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Functional Dyspepsia: natural remedies and the evidence behind them

Functional dyspepsia is persistent upper abdominal discomfort — including bloating, early fullness, nausea, or burning — without an identifiable structural…

14 options1 graded A4 graded B1 graded C8 traditional or ungraded

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How does my functional dyspepsia usually show up day to day?

Stress and anxiety clearly make my stomach much worse

Natural remedy

Acupuncture

Evidence grade A · Traditional use long-standing

Targets gut-brain nerve pathways

Why it may be relevant

When stress and the nervous system are driving your symptoms, acupuncture's ability to modulate the gut-brain axis makes it especially relevant.

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials suggests it may improve functional dyspepsia symptoms and appears well tolerated, though sham-controlled results vary.

Dose or use Delivered by a licensed acupuncturist; typical courses run weekly sessions over about 4–8 weeks. Discuss a course length that suits you.

Key study Systematic review (2026, PMID 41737400): Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for functional dyspepsia: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

EvidenceSupported by controlled trials · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeks of regular sessionsTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Use a licensed practitioner; tell them about any blood-thinning medications.
Read the evidence →

Natural remedy

Meditation

Evidence grade C · No traditional record

Calms gut-brain stress response

Why it may be relevant

When stress and anxiety are amplifying your gut symptoms, meditation may help calm the gut-brain stress loop that can contribute to the discomfort.

A small randomized pilot trial suggested improvements in gastrointestinal quality of life when meditation was added alongside standard care; evidence is preliminary.

Dose or use 10–20 minutes of guided or mindfulness meditation daily; apps or classes can help build a consistent practice.

Key study RCT (2025, PMID 40087929): Role of Meditation as Adjuvant Therapy on Gastrointestinal Quality of Life among Individuals with Functional Dyspepsia in an Outpatient Setting: A Randomized Pilot Trial.

EvidenceLimited human trials so far · Most of the research is laboratory or animal workTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeks of regular practice
Caution: Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or manage a chronic condition.
Read the evidence →

Natural remedy

Korean Fermented Herbal Medicine (Cheong)

Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing

Fermented herbal remedy traditionally used for dyspepsia

Why it may be relevant

This fermented herbal approach is traditionally used for stomach discomfort where mood and stress overlap with digestive symptoms — the pattern you're describing.

Offered on traditional grounds: fermented herbal preparations have long been used for dyspepsia with accompanying low mood or anxiety. This specific preparation has not been confirmed for functional dyspepsia in controlled trials.

Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.

Key study Traditionally used as a fermented herbal preparation for dyspepsia with psychological overlap; this specific preparation has not been confirmed for functional dyspepsia in controlled clinical trials.

EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Consult a healthcare practitioner familiar with fermented herbal preparations, and check for interactions if you take medications.
Read the evidence →

What kind of help would I actually stick with?

Mind-body practices or seeing a professional for regular sessions

Natural remedy

Acupuncture

Evidence grade A · Traditional use long-standing

Targets gut-brain nerve pathways

Why it may be relevant

When stress and the nervous system are driving your symptoms, acupuncture's ability to modulate the gut-brain axis makes it especially relevant.

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials suggests it may improve functional dyspepsia symptoms and appears well tolerated, though sham-controlled results vary.

Dose or use Delivered by a licensed acupuncturist; typical courses run weekly sessions over about 4–8 weeks. Discuss a course length that suits you.

Key study Systematic review (2026, PMID 41737400): Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for functional dyspepsia: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

EvidenceSupported by controlled trials · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeks of regular sessionsTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Use a licensed practitioner; tell them about any blood-thinning medications.
Read the evidence →

Natural remedy

Meditation

Evidence grade C · No traditional record

Calms gut-brain stress response

Why it may be relevant

When stress and anxiety are amplifying your gut symptoms, meditation may help calm the gut-brain stress loop that can contribute to the discomfort.

A small randomized pilot trial suggested improvements in gastrointestinal quality of life when meditation was added alongside standard care; evidence is preliminary.

Dose or use 10–20 minutes of guided or mindfulness meditation daily; apps or classes can help build a consistent practice.

Key study RCT (2025, PMID 40087929): Role of Meditation as Adjuvant Therapy on Gastrointestinal Quality of Life among Individuals with Functional Dyspepsia in an Outpatient Setting: A Randomized Pilot Trial.

EvidenceLimited human trials so far · Most of the research is laboratory or animal workTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeks of regular practice
Caution: Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or manage a chronic condition.
Read the evidence →

How does my functional dyspepsia usually show up day to day?

