Allergic Rhinitis - Spleen-Qi Deficiency Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Allergic Rhinitis · Spleen-Qi Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Head

Pattern Overview

Spleen-Qi Deficiency is a common pattern in allergic rhinitis, characterized by immune dysregulation, nasal congestion with clear discharge, fatigue, poor appetite, and loose stools. The core pathogenesis is Spleen-Qi deficiency failing to transform and transport, leading to Dampness accumulation and impaired immune defense.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Nasal congestion with clear discharge, fatigue, poor appetite |

| Associated Symptoms | Loose stools, bloating, pale complexion, cold limbs |

| Tongue and Pulse | Pale and swollen tongue with teeth marks, thin white coating, weak pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Spleen-Qi deficiency with Dampness accumulation and immune dysfunction |

| Etiology | Poor diet, overwork, constitutional Spleen deficiency, chronic illness |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| Zusanli (ST36) | 3 cun below the patella, 1 finger-width lateral to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi |

| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 | Back-Shu point of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen-Qi |

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

| Yingxiang (LI20) | In the nasolabial groove, at the level of the midpoint of the lateral border of the ala nasi | Opens the nasal passages |

| Yintang (EX-HN3) | Midpoint between the eyebrows | Clears the head and opens the nasal passages |

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method; moxibustion may be applied to Pishu and Zusanli to warm and tonify Spleen-Qi.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (补中益气汤)

Composition:

Ginseng (Ren Shen), Astragalus (Huang Qi), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Angelica (Dang Gui), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma), Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Strengthens Spleen-Qi, lifts Yang, and supports immune function.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Profuse nasal discharge | Add Wu Wei Zi, Wu Mei to astringe and stop discharge |

| Poor appetite | Add Sha Ren, Mu Xiang to harmonize the Stomach |

| Loose stools | Add Shan Yao, Yi Yi Ren to strengthen Spleen and stop diarrhea |

| Bloating | Add Mu Xiang, Sha Ren to regulate Qi and relieve distension |

| Recurrent colds | Add Fang Feng to strengthen the defensive exterior |

Western Mechanism Reference

Immune dysregulation with reduced Treg cell function, decreased SIgA secretion, and impaired mucosal immune defense. Spleen-Qi Deficiency corresponds to allergic rhinitis with immune dysfunction, where reduced Treg function and decreased SIgA contribute to impaired mucosal immune defense and allergic symptoms.

References

  1. Otolaryngology of TCM - Allergic Rhinitis with Spleen-Qi Deficiency.

  2. Xiong Jibai: Spleen-Qi Deficiency uses Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.

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

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