Obesity - Stomach Heat with Dampness Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Obesity · Stomach Heat with Dampness Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Whole Body

Pattern Overview

Stomach Heat with Dampness is a common pattern in obesity, characterized by leptin resistance, excessive appetite, abdominal obesity, constipation, and thirst. The core pathogenesis is Stomach Heat consuming fluids, leading to excessive appetite, increased fat synthesis, and metabolic dysfunction.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Excessive appetite, abdominal obesity, constipation, thirst |

| Associated Symptoms | Foul breath, facial redness, irritability, yellow urine |

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

| Pathogenesis | Stomach Heat consuming fluids, leading to excessive appetite |

| Etiology | Excessive spicy and rich food, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

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

| 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 |

| Fenglong (ST40) | 8 cun above the lateral malleolus, 2 cun lateral to the tibial crest | Transforms Phlegm and Dampness |

| Shangjuxu (ST37) | 6 cun below the patella, 1 finger-width lateral to the tibial crest | Lower He-Sea point of Large Intestine; regulates digestion |

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may combine with auricular acupuncture for appetite suppression.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang (防己黄芪汤) + Xie Huang San (泻黄散)

Composition:

Stephania (Fang Ji), Astragalus (Huang Qi), Gypsum (Shi Gao), Gardenia (Zhi Zi), Agastache (Huo Xiang), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Clears Stomach Heat, drains Dampness, and suppresses appetite.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Excessive appetite | Add Huang Lian, Huang Qin to clear Stomach Heat |

| Constipation | Add Da Huang to drain heat |

| Abdominal obesity | Add Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi to promote diuresis |

| Thirst | Add Tian Hua Fen, Ge Gen to generate fluids |

Western Mechanism Reference

Leptin resistance and appetite dysregulation causing excessive food intake, increased fat synthesis, and metabolic syndrome. Stomach Heat with Dampness corresponds to obesity with hyperphagia and metabolic dysfunction, where leptin resistance and appetite dysregulation contribute to excessive food intake and weight gain.

References

  1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Obesity with Stomach Heat and Fire Depression.

  2. WHO. (2023). Obesity fact sheet. World Health Organization.

Explore More

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

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