Bloating/Abdominal Distension - Damp-Heat Accumulation Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Bloating/Abdominal Distension · Damp-Heat Accumulation Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Abdomen

Pattern Overview

Damp-Heat Accumulation is a pattern in bloating/abdominal distension, characterized by gut dysbiosis, abdominal distension, sticky mouth, foul-smelling stools, and yellow urine. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of Damp-Heat in the intestines, causing gut dysbiosis, increased gas production, and intestinal inflammation.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Abdominal distension, sticky mouth, foul-smelling stools |

| Associated Symptoms | Yellow urine, bitter taste, feverishness, irritability |

| Tongue and Pulse | Red tongue with yellow greasy coating, slippery and rapid pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Damp-Heat accumulating in the intestines |

| Etiology | Poor diet, spicy and rich food intake, alcohol consumption, gut dysbiosis |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| 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 |

| Yinlingquan (SP9) | Below the medial condyle of the tibia | Transforms Dampness and drains Heat |

| Neiting (ST44) | Between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones | Spring point of Stomach; clears Stomach Heat |

| Quchi (LI11) | Lateral end of the elbow crease | He-Sea point of Large Intestine; clears Heat |

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may combine with cupping on Tianshu to drain Damp-Heat.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan (枳实导滞丸)

Composition:

Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi Shi), Rhubarb (Da Huang), Coptis (Huang Lian), Scutellaria (Huang Qin), Poria (Fu Ling), Alisma (Ze Xie), Medicated Leaven (Shen Qu)

Action: Clears Damp-Heat, promotes digestion, and regulates the intestines.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Severe distension | Add Hou Po, Mu Xiang to regulate Qi and relieve distension |

| Foul-smelling stools | Add Huang Lian, Huang Qin to clear Heat and detoxify |

| Sticky mouth | Add Huo Xiang, Pei Lan to transform Dampness and awaken the Spleen |

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

Western Mechanism Reference

Gut dysbiosis with increased gas-producing bacteria, increased H2/CH4 production, and intestinal inflammation. Damp-Heat Accumulation corresponds to bloating with gut dysbiosis, where altered gut microbiota and increased gas production contribute to abdominal distension and discomfort.

References

  1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Fullness with Damp-Heat Obstruction.

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

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

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