GERD/Acid Reflux - Stomach-Yin Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for GERD/acid reflux
GERD/Acid Reflux · Stomach-Yin Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Chest/Abdomen
Pattern Overview
Stomach-Yin Deficiency is a chronic pattern in GERD/acid reflux,
characterized by **gastric mucosal atrophy, heartburn, dry mouth, poor
appetite, and chronic epigastric discomfort**. The core pathogenesis is
**insufficient Stomach-Yin failing to moisten and protect the gastric
mucosa**, leading to mucosal atrophy and impaired repair.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
discomfort |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
throat, heat in palms and soles |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
thready and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
protect the mucosa |
| Etiology |
|---|
consumption |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Weishu (BL21) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T12 |
|---|
point of Stomach meridian; nourishes Stomach-Yin |
| Neiting (ST44) | Between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones |
|---|
point of Stomach meridian; clears Stomach Heat |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |
| Gongsun (SP4) |
|---|
| Luo-connecting point of Spleen; harmonizes the Stomach |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;
Neiting may be used with reducing method to clear Stomach Heat.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Yi Wei Tang (益胃汤) + Mai Men Dong Tang (麦门冬汤)
Composition:
Glehnia (Sha Shen), Ophiopogon (Mai Dong), Rehmannia (Sheng Di),
Polygonatum (Yu Zhu), Pinellia (Ban Xia), Rice (Jing Mi), Licorice (Gan
Cao)
Action: Nourishes Stomach-Yin, moistens dryness, and promotes
mucosal repair.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe dry mouth |
|---|
moisten dryness |
| Heartburn | Add Zhi Mu, Huang Lian to clear Stomach Heat |
|---|
| Poor appetite |
|---|
promote digestion |
| Constipation | Add Huo Ma Ren, Yu Li Ren to moisten the intestines |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Gastric mucosal atrophy causing abnormal acid secretion, reduced mucosal
repair capacity, and weakened mucus barrier. Stomach-Yin Deficiency
corresponds to atrophic gastritis or GERD with mucosal damage, where
reduced mucosal repair capacity and impaired mucus barrier contribute to
acid reflux symptoms.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Acid Reflux with Stomach-Yin Deficiency.
2. DB-XJB: Yi Wei Tang, Mai Men Dong 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.