Functional Dyspepsia - Liver-Stomach Disharmony Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Functional Dyspepsia · Liver-Stomach Disharmony Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Abdomen

Pattern Overview

Liver-Stomach Disharmony is the most common pattern in functional dyspepsia, characterized by gastric accommodation impairment with stress, epigastric pain, bloating, belching, nausea, and aggravation with stress. The core pathogenesis is emotional stress causing Liver-Qi stagnation invading the Stomach, leading to autonomic dysfunction, impaired gastric relaxation, and dyspeptic symptoms.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Epigastric pain, bloating, belching, nausea, worse with stress |

| Associated Symptoms | Chest tightness, frequent sighing, irritability, depression |

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

| Pathogenesis | Liver-Qi stagnation invading the Stomach |

| Etiology | Chronic stress, emotional distress, irregular eating habits |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| Neiguan (PC6) | 2 cun above the wrist crease, between the tendons | Relieves chest tightness and harmonizes the Stomach |

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

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

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

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

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Chai Hu Shu Gan San (柴胡疏肝散) + Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang (旋覆代赭汤)

Composition:

Bupleurum (Chai Hu), White Peony (Bai Shao), Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi Ke), Cyperus (Xiang Fu), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Pinellia (Ban Xia), Inula (Xuan Fu Hua), Hematite (Dai Zhe Shi), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Soothes Liver-Qi, harmonizes the Stomach, and relieves dyspepsia.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

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

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

| Belching | Add Dai Zhe Shi, Xuan Fu Hua to descend rebellious Qi |

| Pain | Add Yan Hu Suo, Chuan Lian Zi to regulate Qi and stop pain |

Western Mechanism Reference

Gastric accommodation impairment with stress, autonomic dysfunction, and impaired gastric relaxation. Liver-Stomach Disharmony corresponds to functional dyspepsia with stress-related exacerbation, where autonomic dysfunction and impaired gastric accommodation contribute to postprandial fullness and epigastric pain.

References

  1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Functional Dyspepsia with Liver-Stomach Disharmony.

  2. Xiong Jibai: Liver-Stomach Disharmony uses Chai Hu Shu Gan San.

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

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