Chronic Pharyngitis - Phlegm-Blood Stasis Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Chronic Pharyngitis · Phlegm-Blood Stasis Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Head

Pattern Overview

Phlegm-Blood Stasis is a common pattern in chronic pharyngitis, characterized by lymphoid follicle hyperplasia on the posterior pharyngeal wall, foreign body sensation, sticky sputum, hoarseness, and dark red pharynx. The core pathogenesis is Phlegm-Dampness congealing and Blood stasis intermingling in the throat, causing lymphoid follicle hyperplasia, lymphatic tissue proliferation, and local microcirculatory disturbance.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Foreign body sensation in the throat, lymphoid follicle hyperplasia, sticky sputum |

| Associated Symptoms | Hoarseness, dark red pharynx, chest tightness, difficulty expectorating |

| Tongue and Pulse | Dark red or purple-dark tongue with greasy coating, hesitant or slippery pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Phlegm-Dampness and Blood stasis intermingling in the throat |

| Etiology | Chronic pharyngitis, smoking, recurrent infections, chronic inflammation |

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 |

| Lianquan (RN23) | In the depression above the Adam’s apple, at the midpoint of the upper border of the thyroid cartilage | Local point; treats throat conditions |

| Xuehai (SP10) | On the medial thigh, 2 cun above the patella | Invigorates blood and resolves stasis |

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

| Tiantu (RN22) | In the depression at the suprasternal fossa | Descends rebellious Qi and relieves throat obstruction |

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, even method; may combine with local pricking and cupping on the posterior pharyngeal wall to resolve stasis.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Ban Xia Hou Po Tang (半夏厚朴汤) + Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (桃红四物汤)

Composition:

Pinellia (Ban Xia), Magnolia (Hou Po), Poria (Fu Ling), Perilla Stem (Su Geng), Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Safflower (Hong Hua), Angelica (Dang Gui), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Red Peony (Chi Shao), Scrophularia (Xuan Shen), Fritillaria (Zhe Bei Mu), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Transforms Phlegm, invigorates blood, resolves stasis, and relieves throat obstruction.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Sticky sputum | Add Gua Lou, Bei Mu to moisten and transform Phlegm |

| Lymphoid follicle hyperplasia | Add Shan Ci Gu, Xia Ku Cao to soften and resolve masses |

| Dark red pharynx | Add Dan Shen, Mu Dan Pi to cool blood and invigorate circulation |

| Hoarseness | Add Mu Hu Die, Pang Da Hai to moisten the throat and improve voice |

| Chest tightness | Add Zhi Ke, Jie Geng to regulate Qi and relieve distension |

Western Mechanism Reference

Lymphoid follicle hyperplasia on the posterior pharyngeal wall with lymphatic tissue proliferation and local microcirculatory disturbance. Phlegm-Blood Stasis corresponds to chronic hypertrophic pharyngitis, where lymphatic tissue proliferation and microcirculatory disturbance contribute to lymphoid follicle hyperplasia and foreign body sensation.

References

  1. Otolaryngology of TCM - Chronic Pharyngitis with Phlegm-Blood Stasis.

  2. Xiong Jibai: Phlegm-Stasis uses Er Chen Tang with Tao Hong Si Wu Tang.

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

Explore More

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

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