Bloating/Abdominal Distension - Damp-Heat Accumulation Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for bloating/abdominal

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

foul-smelling stools |

Associated Symptoms

irritability |

Tongue and Pulse

and rapid pulse |

Pathogenesis Damp-Heat accumulating in the intestines
Etiology

consumption, gut dysbiosis |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

Point Location Function
Zhongwan (RN12) 4 cun above the umbilicus

Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |

Tianshu (ST25) 2 cun lateral to the umbilicus

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

point of Stomach; clears Stomach Heat |

Quchi (LI11) Lateral end of the elbow crease

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

distension |

Foul-smelling stools

detoxify |

Sticky mouth

the Spleen |

Abdominal 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.

Explore More

Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for digestive

health.

research papers and clinical case studies on TCM digestive health.

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.