4 Types of Gut Imbalances in TCM - Which One Are You?
Your gut health is the foundation of overall wellness. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), digestion is controlled by the Spleen and Stomach, which work together to transform food into energy (Qi) and nutrients for the body.
But when digestion is imbalanced, symptoms like bloating, fatigue, brain fog, and irregular bowel movements can arise. Instead of focusing on a one-size-fits-all approach, let’s discuss 4 types of imbalances that I commonly see in my practice that all require different approaches to treatment.
Which gut type sounds like you?
1: Qi Deficiency - Weak Digestion and Low Energy
Do you feel tired after eating? Experience bloating? Have loose stools? You might have Qi Deficiency.
Symptoms:
Low energy and fatigue after meals
Bloating and feeling sluggish
Weak appetite or preference for warm foods
Craving sweets
Loose stools or frequent digestion issues
What’s Happening According to TCM?
Your Spleen and Stomach Qi are too weak to properly process food and absorb nutrients. This can happen from overeating cold/raw food, stress, or overwork.
How to Strengthen Digestion:
Eat warm, cooked foods (soups, stews, broths)
Avoid cold/raw foods and iced drinks
Chew thoroughly and eat mindfully
Herbs I use in formulas: Astragalus (Huang Qi), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu)
2: Qi Stagnation - Sluggish, Stress-Induced Digestion
Do you notice digestive issues when you’re stressed or anxious? That’s a sign of Qi Stagnation, where stress blocks Liver Qi and disrupts digestion.
Symptoms:
Bloating, gas, or IBS like symptoms
Acid reflux or burping after meals
Feeling full easily, even with small meals
Mood swings, irritability, or digestive issues that worsen with stress
Discomfort just below the ribs
What’s Happening According to TCM?
When the Liver Qi becomes stuck, it overact on the Stomach and Spleen, slowing digestion and causing bloating or acid reflux. Emotional stress is a big trigger.
How to Get Digestion Moving:
Gentle movement (walking, stretching, yoga)
Eat bitter and sour foods (greens, citrus)
Practice deep breathing and stress management
Herbs I use in formulas: Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Cyperus (Xiang Fu), Mint (Bo He)
3: Dampness - Heavy, Mucus-Laden Digestion
If you experience sticky bowel movements, brain fog, and sluggish metabolism, you may have excess Dampness.
Symptoms:
Sticky, sluggish digestion
Have to wipe multiple times to feel clean
Nausea, heavy limbs, puffiness
Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
Possible yeast overgrowth, sugar cravings
What’s Happening According to TCM?
Excess Dampness and Phlegm clog digestion, making it difficult for your body to properly break down food. Eating too many cold, damp-producing foods (dairy, sugar, processed foods) can worsen symptoms.
How to Clear Dampness:
Eat warm, drying foods (ginger, mushrooms)
Reduce dairy, sugar, and processed foods
Drink herbal teas (ginger, fennel, cardamom)
Herbs I use in formulas: Atractylodes (Cang Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Coix seed (Yi Yi Ren)
4: Heat in the Stomach - Inflamed, Overactive Digestion
Do you frequently experience acid reflux, bad breath, or constipation? That’s a sign of excess Heat in the digestive system.
Symptoms:
Acid reflux, burning in stomach
Bad breath, mouth sores
Feeling excessively hungry or thirsty
Constipation with dry, hard stool
What’s Happening According to TCM?
Too much Heat in the Stomach (often from spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, or stress) burns up digestive fluids, leading to dryness and inflammation.
How to Cool Down the Stomach:
Eat cooling, hydrating foods (cucumber, watermelon, peppermint)
Reduce spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine
Herbs I use in formulas: Coptis (Huang Lian), Scutellaria (Huang Qin)
So which gut type are you?
Maybe a mix between a few or all of them? (Hint: Most people are!) That’s why a tailored solution is best as we can identify which imbalances need to be addressed first and work through them appropriately to fully resolve them and heal the gut!
Want to discover how Chinese Medicine can help your gut health? Tired of living your life according to your bathroom habits? I can help! Schedule a free consultation today and get started on your path to reclaim freedom from these annoying and controlling symptoms! I love working with patients just like you to improve digestion naturally!
