4.8
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 options · 1 graded A · 4 graded B · 1 graded C · 8 traditional or ungraded
How does my functional dyspepsia usually show up day to day?
Stress and anxiety clearly make my stomach much worse
Acupuncture
Supported by controlled trials· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade A · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleTargets gut-brain nerve pathways
- Why this matches
- When stress and the nervous system are driving your symptoms, acupuncture's ability to modulate the gut-brain axis makes it especially relevant.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–8 weeks of regular sessions
- Key study
- Systematic review (2026, PMID 41737400): Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for functional dyspepsia: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
- Caution
- Use a licensed practitioner; tell them about any blood-thinning medications.
Meditation
Limited human trials so far· Most of the research is laboratory or animal work (Evidence grade C · No traditional record)Calms gut-brain stress response
- Why this matches
- When stress and anxiety are amplifying your gut symptoms, meditation may help calm the gut-brain stress loop that can contribute to the discomfort.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–8 weeks of regular 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.
- Caution
- Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or manage a chronic condition.
Korean Fermented Herbal Medicine (Cheong)
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleFermented herbal remedy traditionally used for dyspepsia
- Why this matches
- This fermented herbal approach is traditionally used for stomach discomfort where mood and stress overlap with digestive symptoms — the pattern you're describing.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–8 weeks
- 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.
- Caution
- Consult a healthcare practitioner familiar with fermented herbal preparations, and check for interactions if you take medications.
I feel heavy, bloated, or uncomfortably full way too soon after eating
Rikkunshito
Supported by smaller clinical studies (Evidence grade B · No traditional record)Supports stomach motility and fullness
- Why this matches
- Rikkunshito is particularly studied for postprandial fullness and impaired gastric motility — the core of the heavy, bloated-after-eating experience.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–8 weeks
- Key study
- Systematic review (2021, PMID 32767596): Effects of the herbal medicine Rikkunshito, for functional dyspepsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Caution
- Consult a healthcare practitioner; not widely available outside Asia without specialist sourcing.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleCarminative herb for bloating and indigestion
- Why this matches
- Peppermint relaxes digestive-tract muscle, which can ease the bloating and over-full feeling that lingers after meals.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Typically within a few weeks
- Key study
- Traditionally used for indigestion and bloating; no controlled trial for this specific preparation is cited here.
- Caution
- Can worsen reflux or heartburn in some people — avoid it if peppermint aggravates your burning symptoms.
Artichoke extract
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleBile-boosting herb for sluggish fat digestion
- Why this matches
- Artichoke extract stimulates bile flow, which can help when meals sit heavily and digestion feels slow, especially after fatty foods.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Typically 2–4 weeks
- Key study
- Traditionally used for indigestion and fat digestion; no controlled trial for functional dyspepsia is cited here for this item.
- Caution
- Avoid if you have gallstones or a bile-duct obstruction, as it can trigger cramping in those cases.
REN12 (Zhongwan)
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleClassic abdominal point for bloating and fullness
- Why this matches
- 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.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Traditionally used ongoing for symptomatic relief
- Key study
- Traditionally used for indigestion and fullness; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Avoid firm abdominal pressure during pregnancy or over any recent abdominal surgery.
Acupressure
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleTraditionally used to ease bloating and fullness
- Why this matches
- Acupressure on digestion-related points is traditionally used to relieve the sensation of fullness and abdominal distension after eating.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Traditionally used ongoing for symptomatic relief
- Key study
- Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Avoid deep pressure on the abdomen during pregnancy.
I get burning, queasiness, or gnawing pain in my upper stomach
Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
Supported by smaller clinical studies (Evidence grade B · No traditional record)Classical formula for nausea and stomach heat
- Why this matches
- This traditional herbal formula is classically used for the pattern of nausea, stomach discomfort, and epigastric burning that defines your symptom picture.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–8 weeks
- Key study
- Systematic review (2023, PMID 37274096): Herbal medicine, Banxia-xiexin tang, for functional dyspepsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Caution
- Consult a qualified TCM practitioner; check for herb-drug interactions if on medications.
Curcumin
Supported by smaller clinical studies· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleAnti-inflammatory support for stomach lining
- Why this matches
- Curcumin's anti-inflammatory properties target the mucosal irritation and stomach discomfort underlying burning and nausea symptoms.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–8 weeks
- Key study
- RCT (2022, PMID 34652861): Curcuma longa Linn versus omeprazole in treatment of functional dyspepsia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
- Caution
- May interact with blood thinners; use caution with gallbladder conditions.
Ginger
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleWell-used herb for nausea and slow digestion
- Why this matches
- Ginger is a classic remedy for nausea and can help move a sluggish stomach, fitting the queasy, uncomfortable side of your symptoms.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Often eases nausea quickly; a few weeks for general digestive comfort
- Key study
- Traditionally used for nausea and indigestion; no controlled trial for functional dyspepsia is cited here for this item.
