Functional Dyspepsia - Spleen-Stomach Deficiency-Cold Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for functional dyspepsia
Functional Dyspepsia · Spleen-Stomach Deficiency-Cold Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Abdomen
Pattern Overview
Spleen-Stomach Deficiency-Cold is a chronic pattern in functional
dyspepsia, characterized by **cold-induced epigastric pain with
hypomotility, cold pain, relief with warmth, poor appetite, and cold
limbs. The core pathogenesis is Spleen-Stomach Yang deficiency with
Cold**, leading to reduced gastric mucosal blood flow, impaired gastric
accommodation, and cold-induced pain.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
appetite |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
complexion |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, deep and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Spleen-Stomach Yang deficiency with Cold |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
constitutional Yang deficiency |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Qihai (RN6) | 1.5 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
the lower abdomen |
| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 |
|---|
of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen-Qi |
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method; heavy
moxibustion is strongly recommended to warm the Spleen and Stomach.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang (黄芪建中汤)
Composition:
Astragalus (Huang Qi), Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi), White Peony (Bai Shao),
Licorice (Gan Cao), Ginger (Sheng Jiang), Jujube (Da Zao), Malt Sugar
(Yi Tang), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Warms the Spleen and Stomach, supplements Qi, and relieves
pain.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe cold pain |
|---|
|
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
| Poor appetite | Add Sha Ren, Mu Xiang to harmonize the Stomach |
|---|
| Loose stools |
|---|
diarrhea |
Western Mechanism Reference
Cold-induced epigastric pain with hypomotility, reduced gastric mucosal
blood flow, and impaired gastric accommodation. Spleen-Stomach
Deficiency-Cold corresponds to functional dyspepsia with cold
sensitivity, where reduced gastric mucosal blood flow and impaired
gastric accommodation contribute to cold-induced pain.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Functional Dyspepsia with Spleen-Stomach
Deficiency-Cold.
2. Xiong Jibai: Spleen-Stomach Deficiency-Cold uses Huang Qi Jian Zhong
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 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.