In unblocking and purging theory

qi movement in stomach should be unblocked as the stomach function well in directing counterflow downward and lower qi; the obstruction of qi movement may lead to pathological diseases; therefore

the treatment should follow the "dispelling diseases through unblocking" principle. This paper summarized the experience of diagnosing and treating chronic gastritis based on unblocking and purging theory

trying to provide references for future clinical practice. Zang-fu pattern differentiation is suggested to identify the location of disease

while deficiency-excess pattern differentiation was advised for nature identification; cold-heat patterns help detecting the status of stomach

and qi-blood patterns reflect the depth of the disease location. During treatment

separate emphasis should be laid on spleen and stomach

with the aid of patients′ clinical manifestations and the know-ledge on physiology and pathology differences; simultaneously

spleen and stomach should be treated in combination

when there is "disease of both spleen and stomach"

manifested as failing to receive and transport food

ascend and descend qi

and moisten dryness.