Bloating/Abdominal Distension · Cold-Dampness Trapping the Spleen Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Abdomen
Pattern Overview
Cold-Dampness Trapping the Spleen is a pattern in bloating/abdominal distension, characterized by decreased GI motility, abdominal distension, cold pain, heavy sensation, and loose stools. The core pathogenesis is Cold-Dampness invading the Spleen, causing impaired transformation and transport, fluid retention, and gas accumulation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|---|
| Primary Symptoms | Abdominal distension, cold pain, heavy sensation, loose stools |
| Associated Symptoms | Relief with warmth, poor appetite, cold limbs, fatigue |
| Tongue and Pulse | Pale tongue with white greasy coating, deep and moderate pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Cold-Dampness invading the Spleen, impairing transformation |
| Etiology | Cold and damp environment, cold food intake, irregular eating habits |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus | Front-Mu point of Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Yinlingquan (SP9) | Below the medial condyle of the tibia | Transforms Dampness and promotes diuresis |
| Zusanli (ST36) | 3 cun below the patella, 1 finger-width lateral to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi |
| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 | Back-Shu point of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |
| Guanyuan (RN4) | 3 cun below the umbilicus | Warms Yang and supplements Qi |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, even method; moxibustion is strongly recommended to warm the Spleen and disperse Cold-Dampness.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Wei Ling Tang (胃苓汤)
Composition:
Atractylodes (Cang Zhu), Magnolia (Hou Pu), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Poria (Fu Ling), Polyporus (Zhu Ling), Alisma (Ze Xie), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi)
Action: Disperses Cold, transforms Dampness, and harmonizes the Stomach.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|---|
| Severe cold pain | Add Gan Jiang, Fu Zi to warm the interior and disperse Cold |
| Heavy sensation | Add Huo Xiang, Pei Lan to transform Dampness |
| Loose stools | Add Shan Yao, Yi Yi Ren to strengthen Spleen and stop diarrhea |
| Distension | Add Mu Xiang, Sha Ren to regulate Qi and relieve distension |
Western Mechanism Reference
Decreased GI motility causing delayed gastric emptying, intestinal content retention, and increased gas production. Cold-Dampness Trapping the Spleen corresponds to bloating with hypomotility, where reduced gastrointestinal motility and fluid retention contribute to abdominal distension and heavy sensation.
References
- Internal Medicine of TCM - Fullness with Cold-Dampness Trapping the Spleen.
- WHO. (2023). Digestive health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for digestive health.
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