Bloating/Abdominal Distension - Spleen-Stomach Deficiency
TCM differentiation and treatment for bloating/abdominal
Bloating/Abdominal Distension · Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Abdomen
Pattern Overview
Spleen-Stomach Deficiency is a common pattern in bloating/abdominal
distension, characterized by **digestive enzyme insufficiency, abdominal
distension, poor appetite, fatigue, and loose stools**. The core
pathogenesis is **Spleen Qi deficiency failing to transform and
transport**, leading to incomplete digestion, gas accumulation, and
bloating.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
loose stools |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
limbs, weakness |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
transport |
| Etiology |
|---|
poor nutrition |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 |
|---|
of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi |
| Gongsun (SP4) |
|---|
| Luo-connecting point of Spleen; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Taibai (SP3) |
|---|
| Source point of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied to Pishu and Zusanli to warm and tonify
Spleen Qi.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang (香砂六君子汤)
Composition:
Ginseng (Ren Shen), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Licorice
(Gan Cao), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Pinellia (Ban Xia), Amomum (Sha
Ren), Aucklandia (Mu Xiang)
Action: Strengthens Spleen, harmonizes Stomach, and transforms
Phlegm.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe distension |
|---|
distension |
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
| Loose stools |
|---|
diarrhea |
| Cold limbs | Add Gui Zhi, Sheng Jiang to warm the meridians |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Digestive enzyme insufficiency causing incomplete food digestion,
altered intestinal osmotic pressure, and increased gas production.
Spleen-Stomach Deficiency corresponds to bloating with malabsorption,
where reduced digestive capacity and increased intestinal fermentation
contribute to gas accumulation.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Fullness with Spleen-Stomach Deficiency.
2. DB-XJB: Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi 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.