Functional Dyspepsia - Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for functional dyspepsia
Functional Dyspepsia · Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Abdomen
Pattern Overview
Spleen-Stomach Deficiency is a common pattern in functional dyspepsia,
characterized by **delayed gastric emptying with weak motility, early
satiety, bloating, fatigue, poor appetite, and loose stools**. The core
pathogenesis is **Spleen-Stomach Qi deficiency failing to transform and
transport**, leading to delayed gastric emptying, reduced antral
contractility, and impaired gastric accommodation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
|
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
weak voice |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
white coating, weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
|
| Etiology |
|---|
constitutional deficiency |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| 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 |
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Taibai (SP3) |
|---|
| Source point of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen-Qi |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied at Pishu and Zusanli to warm and tonify
Spleen-Qi.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang (香砂六君子汤)
Composition:
Ginseng (Ren Shen), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Licorice
(Gan Cao), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Pinellia (Ban Xia), Amomum (Sha
Ren), Aucklandia (Mu Xiang), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Strengthens Spleen, harmonizes Stomach, and transforms
Phlegm.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe bloating |
|---|
distension |
| 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
Delayed gastric emptying with weak motility, reduced antral
contractility, and impaired gastric accommodation. Spleen-Stomach
Deficiency corresponds to functional dyspepsia with impaired motility,
where reduced antral contractility and impaired gastric accommodation
contribute to early satiety and bloating.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Functional Dyspepsia with Spleen-Stomach
Deficiency.
2. Xiong Jibai: Spleen-Stomach Deficiency uses Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi
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.