Bloating/Abdominal Distension · Damp-Heat Accumulation Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Abdomen
Pattern Overview
Damp-Heat Accumulation is a pattern in bloating/abdominal distension, characterized by gut dysbiosis, abdominal distension, sticky mouth, foul-smelling stools, and yellow urine. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of Damp-Heat in the intestines, causing gut dysbiosis, increased gas production, and intestinal inflammation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|---|
| Primary Symptoms | Abdominal distension, sticky mouth, foul-smelling stools |
| Associated Symptoms | Yellow urine, bitter taste, feverishness, irritability |
| Tongue and Pulse | Red tongue with yellow greasy coating, slippery and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Damp-Heat accumulating in the intestines |
| Etiology | Poor diet, spicy and rich food intake, alcohol consumption, gut dysbiosis |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus | Front-Mu point of Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Tianshu (ST25) | 2 cun lateral to the umbilicus | Front-Mu point of Large Intestine; regulates bowel function |
| Yinlingquan (SP9) | Below the medial condyle of the tibia | Transforms Dampness and drains Heat |
| Neiting (ST44) | Between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones | Spring point of Stomach; clears Stomach Heat |
| Quchi (LI11) | Lateral end of the elbow crease | He-Sea point of Large Intestine; clears Heat |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may combine with cupping on Tianshu to drain Damp-Heat.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan (枳实导滞丸)
Composition:
Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi Shi), Rhubarb (Da Huang), Coptis (Huang Lian), Scutellaria (Huang Qin), Poria (Fu Ling), Alisma (Ze Xie), Medicated Leaven (Shen Qu)
Action: Clears Damp-Heat, promotes digestion, and regulates the intestines.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|---|
| Severe distension | Add Hou Po, Mu Xiang to regulate Qi and relieve distension |
| Foul-smelling stools | Add Huang Lian, Huang Qin to clear Heat and detoxify |
| Sticky mouth | Add Huo Xiang, Pei Lan to transform Dampness and awaken the Spleen |
| Abdominal pain | Add Yan Hu Suo, Mu Xiang to regulate Qi and stop pain |
Western Mechanism Reference
Gut dysbiosis with increased gas-producing bacteria, increased H2/CH4 production, and intestinal inflammation. Damp-Heat Accumulation corresponds to bloating with gut dysbiosis, where altered gut microbiota and increased gas production contribute to abdominal distension and discomfort.
References
- Internal Medicine of TCM - Fullness with Damp-Heat Obstruction.
- DB-XJB: Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan.
- 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.