In TCM, digestion is governed mainly by the Spleen and Stomach, with the Liver playing a key role in regulating the smooth flow of Qi. When this coordination is disrupted, digestive symptoms arise.
Common patterns include:

• Spleen deficiency (脾虚) – 
Weak digestive function leading to bloating, poor appetite, loose stools, and fatigue
• Dampness accumulation (湿困脾胃) – Results in heaviness, bloating, sluggish digestion, and a feeling of fullness
• Food stagnation (食积) – 
Due to overeating or irregular diet, causing abdominal distension, belching, and discomfort
• Liver Qi stagnation affecting digestion (肝郁乘脾 / 肝气犯胃) – Stress disrupts the Liver’s regulation of Qi, which may overact on the Spleen or affect the Stomach. Leads to bloating, abdominal pain, acid reflux, and IBS-like symptoms such as alternating diarrhoea and constipation, often worsened by stress
• Damp-heat in the digestive system (湿热内蕴) – 
May cause bad breath, acid regurgitation, burning sensation, or loose stools with urgency
• Stomach Yin deficiency (胃阴不足) – 
Leads to dryness, mild burning discomfort, hunger without desire to eat, and constipation