This is a variant of the formula developed by Zhu Tian-bi, which treats Liver Qi constraint with Liver Qi invading the Stomach causing Qi stagnation in the middle Jiao. 
Prolonged stress or emotional strain may lead to Liver Qi constraint. In this case, the Liver Qi counterflows ‘transversely’ to invade the Stomach, leading to stagnation of the Qi and disruption of the normal Qi movements of the middle Jiao. This formula may be used alone for disorders of the upper GIT. Alternatively, it may be used as an adjunctive treatment for the upper GIT disturbances associated with chronic digestive conditions.