- Caution
- High doses may cause heartburn; use caution if you take blood thinners.
PC6 (Neiguan) - Pericardium 6
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleWell-known acupressure point for nausea
- Why this matches
- When nausea rides along with your upper-stomach discomfort, PC6 (Neiguan) is the point most people turn to for settling queasiness.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Often used in the moment for nausea; ongoing for general relief
- Key study
- Traditionally used for nausea; this specific use for functional dyspepsia has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- A gentle, low-risk self-technique; ease off if pressure causes wrist pain or numbness.
Meals just sit there — my digestion feels slow and inconsistent
Rikkunshito
Supported by smaller clinical studies (Evidence grade B · No traditional record)Supports stomach motility and fullness
- Why this matches
- Rikkunshito is particularly studied for postprandial fullness and impaired gastric motility — the core of the heavy, bloated-after-eating experience.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–8 weeks
- Key study
- Systematic review (2021, PMID 32767596): Effects of the herbal medicine Rikkunshito, for functional dyspepsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Caution
- Consult a healthcare practitioner; not widely available outside Asia without specialist sourcing.
Digestive Enzyme Complex
Supported by smaller clinical studies (Evidence grade B · No traditional record)Supports breakdown of food after meals
- Why this matches
- If digestion feels sluggish and inconsistent, supplemental enzymes can help bridge the gap when your own digestive output is insufficient.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Typically 2–4 weeks
- Key study
- RCT (2023, PMID 37976892): Efficacy of digestive enzyme supplementation in functional dyspepsia: A monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial.
- Caution
- Check with your doctor if you have pancreatitis or are on prescription digestive medications.
Ginger
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleWell-used herb for nausea and slow digestion
- Why this matches
- Ginger is a classic remedy for nausea and can help move a sluggish stomach, fitting the queasy, uncomfortable side of your symptoms.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Often eases nausea quickly; a few weeks for general digestive comfort
- Key study
- Traditionally used for nausea and indigestion; no controlled trial for functional dyspepsia is cited here for this item.
- Caution
- High doses may cause heartburn; use caution if you take blood thinners.
Artichoke extract
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleBile-boosting herb for sluggish fat digestion
- Why this matches
- Artichoke extract stimulates bile flow, which can help when meals sit heavily and digestion feels slow, especially after fatty foods.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Typically 2–4 weeks
- Key study
- Traditionally used for indigestion and fat digestion; no controlled trial for functional dyspepsia is cited here for this item.
- Caution
- Avoid if you have gallstones or a bile-duct obstruction, as it can trigger cramping in those cases.
ST36 (Zusanli)
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleClassic point for supporting digestion
- Why this matches
- If your digestion feels slow and inconsistent, ST36 (Zusanli) is the go-to Stomach-meridian point for supporting gastric function.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Traditionally used ongoing for symptomatic relief
- Key study
- Traditionally used to support digestion; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Keep pressure comfortable, and avoid strong stimulation during pregnancy.
What kind of help would I actually stick with?
Mind-body practices or seeing a professional for regular sessions
Acupuncture
Supported by controlled trials· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade A · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleTargets gut-brain nerve pathways
- Why this matches
- When stress and the nervous system are driving your symptoms, acupuncture's ability to modulate the gut-brain axis makes it especially relevant.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–8 weeks of regular sessions
- Key study
- Systematic review (2026, PMID 41737400): Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for functional dyspepsia: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
- Caution
- Use a licensed practitioner; tell them about any blood-thinning medications.
Meditation
Limited human trials so far· Most of the research is laboratory or animal work (Evidence grade C · No traditional record)Calms gut-brain stress response
- Why this matches
- When stress and anxiety are amplifying your gut symptoms, meditation may help calm the gut-brain stress loop that can contribute to the discomfort.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–8 weeks of regular 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.
- Caution
- Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or manage a chronic condition.
I'm open to traditional herbal formulas guided by a practitioner
Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
Supported by smaller clinical studies (Evidence grade B · No traditional record)Classical formula for nausea and stomach heat
- Why this matches
- This traditional herbal formula is classically used for the pattern of nausea, stomach discomfort, and epigastric burning that defines your symptom picture.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–8 weeks
- Key study
- Systematic review (2023, PMID 37274096): Herbal medicine, Banxia-xiexin tang, for functional dyspepsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Caution
- Consult a qualified TCM practitioner; check for herb-drug interactions if on medications.
Rikkunshito
Supported by smaller clinical studies (Evidence grade B · No traditional record)Supports stomach motility and fullness
- Why this matches
- Rikkunshito is particularly studied for postprandial fullness and impaired gastric motility — the core of the heavy, bloated-after-eating experience.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–8 weeks
- Key study
- Systematic review (2021, PMID 32767596): Effects of the herbal medicine Rikkunshito, for functional dyspepsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Caution
- Consult a healthcare practitioner; not widely available outside Asia without specialist sourcing.
