GERD/Acid Reflux - Stomach-Yin Deficiency Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

GERD/Acid Reflux · Stomach-Yin Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Chest/Abdomen

Pattern Overview

Stomach-Yin Deficiency is a chronic pattern in GERD/acid reflux, characterized by gastric mucosal atrophy, heartburn, dry mouth, poor appetite, and chronic epigastric discomfort. The core pathogenesis is insufficient Stomach-Yin failing to moisten and protect the gastric mucosa, leading to mucosal atrophy and impaired repair.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Heartburn, dry mouth, poor appetite, epigastric discomfort |

| Associated Symptoms | Thirst with desire for small sips, dry throat, heat in palms and soles |

| Tongue and Pulse | Red tongue with little or peeling coating, thready and rapid pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Stomach-Yin deficiency failing to moisten and protect the mucosa |

| Etiology | Prolonged illness, spicy food intake, smoking, alcohol consumption |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

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

| Weishu (BL21) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T12 | Back-Shu point of Stomach meridian; nourishes Stomach-Yin |

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

| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus | Nourishes Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |

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

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method; Neiting may be used with reducing method to clear Stomach Heat.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Yi Wei Tang (益胃汤) + Mai Men Dong Tang (麦门冬汤)

Composition:

Glehnia (Sha Shen), Ophiopogon (Mai Dong), Rehmannia (Sheng Di), Polygonatum (Yu Zhu), Pinellia (Ban Xia), Rice (Jing Mi), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Nourishes Stomach-Yin, moistens dryness, and promotes mucosal repair.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Severe dry mouth | Add Tian Hua Fen, Shi Hu to generate fluids and moisten dryness |

| Heartburn | Add Zhi Mu, Huang Lian to clear Stomach Heat |

| Poor appetite | Add Mai Ya, Gu Ya to strengthen the Stomach and promote digestion |

| Constipation | Add Huo Ma Ren, Yu Li Ren to moisten the intestines |

Western Mechanism Reference

Gastric mucosal atrophy causing abnormal acid secretion, reduced mucosal repair capacity, and weakened mucus barrier. Stomach-Yin Deficiency corresponds to atrophic gastritis or GERD with mucosal damage, where reduced mucosal repair capacity and impaired mucus barrier contribute to acid reflux symptoms.

References

  1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Acid Reflux with Stomach-Yin Deficiency.

  2. DB-XJB: Yi Wei Tang, Mai Men Dong Tang.

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

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