GERD/Acid Reflux - Phlegm-Qi Obstruction Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for GERD/acid reflux
GERD/Acid Reflux · Phlegm-Qi Obstruction Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Chest/Abdomen
Pattern Overview
Phlegm-Qi Obstruction is a pattern in GERD/acid reflux, characterized by
**esophageal motility dysfunction, globus sensation (lump in the
throat), acid reflux, and chest tightness**. The core pathogenesis is
Phlegm and Qi obstructing the throat and chest, causing esophageal
motility dysfunction and hypersensitivity.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
difficulty swallowing |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
of obstruction |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
or wiry pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Phlegm and Qi obstructing the throat and chest |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
phlegm constitution |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Fenglong (ST40) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Transforms Phlegm and Dampness |
| Neiguan (PC6) |
|---|
| Relieves chest tightness and regulates Qi |
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Tiantu (RN22) | In the depression at the suprasternal fossa |
|---|
Descends rebellious Qi and relieves throat obstruction |
| Danzhong (RN17) |
|---|
| Regulates Qi and relieves chest tightness |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; may
combine with moxibustion to transform Phlegm.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Ban Xia Hou Po Tang (半夏厚朴汤) + Wen Dan Tang
(温胆汤)
Composition:
Pinellia (Ban Xia), Magnolia (Hou Po), Poria (Fu Ling), Perilla Leaf (Su
Ye), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi Shi), Bamboo
Shavings (Zhu Ru), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Transforms Phlegm, regulates Qi, and relieves obstruction.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Globus sensation |
|---|
Phlegm |
| Chest tightness |
|---|
distension |
| Nausea | Add Sheng Jiang, Zhu Ru to descend rebellious Qi |
|---|
| Acid reflux |
|---|
stop reflux |
Western Mechanism Reference
Esophageal motility dysfunction with impaired esophageal clearance,
reflux retention, and esophageal hypersensitivity. Phlegm-Qi Obstruction
corresponds to GERD with esophageal motility dysfunction, where impaired
esophageal clearance and increased esophageal hypersensitivity
contribute to reflux symptoms and globus sensation.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Globus Hystericus with Phlegm-Qi
Obstruction.
2. DB-XJB: Wen Dan 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.
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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.