Digestivefù zhàng

Abdominal bloating

Also called:bloatingabdominal distension

From the TCM perspective: Abdominal distension: middle qi stagnation and dampness

Overview

Abdominal bloating is a feeling of fullness, tightness and pressure, often with gas. TCM commonly sees liver qi invading the middle, food stagnation, weak spleen failing to transport and generating dampness, or yang deficiency with fluid retention.

☯Common patterns (syndrome differentiation)

Liver qi invading the middle

Key distinguishing signs: Intermittent bloating worse with stress, hypochondrial tightness, sighing, belching, wiry pulse
Treatment principle: Soothe the liver, move qi and harmonize the middle

Food stagnation

Key distinguishing signs: Fullness after meals, sour belching, poor appetite, foul stool, thick tongue coat
Treatment principle: Digest and guide out stagnation

Spleen deficiency with damp

Key distinguishing signs: Chronic bloating, fatigue, poor appetite, loose sticky stool, pale moist tongue with greasy coat
Treatment principle: Strengthen the spleen and transform dampness

Yang deficiency with fluid retention

Key distinguishing signs: Bloating with cold limbs, edema, scanty urine, pale enlarged moist tongue and deep slow pulse
Treatment principle: Warm yang and move water

Daily self-care

Chew well, eat small frequent meals, and limit gum and carbonated drinks.
Keep a food diary (legumes, dairy, wheat) to identify intolerance.
Take a short walk after meals and massage the abdomen to move qi.

When to seek medical help

The following warning signs require prompt medical evaluation — do not rely on self-treatment:

Severe escalating pain with a rigid abdomen or complete stoppage of stool and gas.
Vomiting with acute distension and inability to pass gas (possible obstruction).
Rapid weight gain with edema or breathlessness, or bloating with bleeding/a mass.

Medical disclaimer: Educational content about traditional Chinese medicine for information only; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace a qualified clinician. If symptoms worsen or warning signs appear, seek medical care.

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