Based on the theory of "yang often in excess

while yin in deficiency"

it is proposed that "stomach diseases mainly characterized by excess and heat" and "spleen diseases more of deficiency and cold" are closely related to the etiology and pathogenesis of upper gastrointestinal bleeding（UGIB）. In terms of the etiology

when externally-contracted pathogens directly attack the stomach bowel

the excess syndrome of pathogenic qi in superabundance is commonly seen

which is consistent with "stomach diseases mainly characterized by excess"; when internal damages affect the spleen viscera

the deficiency syndrome of healthy qi insufficiency is mostly observed

conforming to "spleen diseases more of deficiency". Regarding the pathogenesis

the stomach bowel diseases are mainly induced by intense stomach fire

static blood obstructing the collaterals

ascending counterflow of stomach qi

and deficiency fire scorching the collaterals

corresponding to "stomach diseases mainly characterized by excess and heat"; the spleen viscera diseases can be classified into spleen qi depletion and spleen yang insufficiency in keeping with "spleen diseases more of deficiency and cold". According to theory of "yang often in excess

while yin in deficiency"

UGIB at the acute stage should be treated from the stomach

by using one of the four methods which were clearing stomach fire

dissolving stasis and unblocking the collaterals

directing qi downward and calming surging

and boosting yin and nourishing stomach; for UGIB at remission stage

treatment should be started from the spleen with the two methods of boosting qi to fortify the spleen

and warming yang to fortify the spleen.