Acne - Phlegm-Dampness Congealing Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Acne · Phlegm-Dampness Congealing Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Face/Skin

Pattern Overview

Phlegm-Dampness Congealing is a pattern in acne, characterized by nodular cystic acne, sebaceous gland duct hyperkeratosis, deep inflammation, fibrosis, and persistent lesions. The core pathogenesis is Phlegm-Dampness congealing in the skin, causing sebaceous gland duct hyperkeratosis, deep inflammation, and nodule formation.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Nodular cystic acne, persistent lesions, fibrosis, scarring |

| Associated Symptoms | Sticky mouth, heavy sensation, fatigue, loose stools |

| Tongue and Pulse | Pale and swollen tongue with white greasy coating, slippery pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Phlegm-Dampness congealing in the skin |

| Etiology | Chronic acne, poor diet, constitutional Phlegm-Dampness, inadequate treatment |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| Fenglong (ST40) | 8 cun above the lateral malleolus, 2 cun lateral to the tibial crest | Transforms Phlegm and Dampness |

| Yinlingquan (SP9) | Below the medial condyle of the tibia | Transforms Dampness and promotes diuresis |

| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus | Regulates Dampness and nourishes Blood |

| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus | Front-Mu point of Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |

| Hegu (LI4) | Dorsum of the hand, between the 1st and 2nd metacarpals | Regulates Qi and promotes circulation |

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, even method; may combine with cupping to transform Phlegm and drain Dampness.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Er Chen Tang (二陈汤) + Hai Zao Yu Hu Tang (海藻玉壶汤)

Composition:

Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Pinellia (Ban Xia), Poria (Fu Ling), Sargassum (Hai Zao), Kelp (Kun Bu), Fritillaria (Zhe Bei Mu), Forsythia (Lian Qiao), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Transforms Phlegm, softens nodules, and resolves masses.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Nodular lesions | Add Xia Ku Cao, Zhe Bei Mu to soften and resolve masses |

| Fibrosis | Add San Leng, E Zhu to break up stasis |

| Scarring | Add Dan Shen, Ji Xue Teng to improve microcirculation |

| Heavy sensation | Add Huo Xiang, Pei Lan to transform Dampness |

Western Mechanism Reference

Nodular cystic acne with sebaceous gland duct hyperkeratosis, deep inflammation, and fibrosis. Phlegm-Dampness Congealing corresponds to nodular cystic acne, where sebaceous gland duct hyperkeratosis and deep inflammation contribute to persistent nodular lesions and fibrosis.

References

  1. Dermatology of TCM - Acne with Phlegm-Dampness Congealing.

  2. Xiong Jibai: Phlegm-Dampness uses Er Chen Tang.

  3. WHO. (2023). Skin health. World Health Organization.

Explore More

  • Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for skin health.

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