Bloating/Abdominal Distension - Liver-Qi Stagnation Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for bloating/abdominal
Bloating/Abdominal Distension · Liver-Qi Stagnation Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Abdomen
Pattern Overview
Liver-Qi Stagnation is a common pattern in bloating/abdominal
distension, characterized by **autonomic dysfunction, abdominal
distension, belching, sighing, and aggravation with stress**. The core
pathogenesis is emotional stress causing Liver Qi stagnation, which
impairs gastrointestinal motility and causes uneven gas distribution.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
sighing, worse with stress |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
fullness, poor appetite |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
motility |
| Etiology | Chronic stress, emotional distress, irritability |
|---|
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Taichong (LR3) |
|---|
metatarsals | Source point of Liver meridian; soothes Liver Qi |
| Qimen (LR14) |
|---|
the nipple | Front-Mu point of Liver meridian; regulates Liver Qi |
| 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 |
| Yanglingquan (GB34) | Depression below the head of the fibula |
|---|
Regulates Qi and relieves pain |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; combine
with stress reduction techniques and counseling.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Chai Hu Shu Gan San (柴胡疏肝散) + Si Mo Tang (四磨汤)
Composition:
Bupleurum (Chai Hu), White Peony (Bai Shao), Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi
Ke), Cyperus (Xiang Fu), Areca (Bing Lang), Lignum Aquilariae (Chen
Xiang), Lindera (Wu Yao), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Soothes Liver Qi, promotes Qi flow, and relieves distension.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe distension |
|---|
distension |
| Chest tightness |
|---|
depression |
| Irritability | Add Zhi Zi, Dan Pi to clear Liver Heat |
|---|
| Poor appetite | Add Sha Ren, Mu Xiang to harmonize the Stomach |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Autonomic dysfunction causing abnormal gastrointestinal motility, uneven
gas distribution in the intestines, and bloating. Liver-Qi Stagnation
corresponds to bloating associated with stress, where autonomic
dysfunction and altered gastrointestinal motility contribute to gas
accumulation and distension.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Fullness with Liver-Qi Stagnation.
2. DB-XJB: Chai Hu Shu Gan San, Si Mo Tang.
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.