Functional Dyspepsia - Liver-Stomach Disharmony Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for functional dyspepsia
Functional Dyspepsia · Liver-Stomach Disharmony Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Abdomen
Pattern Overview
Liver-Stomach Disharmony is the most common pattern in functional
dyspepsia, characterized by **gastric accommodation impairment with
stress, epigastric pain, bloating, belching, nausea, and aggravation
with stress. The core pathogenesis is emotional stress causing
Liver-Qi stagnation invading the Stomach**, leading to autonomic
dysfunction, impaired gastric relaxation, and dyspeptic symptoms.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
worse with stress |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
irritability, depression |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Liver-Qi stagnation invading the Stomach |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
habits |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Neiguan (PC6) |
|---|
| Relieves chest tightness and harmonizes the Stomach |
| Taichong (LR3) |
|---|
metatarsals | Source point of Liver meridian; soothes Liver-Qi |
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; regulates Qi |
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; combine
with stress reduction techniques and regular eating habits.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Chai Hu Shu Gan San (柴胡疏肝散) + Xuan Fu Dai Zhe
Tang (旋覆代赭汤)
Composition:
Bupleurum (Chai Hu), White Peony (Bai Shao), Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi
Ke), Cyperus (Xiang Fu), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Pinellia (Ban Xia),
Inula (Xuan Fu Hua), Hematite (Dai Zhe Shi), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Soothes Liver-Qi, harmonizes the Stomach, and relieves
dyspepsia.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe bloating |
|---|
distension |
| Nausea | Add Sheng Jiang, Zhu Ru to descend rebellious Qi |
|---|
| Belching | Add Dai Zhe Shi, Xuan Fu Hua to descend rebellious Qi |
|---|
| Pain | Add Yan Hu Suo, Chuan Lian Zi to regulate Qi and stop pain |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Gastric accommodation impairment with stress, autonomic dysfunction, and
impaired gastric relaxation. Liver-Stomach Disharmony corresponds to
functional dyspepsia with stress-related exacerbation, where autonomic
dysfunction and impaired gastric accommodation contribute to
postprandial fullness and epigastric pain.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Functional Dyspepsia with Liver-Stomach
Disharmony.
2. Xiong Jibai: Liver-Stomach Disharmony uses 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 Functional Dyspepsia
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.