Chronic Gastritis - Damp-Heat Middle Obstruction Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for chronic gastritis
Chronic Gastritis · Damp-Heat Middle Obstruction Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Abdomen
Pattern Overview
Damp-Heat Middle Obstruction is a common pattern in chronic gastritis,
characterized by **H. pylori-related inflammation, epigastric pain,
sticky mouth, nausea, and poor appetite**. The core pathogenesis is
accumulation of Damp-Heat in the middle Jiao, causing gastric
mucosal inflammation, oxidative stress, and pain.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
appetite |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
yellowish urine |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Damp-Heat accumulating in the middle Jiao |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
intake, alcohol consumption |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Neiting (ST44) | Between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones |
|---|
point of Stomach meridian; clears Stomach Heat |
| Yinlingquan (SP9) | Below the medial condyle of the tibia |
|---|
Transforms Dampness and drains Heat |
| Fenglong (ST40) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Transforms Phlegm and Dampness |
| Quchi (LI11) | Lateral end of the elbow crease |
|---|
Large Intestine meridian; clears Heat |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with cupping on Zhongwan to drain Damp-Heat.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Huo Po Xia Ling Tang (藿朴夏苓汤) + Zuo Jin Wan
(左金丸)
Composition:
Agastache (Huo Xiang), Magnolia (Hou Pu), Pinellia (Ban Xia), Poria (Fu
Ling), Coptis (Huang Lian), Evodia (Wu Zhu Yu), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Clears Damp-Heat, harmonizes the Stomach, and reduces
inflammation.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe nausea | Add Sheng Jiang, Zhu Ru to descend rebellious Qi |
|---|
| Bloating |
|---|
|
| Bitter taste | Increase Huang Lian dosage to clear Heat |
|---|
| Sticky mouth |
|---|
Spleen |
Western Mechanism Reference
H. pylori infection activating the NF-κB pathway, releasing inflammatory
cytokines, gastric mucosal inflammation, and oxidative stress damage.
Damp-Heat Middle Obstruction corresponds to H. pylori-associated chronic
gastritis, where bacterial infection and inflammatory pathways
contribute to mucosal damage and symptoms.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Stomach Pain with Damp-Heat Middle
Obstruction.
2. DB-XJB: Huo Po Xia Ling Tang, Zuo Jin 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 Gastritis
- Liver-Stomach Qi Stagnation
- Spleen-Stomach Deficiency
- Stomach-Yin Deficiency
- Blood Stasis in the Stomach
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.