Chronic Gastritis - Liver-Stomach Qi Stagnation Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for chronic gastritis
Chronic Gastritis · Liver-Stomach Qi Stagnation Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Abdomen
Pattern Overview
Liver-Stomach Qi Stagnation is a common pattern in chronic gastritis,
characterized by **stress-induced gastric mucosal ischemia, epigastric
pain, bloating, belching, and aggravation with stress**. The core
pathogenesis is emotional stress causing Liver Qi stagnation, which
invades the Stomach, leading to Qi dysfunction, mucosal ischemia, and
pain.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
stress |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
sighing, poor appetite |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
Qi dysfunction |
| Etiology |
|---|
habits |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Taichong (LR3) |
|---|
metatarsals | Source point of Liver meridian; soothes Liver Qi |
| Neiguan (PC6) |
|---|
| Relieves chest tightness and harmonizes the Stomach |
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; regulates Qi |
| Yanglingquan (GB34) | Depression below the head of the fibula |
|---|
Regulates Qi and relieves pain |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method for Liver
points, even method for Stomach points; combine with stress reduction
techniques.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Chai Hu Shu Gan San (柴胡疏肝散)
Composition:
Bupleurum (Chai Hu), White Peony (Bai Shao), Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi
Ke), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Cyperus (Xiang Fu), Tangerine Peel (Chen
Pi), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Soothes Liver Qi, harmonizes the Stomach, and relieves pain.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe pain |
|---|
pain |
| Belching | Add Chen Pi, Hou Po to regulate Qi |
|---|
| Poor appetite | Add Sha Ren, Mu Xiang to harmonize the Stomach |
|---|
| Acid reflux |
|---|
stop reflux |
Western Mechanism Reference
Psychological stress-induced vagal activation leading to reduced gastric
mucosal blood flow, mucosal barrier damage, and gastric motility
dysfunction. Liver-Stomach Qi Stagnation corresponds to chronic
gastritis associated with stress, where autonomic dysfunction and
reduced mucosal blood flow contribute to mucosal damage and pain.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Stomach Pain with Liver Qi Invading
Stomach.
2. DB-XJB: Chai Hu Shu Gan San.
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
- Spleen-Stomach Deficiency
- Stomach-Yin Deficiency
- Damp-Heat Middle Obstruction
- 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.