Stomachache in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), stomach pain may result from emotional stress affecting the digestive system, Blood Stasis, food stagnation, Cold and deficiency, or depletion of Yin fluids. The location of the pain, what makes it better or worse, and associated symptoms help determine the underlying pattern.

The following patterns are based on classical TCM theory and are intended for educational purposes.

Pattern Key Symptoms Treatment Principle Traditional Formula Food Therapy
Liver Qi Stagnation Affecting the Stomach Stomach pain worsened by anger or emotional stress, upper abdominal discomfort, belching, nausea, lump-in-the-throat sensation Soothe the Liver, regulate Qi, harmonize the Stomach, and relieve pain Si Ni San Kumquat, mandarin orange, garlic, sweet potato, dates, basil
Blood Stasis Sharp stabbing stomach pain, fixed pain location, pain worsened after eating, chronic symptoms, pain described as piercing Invigorate Blood, remove Blood Stasis, harmonize the Stomach, and relieve pain Shi Xiao San Peach, saffron, chestnuts, black soybeans, papaya, eggplant
Food Stagnation (Indigestion) Sudden stomach pain, bloating, nausea, poor appetite, foul-smelling belching, symptoms worsened by pressure or overeating Promote digestion and harmonize the Stomach Bao He Wan Radish, grapefruit, malt, coriander, tomato, cardamom
Spleen and Stomach Deficiency Cold Stomach pain relieved by warmth, preference for hot drinks, cold hands and feet, fatigue, loose stools, poor digestion Strengthen the Spleen and Stomach, warm the interior, and disperse Cold Li Zhong Tang or Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang Fresh ginger, fennel, dates, yam, sweet rice, chestnuts
Stomach Yin Deficiency Burning stomach pain, pain worse when the stomach is empty, dry mouth, dry throat, constipation, night sweats Nourish Yin, strengthen the Stomach, and clear Deficiency Heat Mai Men Dong Tang White fungus, duck egg, asparagus, oyster, abalone, royal jelly

Understanding Stomachache in TCM

Liver Qi Stagnation Pattern

Stress and emotional tension may interfere with the smooth movement of Qi through the digestive system.

Common signs include:

  • Pain worsened by frustration or anger

  • Belching

  • Nausea

  • Upper abdominal fullness

  • Sensation of a lump in the throat

Treatment focuses on restoring the smooth flow of Qi.

Blood Stasis Pattern

Blood Stasis often causes pain that is:

  • Sharp

  • Fixed in location

  • Chronic

  • Worse after eating

  • Described as stabbing or piercing

Treatment focuses on improving circulation and removing obstruction.

Food Stagnation Pattern

Overeating or impaired digestion may cause food retention.

Common signs include:

  • Sudden stomach pain

  • Bloating

  • Foul-smelling belching

  • Poor appetite

  • Nausea

Treatment focuses on improving digestion and relieving stagnation.

Deficiency Cold Pattern

Cold and weakness of the digestive system may slow digestion and cause pain.

Typical signs include:

  • Pain relieved by warmth

  • Preference for hot drinks

  • Cold hands and feet

  • Fatigue

  • Loose stools

Treatment focuses on warming and strengthening digestive function.

Stomach Yin Deficiency Pattern

Insufficient Yin fluids may fail to nourish and protect the stomach lining.

Common signs include:

  • Burning discomfort

  • Pain when the stomach is empty

  • Dry mouth and throat

  • Constipation

  • Night sweats

Treatment focuses on nourishing fluids and reducing Deficiency Heat.

Related Formulas

  • Si Ni San

  • Shi Xiao San

  • Bao He Wan

  • Li Zhong Tang

  • Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang

  • Mai Men Dong Tang

Food Therapy and Stomach Pain

Food therapy is traditionally selected according to the underlying pattern.

  • Qi-regulating foods may be used when stress contributes to symptoms.

  • Digestive-supportive foods may help with food stagnation.

  • Warming foods are often recommended for Cold patterns.

  • Moistening and nourishing foods may be emphasized in Yin Deficiency patterns.

Examples commonly used in traditional dietary therapy include ginger, fennel, dates, yams, kumquats, radishes, white fungus, asparagus, and sweet potatoes.

Important Note

Persistent stomach pain should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional. Conditions involving ulcers, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, infections, or other disorders can produce similar symptoms and may require medical assessment. Traditional Chinese Medicine may be used as part of a comprehensive care plan after appropriate evaluation.