Chronic Pharyngitis - Spleen-Stomach Weakness Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Chronic Pharyngitis · Spleen-Stomach Weakness Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Head

Pattern Overview

Spleen-Stomach Weakness is a common pattern in chronic pharyngitis, characterized by reduced pharyngeal mucosal immune function, dry throat, fatigue, poor appetite, and loose stools. The core pathogenesis is Spleen-Stomach deficiency failing to transform and transport, leading to reduced immune function, impaired mucosal barrier, and chronic throat irritation.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Dry throat, fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools |

| Associated Symptoms | Pale complexion, bloating, cold limbs, weak voice |

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

| Pathogenesis | Spleen-Stomach deficiency with reduced immune function |

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

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 |

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

| Hegu (LI4) | Dorsum of the hand, between the 1st and 2nd metacarpals | Regulates Qi and relieves throat discomfort |

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

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (补中益气汤) or Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (参苓白术散)

Composition:

Ginseng (Ren Shen), Astragalus (Huang Qi), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Dioscorea (Shan Yao), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma), Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Licorice (Gan Cao)

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

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Dry throat | Add Ge Gen, Tian Hua Fen to generate fluids and moisten dryness |

| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |

| 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 |

| Cold limbs | Add Gui Zhi, Sheng Jiang to warm the meridians |

Western Mechanism Reference

Reduced pharyngeal mucosal immune function with decreased pharyngeal SIgA and impaired mucosal barrier function. Spleen-Stomach Weakness corresponds to chronic pharyngitis with immune dysfunction, where decreased mucosal SIgA and impaired barrier function contribute to chronic throat irritation and infection.

References

  1. Otolaryngology of TCM - Chronic Pharyngitis with Spleen-Stomach Weakness.

  2. Xiong Jibai: Spleen-Qi Deficiency uses Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang/Shen Ling Bai Zhu San.

  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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