Bloating/Abdominal Distension - Cold-Dampness Trapping the
TCM differentiation and treatment for bloating/abdominal
Bloating/Abdominal Distension · Cold-Dampness Trapping the Spleen
Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Abdomen
Pattern Overview
Cold-Dampness Trapping the Spleen is a pattern in bloating/abdominal
distension, characterized by **decreased GI motility, abdominal
distension, cold pain, heavy sensation, and loose stools**. The core
pathogenesis is Cold-Dampness invading the Spleen, causing impaired
transformation and transport, fluid retention, and gas accumulation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
sensation, loose stools |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
limbs, fatigue |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
moderate pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
transformation |
| Etiology |
|---|
eating habits |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Yinlingquan (SP9) | Below the medial condyle of the tibia |
|---|
Transforms Dampness and promotes diuresis |
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi |
| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 |
|---|
of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |
| Guanyuan (RN4) | 3 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
supplements Qi |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, even method; moxibustion
is strongly recommended to warm the Spleen and disperse Cold-Dampness.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Wei Ling Tang (胃苓汤)
Composition:
Atractylodes (Cang Zhu), Magnolia (Hou Pu), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi),
Poria (Fu Ling), Polyporus (Zhu Ling), Alisma (Ze Xie), Atractylodes
(Bai Zhu), Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi)
Action: Disperses Cold, transforms Dampness, and harmonizes the
Stomach.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe cold pain |
|---|
disperse Cold |
| Heavy sensation | Add Huo Xiang, Pei Lan to transform Dampness |
|---|
| Loose stools |
|---|
diarrhea |
| Distension |
|---|
distension |
Western Mechanism Reference
Decreased GI motility causing delayed gastric emptying, intestinal
content retention, and increased gas production. Cold-Dampness Trapping
the Spleen corresponds to bloating with hypomotility, where reduced
gastrointestinal motility and fluid retention contribute to abdominal
distension and heavy sensation.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Fullness with Cold-Dampness Trapping the
Spleen.
2. WHO. (2023). Digestive health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
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health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM digestive health.
Related TCM Patterns for Bloating Abdominal Distension
Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.