Chronic Sinusitis - Spleen-Stomach Damp-Heat Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Chronic Sinusitis · Spleen-Stomach Damp-Heat Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Head

Pattern Overview

Spleen-Stomach Damp-Heat is a common pattern in chronic sinusitis, characterized by chronic sinusitis with purulent discharge, neutrophil inflammation, heavy head sensation, poor appetite, and sticky mouth. The core pathogenesis is Spleen-Stomach Damp-Heat accumulating and ascending to the sinuses, causing chronic inflammation, neutrophil infiltration, and purulent discharge.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Nasal congestion with purulent discharge, heavy head sensation, poor appetite |

| Associated Symptoms | Sticky mouth, abdominal distension, loose stools, fatigue |

| Tongue and Pulse | Red tongue with yellow greasy coating, slippery and rapid pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Spleen-Stomach Damp-Heat accumulating and ascending to the sinuses |

| Etiology | Poor diet, excessive rich and fatty food, alcohol consumption, chronic sinusitis |

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 drains Heat |

| 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 |

| Quchi (LI11) | Lateral end of the elbow crease | Clears Heat and detoxifies |

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may combine with cupping on the back to drain Damp-Heat.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan (甘露消毒丹) or Huo Po Xia Ling Tang (藿朴夏苓汤)

Composition:

Talc (Hua Shi), Artemisia (Yin Chen), Scutellaria (Huang Qin), Acorus (Shi Chang Pu), Agastache (Huo Xiang), Cardamon (Bai Kou Ren), Coix Seed (Yi Yi Ren), Xanthium (Cang Er Zi), Magnolia Flower (Xin Yi), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Clears Damp-Heat, strengthens the Spleen, and opens the nasal passages.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Copious purulent discharge | Add Yu Xing Cao, Bai Jiang Cao to clear Heat and detoxify |

| Heavy head sensation | Add Shi Chang Pu, Yu Jin to transform turbidity and open the orifices |

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

| Sticky mouth | Add Pei Lan, He Ye to transform Dampness and awaken the Spleen |

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

Western Mechanism Reference

Chronic sinusitis with purulent discharge, neutrophil inflammation, elevated IL-8/TNF-α, and bacterial colonization. Spleen-Stomach Damp-Heat corresponds to chronic sinusitis with neutrophilic inflammation, where elevated IL-8/TNF-α and bacterial colonization contribute to purulent discharge and chronic inflammation.

References

  1. Otolaryngology of TCM - Chronic Sinusitis with Spleen-Stomach Damp-Heat.

  2. Xiong Jibai: Damp-Heat uses Huo Po Xia Ling Tang.

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

Explore More

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

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