Chronic Gastritis - Stomach-Yin Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for chronic gastritis
Chronic Gastritis · Stomach-Yin Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Abdomen
Pattern Overview
Stomach-Yin Deficiency is a chronic pattern in chronic gastritis,
characterized by **gastric mucosal atrophy, epigastric pain, dry mouth,
poor appetite, and heat in palms and soles**. The core pathogenesis is
insufficient Stomach-Yin failing to moisten the mucosa, leading to
mucosal atrophy, reduced gastric secretion, and impaired repair.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
appetite |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
throat, heat in palms and soles, constipation |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
thready and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
protect the mucosa |
| Etiology |
|---|
consumption, aging |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Weishu (BL21) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T12 |
|---|
point of Stomach meridian; nourishes Stomach-Yin |
| Neiting (ST44) | Between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones |
|---|
point of Stomach meridian; clears Stomach Heat |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |
| Taixi (KI3) |
|---|
tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; nourishes Kidney Yin |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method;
Neiting may be used with reducing method to clear Stomach Heat.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Yi Wei Tang (益胃汤) + Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang
(芍药甘草汤)
Composition:
Glehnia (Sha Shen), Ophiopogon (Mai Dong), Rehmannia (Sheng Di),
Polygonatum (Yu Zhu), White Peony (Shao Yao), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Nourishes Stomach-Yin, relieves pain, and promotes mucosal
repair.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe dry mouth |
|---|
moisten dryness |
| Constipation | Add Huo Ma Ren, Yu Li Ren to moisten the intestines |
|---|
| Epigastric pain |
|---|
pain |
| Poor appetite |
|---|
promote digestion |
Western Mechanism Reference
Gastric mucosal atrophy with reduced parietal and chief cells, decreased
gastric acid and intrinsic factor secretion, and impaired mucosal
repair. Stomach-Yin Deficiency corresponds to chronic atrophic gastritis
with significant mucosal atrophy, where reduced gastric secretion and
impaired mucosal repair contribute to symptoms.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Stomach Pain with Stomach-Yin Deficiency.
2. DB-XJB: Yi Wei 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 Chronic Gastritis
- Liver-Stomach Qi Stagnation
- Spleen-Stomach 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.