Neck Pain - Phlegm-Dampness Obstruction Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Neck Pain · Phlegm-Dampness Obstruction Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Neck

Pattern Overview

Phlegm-Dampness Obstruction is a pattern in neck pain, characterized by dizziness and heaviness, neck heaviness, nausea, and chest tightness. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of Phlegm-Dampness in the neck meridians, obstructing the clear yang from ascending and causing dizziness and vertigo.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Dizziness, heavy head sensation, neck heaviness, nausea |

| Associated Symptoms | Blurred vision, chest tightness, vomiting of phlegm-saliva |

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

| Pathogenesis | Phlegm-Dampness obstructing the clear yang from ascending |

| Etiology | Poor diet, Spleen deficiency, excessive phlegm production |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| ST40 Fenglong | 8 cun above the lateral malleolus, 2 cun lateral to the tibial crest | Transforms Phlegm and Dampness; key point for phlegm |

| GB20 Fengchi | Depression below the occipital bone | Clears the head and stops dizziness |

| SP6 Sanyinjiao | 3 cun above the medial malleolus | Strengthens Spleen and transforms Dampness |

| Ashi points | Tender spots in the neck | Local pain relief and meridian unblocking |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, even method; moxibustion may be added to strengthen the Spleen and transform Dampness.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang (半夏白术天麻汤)

Composition:

Pinellia (Fa Ban Xia), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Gastrodia (Tian Ma), Poria (Fu Ling), Tangerine Peel (Ju Hong), Licorice (Gan Cao), Ginger (Sheng Jiang), Jujube (Da Zao)

Action: Transforms Phlegm and Dampness, calms Wind, clears the head, and stops dizziness.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Severe dizziness | Add Gou Teng, Shi Jue Ming to calm Liver Wind |

| Nausea | Add Xuan Fu Hua, Dai Zhe Shi to descend rebellious Qi |

| Chest tightness | Add Zhi Ke, Hou Po to regulate Qi and relieve distension |

| Heavy head sensation | Add Yi Yi Ren, Ze Xie to promote diuresis and transform turbidity |

Western Mechanism Reference

Dizziness and heaviness with cervical proprioceptive abnormalities, vestibular dysfunction, and vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Phlegm-Dampness Obstruction corresponds to cervical vertigo, where cervical spondylosis affects vertebral artery blood flow and causes vestibular symptoms.

References

  1. Textbook Standard.

  2. WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.

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