Digestivefùzhàng zhàngqì

Bloating & Gas

Also called:BloatingAbdominal distensionGasTummy fullness

From the TCM perspective: TCM 'fu zhang' / 'pi man' (fullness); located in spleen, stomach and intestines, related to liver.

Overview

Abdominal bloating is uncomfortable fullness or distension, often relieved by belching or passing gas. The Lingshu attributes such swelling to cold qi lodging in the intestines. TCM mainly sees it as qi stagnation, food accumulation, spleen deficiency with dampness, or intestinal damp-heat disrupting the spleen-stomach's ascending and descending.

☯Common patterns (syndrome differentiation)

Gastrointestinal qi stagnation

Key distinguishing signs: Moving, fluctuating bloating relieved by belching or gas, worse with emotional upset, thin white coat, wiry pulse.
Treatment principle: Move qi, guide stagnation and ease abdominal fullness

Food accumulation

Key distinguishing signs: Bloating tender to pressure, sour rotten belching, aversion to food, foul stools, thick greasy coat, slippery pulse; history of overeating.
Treatment principle: Disperse food accumulation and harmonize the stomach

Spleen deficiency with damp encumbrance

Key distinguishing signs: Bloating worse after meals, fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools, sallow face, pale enlarged tooth-marked tongue with greasy white coat, moderate pulse.
Treatment principle: Tonify spleen qi and transform dampness

Intestinal damp-heat

Key distinguishing signs: Bloating and pain with urgent or sticky foul diarrhea, burning anus, dry/bitter mouth, red tongue with yellow greasy coat, slippery rapid pulse.
Treatment principle: Clear heat, drain dampness and move qi

Daily self-care

Eat regularly and chew slowly; reduce gas-producing foods (beans, carbonated drinks, onions) and track personal triggers.
Walk after meals or massage the abdomen clockwise; with spleen deficiency choose warm, soft, cooked foods and limit cold, greasy items.
Stay relaxed, keep regular bowel habits and exercise to support intestinal motility.

When to seek medical help

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

Severe or worsening abdominal pain, rigid abdomen, persistent vomiting, or inability to pass gas/stool: emergency now.
Blood in stool, black stool, fever or unintentional weight loss: prompt evaluation.
Bloating persisting over two weeks or progressively worsening: medical assessment.

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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