Obesity - Spleen Deficiency with Phlegm-Dampness Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Obesity · Spleen Deficiency with Phlegm-Dampness Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Whole Body

Pattern Overview

Spleen Deficiency with Phlegm-Dampness is a common pattern in obesity, characterized by lipid metabolism disorder, abdominal obesity, fatigue, heavy sensation, and loose stools. The core pathogenesis is Spleen deficiency failing to transform and transport, leading to Phlegm-Dampness accumulation, fat deposition, and insulin resistance.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Abdominal obesity, fatigue, heavy sensation, loose stools |

| Associated Symptoms | Poor appetite, bloating, greasy tongue coating, sticky mouth |

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

| Pathogenesis | Spleen deficiency causing Phlegm-Dampness accumulation |

| Etiology | Poor diet, overwork, sedentary lifestyle, constitutional Spleen deficiency |

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 |

| 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 |

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

| Yinlingquan (SP9) | Below the medial condyle of the tibia | Transforms Dampness and promotes diuresis |

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

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Liu Jun Zi Tang (六君子汤) + Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang (苓桂术甘汤)

Composition:

Ginseng (Ren Shen), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Pinellia (Ban Xia), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Strengthens Spleen, transforms Phlegm, and drains Dampness.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Severe abdominal obesity | Add Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi to promote diuresis |

| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |

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

| Sticky mouth | Add Huo Xiang, Pei Lan to transform Dampness |

Western Mechanism Reference

Lipid metabolism disorder with fat accumulation, chronic low-grade inflammation, and insulin resistance. Spleen Deficiency with Phlegm-Dampness corresponds to obesity with metabolic syndrome, where impaired lipid metabolism and chronic low-grade inflammation contribute to insulin resistance and weight gain.

References

  1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Obesity with Spleen Deficiency and Dampness Obstruction.

  2. DB-XJB: Liu Jun Zi Tang.

  3. WHO. (2023). Obesity fact sheet. World Health Organization.

Explore More

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

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