Functional Dyspepsia - Stomach-Yin Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for functional dyspepsia
Functional Dyspepsia · 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 functional dyspepsia,
characterized by **impaired gastric secretion with mucosal atrophy,
epigastric discomfort, dry mouth, poor appetite, constipation, and
thirst. The core pathogenesis is Stomach-Yin deficiency failing to
moisten the Stomach**, leading to impaired gastric secretion, mucosal
atrophy, and reduced digestive function.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
appetite, constipation |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
throat, heat in palms and soles |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
thready and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
secretion |
| Etiology |
|---|
consumption, aging |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Taixi (KI3) |
|---|
tendon | Nourishes Kidney-Yin and supports Stomach-Yin |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method; may
combine with moxibustion on Zusanli to tonify Qi and nourish Yin.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Yi Wei Tang (益胃汤) + Sha Shen Mai Dong Tang
(沙参麦冬汤)
Composition:
Glehnia (Sha Shen), Ophiopogon (Mai Dong), Rehmannia (Sheng Di),
Polygonatum (Yu Zhu), Trichosanthes Root (Tian Hua Fen), Licorice (Gan
Cao)
Action: Nourishes Stomach-Yin, moistens dryness, and promotes
gastric secretion.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe dry mouth |
|---|
moisten dryness |
| Constipation | Add Huo Ma Ren, Yu Li Ren to moisten the intestines |
|---|
| Poor appetite |
|---|
promote digestion |
| Heat in palms and soles |
|---|
heat |
Western Mechanism Reference
Impaired gastric secretion with mucosal atrophy, reduced gastric acid
and digestive enzyme secretion, and impaired mucosal repair. Stomach-Yin
Deficiency corresponds to functional dyspepsia with impaired gastric
secretion, where reduced gastric acid and digestive enzyme secretion
contribute to poor appetite and epigastric discomfort.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Functional Dyspepsia with Stomach-Yin
Deficiency.
2. Xiong Jibai: Stomach-Yin Deficiency uses 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 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.