I feel heavy, bloated, or uncomfortably full way too soon after eating

Natural remedy

Rikkunshito

Evidence grade B · No traditional record

Supports stomach motility and fullness

Why it may be relevant

Rikkunshito is particularly studied for postprandial fullness and impaired gastric motility — the core of the heavy, bloated-after-eating experience.

A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests benefit for functional dyspepsia, particularly fullness-related symptoms, though results across placebo-controlled trials have been mixed.

Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.

Key study Systematic review (2021, PMID 32767596): Effects of the herbal medicine Rikkunshito, for functional dyspepsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studiesTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeks
Caution: Consult a healthcare practitioner; not widely available outside Asia without specialist sourcing.
Read the evidence →

Natural remedy

Acupressure

Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing

Traditionally used to ease bloating and fullness

Why it may be relevant

Acupressure on digestion-related points is traditionally used to relieve the sensation of fullness and abdominal distension after eating.

Traditionally used in TCM to stimulate stomach and spleen meridian points thought to support digestive flow and reduce bloating.

Dose or use Press firmly 2–3 min, both sides of key points (e.g., ST36, PC6), 1–2x daily.

Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTraditionally used ongoing for symptomatic reliefTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid deep pressure on the abdomen during pregnancy.
Read the evidence →

Natural remedy

Artichoke extract

Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing

Bile-boosting herb for sluggish fat digestion

Why it may be relevant

Artichoke extract stimulates bile flow, which can help when meals sit heavily and digestion feels slow, especially after fatty foods.

Traditionally used for indigestion and to improve fat digestion by increasing bile production; offered on traditional grounds, with no specific trial cited in your file.

Dose or use Standardized leaf extract per product labeling, taken with meals; consult a practitioner.

Key study Traditionally used for indigestion and fat digestion; no controlled trial for functional dyspepsia is cited here for this item.

EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 2–4 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid if you have gallstones or a bile-duct obstruction, as it can trigger cramping in those cases.
Read the evidence →

Natural remedy

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing

Carminative herb for bloating and indigestion

Why it may be relevant

Peppermint relaxes digestive-tract muscle, which can ease the bloating and over-full feeling that lingers after meals.

Long used for indigestion and bloating, classically paired with caraway; offered here on traditional and mechanistic grounds rather than a trial cited in your file.

Dose or use Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules per product labeling, usually taken before meals; consult a practitioner.

Key study Traditionally used for indigestion and bloating; no controlled trial for this specific preparation is cited here.

EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically within a few weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Can worsen reflux or heartburn in some people — avoid it if peppermint aggravates your burning symptoms.
Read the evidence →

Pressure point

REN12 (Zhongwan)

Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing

Classic abdominal point for bloating and fullness

Why it may be relevant

REN12 (Zhongwan) sits on the upper-abdominal midline and is the classic point for the heavy, bloated, over-full feeling that can follow a meal.

Traditionally used in TCM as the stomach's front-mu point to ease bloating, indigestion and epigastric fullness; it's on your own abdomen, so you can press it yourself.

Dose or use Press gently on the midline about halfway between the navel and the base of the breastbone for 1–2 min, a few times a day.

Key study Traditionally used for indigestion and fullness; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTraditionally used ongoing for symptomatic reliefTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid firm abdominal pressure during pregnancy or over any recent abdominal surgery.

How does my functional dyspepsia usually show up day to day?

I get burning, queasiness, or gnawing pain in my upper stomach

Natural remedy

Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang

Evidence grade B · No traditional record

Classical formula for nausea and stomach heat

Why it may be relevant

This traditional herbal formula is classically used for the pattern of nausea, stomach discomfort, and epigastric burning that defines your symptom picture.

Supported by a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials for functional dyspepsia.

Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.

Key study Systematic review (2023, PMID 37274096): Herbal medicine, Banxia-xiexin tang, for functional dyspepsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studiesTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeks
Caution: Consult a qualified TCM practitioner; check for herb-drug interactions if on medications.
Read the evidence →

Natural remedy

Curcumin

Evidence grade B · Traditional use long-standing

Anti-inflammatory support for stomach lining

Why it may be relevant

Curcumin's anti-inflammatory properties target the mucosal irritation and stomach discomfort underlying burning and nausea symptoms.

Supported by a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing it to omeprazole for functional dyspepsia.

Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.

