applied to Pishu and Zusanli to warm and tonify Spleen Qi.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang (香砂六君子汤)

Composition:

Ginseng (Ren Shen), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Licorice (Gan Cao), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Pinellia (Ban Xia), Amomum (Sha Ren), Aucklandia (Mu Xiang)

Action: Strengthens Spleen, harmonizes Stomach, and transforms Phlegm.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

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

| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |

| Loose stools | Add Shan Yao, Yi Yi Ren to strengthen Spleen and stop diarrhea |

| Cold limbs | Add Gui Zhi, Sheng Jiang to warm the meridians |

Western Mechanism Reference

Digestive enzyme insufficiency causing incomplete food digestion, altered intestinal osmotic pressure, and increased gas production. Spleen-Stomach Deficiency corresponds to bloating with malabsorption, where reduced digestive capacity and increased intestinal fermentation contribute to gas accumulation.

References

  1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Fullness with Spleen-Stomach Deficiency.

  2. DB-XJB: Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang.

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

Explore More

  • Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for digestive health.

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