Korean Fermented Herbal Medicine (Cheong)
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleFermented herbal remedy traditionally used for dyspepsia
- Why this matches
- This fermented herbal approach is traditionally used for stomach discomfort where mood and stress overlap with digestive symptoms — the pattern you're describing.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–8 weeks
- 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.
- Caution
- Consult a healthcare practitioner familiar with fermented herbal preparations, and check for interactions if you take medications.
Simple herbs or supplements I can pick up and start on my own
Curcumin
Supported by smaller clinical studies· Centuries of traditional use (Evidence grade B · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleAnti-inflammatory support for stomach lining
- Why this matches
- Curcumin's anti-inflammatory properties target the mucosal irritation and stomach discomfort underlying burning and nausea symptoms.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Typically 4–8 weeks
- Key study
- RCT (2022, PMID 34652861): Curcuma longa Linn versus omeprazole in treatment of functional dyspepsia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
- Caution
- May interact with blood thinners; use caution with gallbladder conditions.
Digestive Enzyme Complex
Supported by smaller clinical studies (Evidence grade B · No traditional record)Supports breakdown of food after meals
- Why this matches
- If digestion feels sluggish and inconsistent, supplemental enzymes can help bridge the gap when your own digestive output is insufficient.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Typically 2–4 weeks
- Key study
- RCT (2023, PMID 37976892): Efficacy of digestive enzyme supplementation in functional dyspepsia: A monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial.
- Caution
- Check with your doctor if you have pancreatitis or are on prescription digestive medications.
Ginger
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleWell-used herb for nausea and slow digestion
- Why this matches
- Ginger is a classic remedy for nausea and can help move a sluggish stomach, fitting the queasy, uncomfortable side of your symptoms.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Often eases nausea quickly; a few weeks for general digestive comfort
- Key study
- Traditionally used for nausea and indigestion; no controlled trial for functional dyspepsia is cited here for this item.
- Caution
- High doses may cause heartburn; use caution if you take blood thinners.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleCarminative herb for bloating and indigestion
- Why this matches
- Peppermint relaxes digestive-tract muscle, which can ease the bloating and over-full feeling that lingers after meals.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Typically within a few weeks
- Key study
- Traditionally used for indigestion and bloating; no controlled trial for this specific preparation is cited here.
- Caution
- Can worsen reflux or heartburn in some people — avoid it if peppermint aggravates your burning symptoms.
Artichoke extract
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleBile-boosting herb for sluggish fat digestion
- Why this matches
- Artichoke extract stimulates bile flow, which can help when meals sit heavily and digestion feels slow, especially after fatty foods.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Typically 2–4 weeks
- Key study
- Traditionally used for indigestion and fat digestion; no controlled trial for functional dyspepsia is cited here for this item.
- Caution
- Avoid if you have gallstones or a bile-duct obstruction, as it can trigger cramping in those cases.
Hands-on techniques like pressure points I can do on myself anytime
PC6 (Neiguan) - Pericardium 6
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleWell-known acupressure point for nausea
- Why this matches
- When nausea rides along with your upper-stomach discomfort, PC6 (Neiguan) is the point most people turn to for settling queasiness.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Often used in the moment for nausea; ongoing for general relief
- Key study
- Traditionally used for nausea; this specific use for functional dyspepsia has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- A gentle, low-risk self-technique; ease off if pressure causes wrist pain or numbness.
REN12 (Zhongwan)
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleClassic abdominal point for bloating and fullness
- Why this matches
- 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.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Traditionally used ongoing for symptomatic relief
- Key study
- Traditionally used for indigestion and fullness; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Avoid firm abdominal pressure during pregnancy or over any recent abdominal surgery.
ST36 (Zusanli)
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleClassic point for supporting digestion
- Why this matches
- If your digestion feels slow and inconsistent, ST36 (Zusanli) is the go-to Stomach-meridian point for supporting gastric function.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Traditionally used ongoing for symptomatic relief
- Key study
- Traditionally used to support digestion; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Keep pressure comfortable, and avoid strong stimulation during pregnancy.
Acupressure
Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional stapleTraditionally used to ease bloating and fullness
- Why this matches
- Acupressure on digestion-related points is traditionally used to relieve the sensation of fullness and abdominal distension after eating.
- Why try it
- 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.
- Time to results
- Traditionally used ongoing for symptomatic relief
- Key study
- Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
- Caution
- Avoid deep pressure on the abdomen during pregnancy.
Evidence grades describe the strength of published research for Functional Dyspepsia, not a promise of results. Nothing here is medical advice — talk to your clinician before starting anything, especially alongside prescription medication.