Key study RCT (2022, PMID 34652861): Curcuma longa Linn versus omeprazole in treatment of functional dyspepsia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studies · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: May interact with blood thinners; use caution with gallbladder conditions.
Read the evidence →

Natural remedy

Ginger

Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing

Well-used herb for nausea and slow digestion

Why it may be relevant

Ginger is a classic remedy for nausea and can help move a sluggish stomach, fitting the queasy, uncomfortable side of your symptoms.

Widely used for nausea and indigestion and known to speed gastric emptying; offered on traditional grounds, with no specific trial cited in your file.

Dose or use Fresh ginger tea or standardized capsules per labeling; take with or before meals.

Key study Traditionally used for nausea and indigestion; no controlled trial for functional dyspepsia is cited here for this item.

EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsOften eases nausea quickly; a few weeks for general digestive comfortTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: High doses may cause heartburn; use caution if you take blood thinners.
Read the evidence →

Pressure point

PC6 (Neiguan) - Pericardium 6

Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing

Well-known acupressure point for nausea

Why it may be relevant

When nausea rides along with your upper-stomach discomfort, PC6 (Neiguan) is the point most people turn to for settling queasiness.

Traditionally used and widely relied on for motion and pregnancy nausea; it sits on the inner forearm, so you can press it yourself any time symptoms flare.

Dose or use Press firmly about three finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the two tendons, for 2–3 min per side.

Key study Traditionally used for nausea; this specific use for functional dyspepsia has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsOften used in the moment for nausea; ongoing for general reliefTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: A gentle, low-risk self-technique; ease off if pressure causes wrist pain or numbness.

How does my functional dyspepsia usually show up day to day?

Meals just sit there — my digestion feels slow and inconsistent

Natural remedy

Digestive Enzyme Complex

Evidence grade B · No traditional record

Supports breakdown of food after meals

Why it may be relevant

If digestion feels sluggish and inconsistent, supplemental enzymes can help bridge the gap when your own digestive output is insufficient.

One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial reported symptom improvement with a digestive enzyme combination in functional dyspepsia; findings have not yet been replicated, so evidence is preliminary.

Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.

Key study RCT (2023, PMID 37976892): Efficacy of digestive enzyme supplementation in functional dyspepsia: A monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial.

EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studiesTime to resultsTypically 2–4 weeks
Caution: Check with your doctor if you have pancreatitis or are on prescription digestive medications.
Read the evidence →

Natural remedy

Rikkunshito

Evidence grade B · No traditional record

Supports stomach motility and fullness

Why it may be relevant

Rikkunshito is particularly studied for postprandial fullness and impaired gastric motility — the core of the heavy, bloated-after-eating experience.

A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests benefit for functional dyspepsia, particularly fullness-related symptoms, though results across placebo-controlled trials have been mixed.

Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.

Key study Systematic review (2021, PMID 32767596): Effects of the herbal medicine Rikkunshito, for functional dyspepsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studiesTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeks
Caution: Consult a healthcare practitioner; not widely available outside Asia without specialist sourcing.
Read the evidence →

Natural remedy

Artichoke extract

Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing

Bile-boosting herb for sluggish fat digestion

Why it may be relevant

Artichoke extract stimulates bile flow, which can help when meals sit heavily and digestion feels slow, especially after fatty foods.

Traditionally used for indigestion and to improve fat digestion by increasing bile production; offered on traditional grounds, with no specific trial cited in your file.

Dose or use Standardized leaf extract per product labeling, taken with meals; consult a practitioner.

Key study Traditionally used for indigestion and fat digestion; no controlled trial for functional dyspepsia is cited here for this item.

EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 2–4 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid if you have gallstones or a bile-duct obstruction, as it can trigger cramping in those cases.
Read the evidence →

Natural remedy

Ginger

Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing

Well-used herb for nausea and slow digestion

Why it may be relevant

Ginger is a classic remedy for nausea and can help move a sluggish stomach, fitting the queasy, uncomfortable side of your symptoms.

Widely used for nausea and indigestion and known to speed gastric emptying; offered on traditional grounds, with no specific trial cited in your file.

Dose or use Fresh ginger tea or standardized capsules per labeling; take with or before meals.

Key study Traditionally used for nausea and indigestion; no controlled trial for functional dyspepsia is cited here for this item.

EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsOften eases nausea quickly; a few weeks for general digestive comfortTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: High doses may cause heartburn; use caution if you take blood thinners.
Read the evidence →

Pressure point

ST36 (Zusanli)

Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing

Classic point for supporting digestion

Why it may be relevant

If your digestion feels slow and inconsistent, ST36 (Zusanli) is the go-to Stomach-meridian point for supporting gastric function.

