GERD/Acid Reflux - Spleen-Stomach Deficiency with Cold Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for GERD/acid reflux
GERD/Acid Reflux · Spleen-Stomach Deficiency with Cold Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Chest/Abdomen
Pattern Overview
Spleen-Stomach Deficiency with Cold is a common pattern in GERD/acid
reflux, characterized by **decreased GI motility, acid reflux, cold
epigastric pain, poor appetite, and loose stools**. The core
pathogenesis is **Spleen and Stomach Yang deficiency failing to warm and
transform food**, leading to delayed gastric emptying and acid reflux.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
appetite, loose stools |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
extremities, bloating |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
deep and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
transform |
| Etiology |
|---|
illness, overwork |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 |
|---|
of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |
| Weishu (BL21) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T12 |
|---|
point of Stomach meridian; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi |
| Guanyuan (RN4) | 3 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
supplements Qi |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method; heavy
moxibustion is strongly recommended to warm the Spleen and Stomach.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Li Zhong Tang (理中汤) + Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang
(香砂六君子汤)
Composition:
Ginseng (Ren Shen), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang),
Poria (Fu Ling), Pinellia (Ban Xia), Amomum (Sha Ren), Aucklandia (Mu
Xiang), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Warms the Spleen and Stomach, strengthens Qi, and harmonizes
the Stomach.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe cold pain | Add Fu Zi, Rou Gui to warm Yang and disperse Cold |
|---|
| Loose stools |
|---|
diarrhea |
| Bloating | Add Hou Po, Zhi Ke to regulate Qi and relieve distension |
|---|
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Decreased GI motility causing delayed gastric emptying, increased
intragastric pressure, and decreased LES tone. Spleen-Stomach Deficiency
with Cold corresponds to GERD with hypomotility, where delayed gastric
emptying and decreased LES tone contribute to acid reflux.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Acid Reflux with Spleen-Stomach Deficiency
Cold.
2. DB-XJB: Li Zhong Tang, 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.
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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.