It is a common practice for many people only to seek to reduce the symptoms instead of understanding the cause of the symptoms. This may lead to the overuse of over-the-counter medications. Relying on these types of medications for bloating in daily use can come with its own set of complications. 

In using Chinese medicine for bloating and gas, the goal is to understand and identify the root cause of the bloating in an effort to prevent chronic bloating altogether. If you want to understand how to treat bloating from its root cause, and are looking for some bloating natural remedies, then read on to learn about the five ways to beat the bloat using TCM.

1. Acupuncture for bloating:

Practiced in TCM for thousands of years, acupuncture has been shown to be an effective therapy. During an acupuncture session, the practitioner will insert thin needles into key points on your body in effort to relieve stagnation or deficiency. Acupuncture for bloating will work with the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems to regulate the body’s internal organs by improving circulation.

A study out of Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine at First Clinical Medical College of Nanjing University determined that suffers of IBS may see relief of their symptoms using a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbs.

2. Acupressure for bloating:

If you are not able to find a skilled TCM practitioner in your area to give acupuncture a try, consider trying acupressure. This simple method can be done at home. Start by applying pressure to “Stomach-36”, also known as ST36 or point Zu San Li.

This pressure point is located on the inside of the lower leg just one finger-length below the anterior crest of the tibia. Applying pressure here will help tonify Qi and strengthen both the spleen and the stomach.

3. Supplements for Chronic Bloating

Those looking for natural remedies for bloating will be pleased to learn there are many drug-free options available. For bloating caused by Liver Qi deficiency or Liver–Spleen disharmony, targeted supplements can help unblock Liver Qi, support digestion, and reduce stagnation. If bloating is due to Spleen and Kidney Qi or Yang deficiency, specific supplements work to strengthen digestive energy, improve fluid metabolism, and reduce water retention. For bloating caused by cold foods or weak Spleen Yang, warming supplements support digestion, restore energy, and help move food smoothly through the system.

Causes of Chronic Bloating According to Traditional Chinese Medicine

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, the causes of chronic bloating in Chinese Medicine are linked to an imbalance of Qi in the stomach, spleen, and liver.

• Liver Qi Deficiency or Liver/ Spleen Disharmony

When the Liver becomes weak or its Qi cannot flow smoothly, it disrupts the Spleen’s ability to transform and transport food and fluids. This leads to stagnation in the digestive system, causing bloating, distension, discomfort, and irregular bowel movements. Emotional stress often worsens this pattern. 

In fact, a study out of the Department of Gastroenterology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University in Liaoning Province found that imbalances in the liver and spleen were present in patients who were diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Though the exact cause of IBS is not well known, those who suffer from IBS often list chronic bloating as one of the more common symptoms.

You can also add targeted supplements to your daily routine to support Liver Qi flow and improve digestive harmony.

Stress-Indigestion Kit  Helps unblock Liver Qi, ease tension, and support smoother digestion, reducing bloating caused by Liver–Spleen disharmony.

Astragalus (Huang Qi)  Strengthens Spleen Qi and supports the smooth flow of Liver Qi, helping reduce stagnation and improve digestive function.

• Spleen and Kidney Qi & Yang Deficiency

The Spleen and Kidney provide the warming, activating energy needed for digestion. When both Qi and Yang are weak, the digestive system becomes sluggish and cannot efficiently move fluids or digest food. This results in chronic bloating, heaviness, water retention, loose stools, and fatigue, especially after eating. You can add supplements to your daily routine to strengthen Spleen and Kidney energy, improving digestion and reducing bloating.

Indigestion & Water Retention Kit — Boosts Spleen and Kidney function, reduces water retention, and eases bloating.

Atractylodes (Bai Zhu) — Strengthens Spleen Qi, dries dampness, and supports healthy digestion and fluid balance.

•  Cold Foods (Yin) or Cold Drinks Damaging Spleen Yang

Another possible cause of an excess of yin, or coldness, in the stomach. Frequent intake of cold foods or iced drinks weakens the Spleen’s Yang, which is responsible for warming the digestive organs. When this warmth is lost, digestion slows significantly, causing bloating, abdominal coldness, sluggish metabolism, and undigested food in stools. When it comes to the causes of the above imbalances, deficiencies, or coldness, these can be linked to many different factors. Anything from overeating, stress, skipping meals, eating cold foods, and overexertion are all considered possible causes.

To help restore warmth and digestive function, you can add warming supplements to your daily routine that support Spleen Yang.

Indigestion & Fatigue Kit — Warms and strengthens Spleen Yang, improving digestion and energy.

Ren Shen Jian Pi Tang — Supports and restores Spleen Yang to aid digestion and food movement.

Gut Health and Your Mood

To add another layer to this story, poor gut health can have a negative effect on your mood. The friendly microorganisms of the gut are responsible for some of the body’s metabolic processes. A study out of Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Houston Methodist Hospital showed evidence of possible psychological effects due to alterations in the gut microbiome.

Conclusion:

Taking regular over-the-counter medication to simply treat the symptoms of bloating is not a sustainable solution in the long term. Chinese medicine for bloating offers many bloating natural remedies that are both affordable and readily available. If you are suffering from chronic bloating, consider speaking to your practitioner about using Chinese medicine for stomach bloating treatment like acupuncture or acupressure to help treat the root cause of your symptoms.

Use caution when eating and stick with warm foods being sure to chew them completely. Adding drug-free herbs such as ginger will also help to reduce bloating. There is no reason to suffer with the discomfort of chronic bloating when there are many safe and affordable bloating natural remedies available.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.