Traditionally used to support digestion and energy; it sits just below the knee, so it's easy to press on yourself.

Dose or use Press firmly about four finger-widths below the kneecap, just outside the shinbone, for 2–3 min per side, 1–2x daily.

Key study Traditionally used to support digestion; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTraditionally used ongoing for symptomatic reliefTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Keep pressure comfortable, and avoid strong stimulation during pregnancy.

What kind of help would I actually stick with?

I'm open to traditional herbal formulas guided by a practitioner

Natural remedy

Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang

Evidence grade B · No traditional record

Classical formula for nausea and stomach heat

Why it may be relevant

This traditional herbal formula is classically used for the pattern of nausea, stomach discomfort, and epigastric burning that defines your symptom picture.

Supported by a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials for functional dyspepsia.

Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.

Key study Systematic review (2023, PMID 37274096): Herbal medicine, Banxia-xiexin tang, for functional dyspepsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studiesTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeks
Caution: Consult a qualified TCM practitioner; check for herb-drug interactions if on medications.
Read the evidence →

Natural remedy

Rikkunshito

Evidence grade B · No traditional record

Supports stomach motility and fullness

Why it may be relevant

Rikkunshito is particularly studied for postprandial fullness and impaired gastric motility — the core of the heavy, bloated-after-eating experience.

A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests benefit for functional dyspepsia, particularly fullness-related symptoms, though results across placebo-controlled trials have been mixed.

Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.

Key study Systematic review (2021, PMID 32767596): Effects of the herbal medicine Rikkunshito, for functional dyspepsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studiesTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeks
Caution: Consult a healthcare practitioner; not widely available outside Asia without specialist sourcing.
Read the evidence →

Natural remedy

Korean Fermented Herbal Medicine (Cheong)

Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing

Fermented herbal remedy traditionally used for dyspepsia

Why it may be relevant

This fermented herbal approach is traditionally used for stomach discomfort where mood and stress overlap with digestive symptoms — the pattern you're describing.

Offered on traditional grounds: fermented herbal preparations have long been used for dyspepsia with accompanying low mood or anxiety. This specific preparation has not been confirmed for functional dyspepsia in controlled trials.

Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.

Key study Traditionally used as a fermented herbal preparation for dyspepsia with psychological overlap; this specific preparation has not been confirmed for functional dyspepsia in controlled clinical trials.

EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Consult a healthcare practitioner familiar with fermented herbal preparations, and check for interactions if you take medications.
Read the evidence →

What kind of help would I actually stick with?

Simple herbs or supplements I can pick up and start on my own

Natural remedy

Curcumin

Evidence grade B · Traditional use long-standing

Anti-inflammatory support for stomach lining

Why it may be relevant

Curcumin's anti-inflammatory properties target the mucosal irritation and stomach discomfort underlying burning and nausea symptoms.

Supported by a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing it to omeprazole for functional dyspepsia.

Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.

Key study RCT (2022, PMID 34652861): Curcuma longa Linn versus omeprazole in treatment of functional dyspepsia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studies · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: May interact with blood thinners; use caution with gallbladder conditions.
Read the evidence →

Natural remedy

Digestive Enzyme Complex

Evidence grade B · No traditional record

Supports breakdown of food after meals

Why it may be relevant

If digestion feels sluggish and inconsistent, supplemental enzymes can help bridge the gap when your own digestive output is insufficient.

One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial reported symptom improvement with a digestive enzyme combination in functional dyspepsia; findings have not yet been replicated, so evidence is preliminary.

Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.

Key study RCT (2023, PMID 37976892): Efficacy of digestive enzyme supplementation in functional dyspepsia: A monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial.

EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studiesTime to resultsTypically 2–4 weeks
Caution: Check with your doctor if you have pancreatitis or are on prescription digestive medications.
Read the evidence →

Natural remedy

Artichoke extract

Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing

Bile-boosting herb for sluggish fat digestion

Why it may be relevant

Artichoke extract stimulates bile flow, which can help when meals sit heavily and digestion feels slow, especially after fatty foods.

Traditionally used for indigestion and to improve fat digestion by increasing bile production; offered on traditional grounds, with no specific trial cited in your file.

Dose or use Standardized leaf extract per product labeling, taken with meals; consult a practitioner.

