Functional Dyspepsia: How does my functional dyspepsia usually show up day to day?

Commonly suggested options include acupuncture, meditation, korean Fermented Herbal Medicine (Cheong), rikkunshito, peppermint (Mentha piperita) and artichoke extract.

Functional Dyspepsia: What kind of help would I actually stick with?

Commonly suggested options include acupuncture, meditation, ban Xia Xie Xin Tang, rikkunshito, korean Fermented Herbal Medicine (Cheong) and curcumin.

Functional Dyspepsia: natural remedies and the evidence behind them

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 staple
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.
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 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.
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 staple
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.
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 it may be relevant
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 staple
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.
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 staple
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.
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 staple
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.
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 staple
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.
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 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.
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 staple
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.
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 staple
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.
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 staple
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.
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 it may be relevant
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 it may be relevant
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 staple
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.
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 staple
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.
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 staple
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.
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 staple
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 it may be relevant
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 staple
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.
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 staple
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.
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 it may be relevant
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 staple
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.
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 staple
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.
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 staple
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.
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 staple
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.
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 staple
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.
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 staple
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.
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 staple
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.
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.

How to read the grades below

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

Stress and anxiety clearly make my stomach much worse

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

REN12 (Zhongwan)

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

PC6 (Neiguan) - Pericardium 6

Meals just sit there — my digestion feels slow and inconsistent

ST36 (Zusanli)