GERD/Acid Reflux - Liver-Stomach Disharmony Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for GERD/acid reflux
GERD/Acid Reflux · Liver-Stomach Disharmony Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Chest/Abdomen
Pattern Overview
Liver-Stomach Disharmony is the most common pattern in GERD/acid reflux,
characterized by **stress-induced LES dysfunction, heartburn, acid
reflux, chest tightness, and epigastric pain**. The core pathogenesis is
emotional stress causing Liver Qi stagnation, which overacts on the
Stomach, leading to rebellious Stomach Qi and acid reflux.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
epigastric pain |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
nausea, worse with stress |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
causing rebellious Stomach Qi |
| Etiology |
|---|
habits |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Taichong (LR3) |
|---|
metatarsals | Source point of Liver meridian; soothes Liver Qi |
| Neiguan (PC6) |
|---|
| Relieves chest tightness and harmonizes the Stomach |
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; regulates Qi |
| Yanglingquan (GB34) | Depression below the head of the fibula |
|---|
Regulates Qi and relieves pain |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; combine
with stress reduction techniques and lifestyle modifications.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Chai Hu Shu Gan San (柴胡疏肝散) + Zuo Jin Wan
(左金丸)
Composition:
Bupleurum (Chai Hu), White Peony (Bai Shao), Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi
Ke), Cyperus (Xiang Fu), Coptis (Huang Lian), Evodia (Wu Zhu Yu),
Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Soothes Liver Qi, harmonizes the Stomach, and stops acid
reflux.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe heartburn | Increase Huang Lian dosage to clear Heat |
|---|
| Nausea | Add Ban Xia, Sheng Jiang to descend rebellious Qi |
|---|
| Belching | Add Chen Pi, Hou Po to regulate Qi |
|---|
| Constipation | Add Da Huang to drain heat and relieve constipation |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Stress-induced vagal dysfunction causing decreased LES pressure, delayed
gastric emptying, and increased reflux. Liver-Stomach Disharmony
corresponds to GERD associated with stress and emotional factors, where
autonomic dysfunction and decreased LES pressure contribute to acid
reflux.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Acid Reflux with Liver-Stomach Heat.
2. DB-XJB: Chai Hu Shu Gan San, Zuo Jin Wan.
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.
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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.