Chronic Abdominal Pain - Food Retention Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for chronic abdominal
Chronic Abdominal Pain · Food Retention Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Abdomen
Pattern Overview
Food Retention is a common pattern in chronic abdominal pain,
characterized by **functional dyspepsia with delayed gastric emptying,
abdominal distension, sour belching, poor appetite, and nausea**. The
core pathogenesis is **food stagnation in the Stomach due to improper
eating habits**, leading to delayed gastric emptying, gas accumulation,
and abdominal discomfort.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
appetite, nausea |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
defecation, loose stools with undigested food |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
or wiry pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Food stagnation in the Stomach |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
habits, rich and heavy food intake |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach; promotes digestion |
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; promotes digestion
|
| Liangmen (ST21) |
|---|
midline | Treats epigastric pain and promotes digestion |
| Huarou (ST24) |
|---|
midline | Treats gastric food retention |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with moxibustion on Zhongwan 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 |
| Sour belching | Add Huang Lian, Wu Zhu Yu to harmonize the Stomach |
|---|
| Nausea | Add Sheng Jiang, Zhu Ru to descend rebellious Qi |
|---|
| Abdominal pain |
|---|
|
Western Mechanism Reference
Functional dyspepsia with delayed gastric emptying, food stasis in the
Stomach, and delayed gastric accommodation. Food Retention corresponds
to functional dyspepsia with delayed gastric emptying, where food stasis
in the Stomach and impaired accommodation contribute to abdominal
distension and discomfort.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Abdominal Pain with Food Retention.
2. Xiong Jibai: Food Retention uses Bao He 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 Chronic Abdominal Pain
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.