Bloating/Abdominal Distension - Food Stagnation Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for bloating/abdominal
Bloating/Abdominal Distension · Food Stagnation Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Abdomen
Pattern Overview
Food Stagnation is a common pattern in bloating/abdominal distension,
characterized by **delayed food digestion, abdominal distension, sour
belching, poor appetite, and nausea**. The core pathogenesis is
**excessive or improper food intake causing stagnation in the Stomach
and Intestines**, leading to impaired digestion, gas production, and
bloating.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
appetite, nausea |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
food, abdominal pain relieved after defecation |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
or wiry pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Food stagnation in the Stomach and Intestines |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
habits, rich and heavy food intake |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Liangmen (ST21) |
|---|
midline | Treats epigastric pain and promotes digestion |
| Tianshu (ST25) | 2 cun lateral to the umbilicus |
|---|
of Large Intestine; regulates bowel function |
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; promotes digestion
|
| Jianli (RN11) | 3 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
and promotes digestion |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with moxibustion to promote digestion.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Bao He Wan (保和丸)
Composition:
Hawthorn (Shan Zha), Medicated Leaven (Shen Qu), Radish Seed (Lai Fu
Zi), Pinellia (Ban Xia), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Poria (Fu Ling),
Forsythia (Lian Qiao), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Promotes digestion, resolves food stagnation, and harmonizes
the Stomach.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe distension |
|---|
distension |
| Foul breath | Add Huang Lian, Huang Qin to clear Heat |
|---|
| Nausea | Add Sheng Jiang, Zhu Ru to descend rebellious Qi |
|---|
| Abdominal pain |
|---|
|
Western Mechanism Reference
Delayed food digestion causing increased intestinal bacterial
fermentation, gas production, intestinal distension, and bloating
sensation. Food Stagnation corresponds to functional dyspepsia with
delayed gastric emptying, where undigested food and gas accumulation
contribute to abdominal distension and discomfort.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Fullness with Food Stagnation.
2. DB-XJB: Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan.
3. WHO. (2023). Digestive health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for digestive
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.