Many modern health complaints — bloating, fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools, acid reflux — can be traced back, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), to a core issue: Spleen-Stomach disharmony (脾胃不和).
In TCM, the Spleen and Stomach are central to digestion, transformation, and the production of Qi and Blood. When these two organs fall out of balance, it can affect not only digestion, but also energy, immunity, emotions, and even sleep.
This article explores common types of digestive dysfunction in TCM, how to recognize patterns of imbalance, and which treatments help restore harmony.
🔶 The Spleen and Stomach in TCM Physiology
| Organ | Function (TCM View) |
|---|---|
| Stomach | Receives, rots and ripens food; sends down turbid materials |
| Spleen | Transforms and transports nutrients (Gu Qi); raises clear essence |
Together, they are considered the “acquired foundation of life” (后天之本) — responsible for generating postnatal Qi and Blood.
📌 Healthy digestion depends on their cooperation: Stomach descends, Spleen ascends.
🔶 Common Patterns of Spleen-Stomach Disharmony
1. Spleen Qi Deficiency (脾气虚)
- Symptoms: Fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools, abdominal bloating, weak limbs
- Tongue: Pale with thin white coating
- Pulse: Weak or soggy
🧾 Formula: Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction)
🔹 Treatment: Tonify Spleen Qi, strengthen digestion
2. Spleen Yang Deficiency (脾阳虚)
- Symptoms: Cold limbs, diarrhea with undigested food, bloating, desire for warmth
- Tongue: Pale, swollen, moist
- Pulse: Deep, slow
🧾 Formula: Li Zhong Wan (Regulate the Middle Pill)
🔹 Treatment: Warm the middle Jiao, dispel Cold
3. Stomach Heat (胃热)
- Symptoms: Hunger with irritability, bad breath, dry mouth, constipation, gum swelling
- Tongue: Red with yellow coating
- Pulse: Rapid, slippery
🧾 Formula: Qing Wei San (Clear the Stomach Powder)
🔹 Treatment: Clear Stomach Heat, cool the Blood
4. Food Stagnation (食积)
- Symptoms: Fullness, distension, sour belching, foul breath, nausea
- Tongue: Thick greasy coating
- Pulse: Slippery
🧾 Formula: Bao He Wan (Preserve Harmony Pill)
🔹 Treatment: Relieve food stagnation, harmonize digestion
5. Liver overacting on Spleen (肝脾不和)
- Symptoms: Bloating, stress-related indigestion, alternating constipation and diarrhea, sighing
- Tongue: Normal or slightly red on sides
- Pulse: Wiry
🧾 Formula: Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer)
🔹 Treatment: Soothe Liver, strengthen Spleen, regulate Qi
🔶 Acupuncture for Digestive Regulation
Commonly used points:
| Point | Function |
|---|---|
| ST36 (Zusanli) | Strengthens Stomach and Spleen Qi |
| SP6 (Sanyinjiao) | Harmonizes digestion and supports Yin |
| CV12 (Zhongwan) | Front-Mu point of Stomach, relieves fullness |
| LI4 + LV3 (Four Gates) | Moves Qi, addresses stress-related stagnation |
| BL20 + BL21 | Back-Shu points of Spleen and Stomach |
🔶 Lifestyle Tips from TCM
- Eat warm, cooked meals – avoid raw, cold, greasy foods
- Chew thoroughly and eat slowly
- Keep regular meal times
- Avoid overeating or emotional eating
- Practice gentle movement after meals — walking or light stretching
- Manage stress, as Liver-Spleen disharmony is common
🔶 Conclusion
Spleen-Stomach disharmony is a core concept in TCM diagnosis and treatment, and understanding its different patterns can help individuals better manage digestive symptoms at their root. Whether through herbs, acupuncture, or daily habits, TCM offers a personalized and effective system for restoring digestive balance and overall wellness.
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