Key study Traditionally used for indigestion and fat digestion; no controlled trial for functional dyspepsia is cited here for this item.

EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 2–4 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid if you have gallstones or a bile-duct obstruction, as it can trigger cramping in those cases.
Read the evidence →

Natural remedy

Ginger

Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing

Well-used herb for nausea and slow digestion

Why it may be relevant

Ginger is a classic remedy for nausea and can help move a sluggish stomach, fitting the queasy, uncomfortable side of your symptoms.

Widely used for nausea and indigestion and known to speed gastric emptying; offered on traditional grounds, with no specific trial cited in your file.

Dose or use Fresh ginger tea or standardized capsules per labeling; take with or before meals.

Key study Traditionally used for nausea and indigestion; no controlled trial for functional dyspepsia is cited here for this item.

EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsOften eases nausea quickly; a few weeks for general digestive comfortTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: High doses may cause heartburn; use caution if you take blood thinners.
Read the evidence →

Natural remedy

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing

Carminative herb for bloating and indigestion

Why it may be relevant

Peppermint relaxes digestive-tract muscle, which can ease the bloating and over-full feeling that lingers after meals.

Long used for indigestion and bloating, classically paired with caraway; offered here on traditional and mechanistic grounds rather than a trial cited in your file.

Dose or use Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules per product labeling, usually taken before meals; consult a practitioner.

Key study Traditionally used for indigestion and bloating; no controlled trial for this specific preparation is cited here.

EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically within a few weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Can worsen reflux or heartburn in some people — avoid it if peppermint aggravates your burning symptoms.
Read the evidence →

What kind of help would I actually stick with?

Hands-on techniques like pressure points I can do on myself anytime

Natural remedy

Acupressure

Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing

Traditionally used to ease bloating and fullness

Why it may be relevant

Acupressure on digestion-related points is traditionally used to relieve the sensation of fullness and abdominal distension after eating.

Traditionally used in TCM to stimulate stomach and spleen meridian points thought to support digestive flow and reduce bloating.

Dose or use Press firmly 2–3 min, both sides of key points (e.g., ST36, PC6), 1–2x daily.

Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTraditionally used ongoing for symptomatic reliefTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid deep pressure on the abdomen during pregnancy.
Read the evidence →

Pressure point

PC6 (Neiguan) - Pericardium 6

Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing

Well-known acupressure point for nausea

Why it may be relevant

When nausea rides along with your upper-stomach discomfort, PC6 (Neiguan) is the point most people turn to for settling queasiness.

Traditionally used and widely relied on for motion and pregnancy nausea; it sits on the inner forearm, so you can press it yourself any time symptoms flare.

Dose or use Press firmly about three finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the two tendons, for 2–3 min per side.

Key study Traditionally used for nausea; this specific use for functional dyspepsia has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsOften used in the moment for nausea; ongoing for general reliefTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: A gentle, low-risk self-technique; ease off if pressure causes wrist pain or numbness.

Pressure point

REN12 (Zhongwan)

Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing

Classic abdominal point for bloating and fullness

Why it may be relevant

REN12 (Zhongwan) sits on the upper-abdominal midline and is the classic point for the heavy, bloated, over-full feeling that can follow a meal.

Traditionally used in TCM as the stomach's front-mu point to ease bloating, indigestion and epigastric fullness; it's on your own abdomen, so you can press it yourself.

Dose or use Press gently on the midline about halfway between the navel and the base of the breastbone for 1–2 min, a few times a day.

Key study Traditionally used for indigestion and fullness; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTraditionally used ongoing for symptomatic reliefTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid firm abdominal pressure during pregnancy or over any recent abdominal surgery.

Pressure point

ST36 (Zusanli)

Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing

Classic point for supporting digestion

Why it may be relevant

If your digestion feels slow and inconsistent, ST36 (Zusanli) is the go-to Stomach-meridian point for supporting gastric function.

Traditionally used to support digestion and energy; it sits just below the knee, so it's easy to press on yourself.

Dose or use Press firmly about four finger-widths below the kneecap, just outside the shinbone, for 2–3 min per side, 1–2x daily.

Key study Traditionally used to support digestion; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTraditionally used ongoing for symptomatic reliefTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Keep pressure comfortable, and avoid strong stimulation during pregnancy.

Evidence grades describe the strength of published research for Functional Dyspepsia, not a promise of results. A higher grade is not a personal recommendation. Nothing here is medical advice — talk to your clinician before starting anything, especially alongside prescription medication.

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