Sinus Headache - Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Sinus Headache · Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Head

Pattern Overview

Spleen Deficiency with Dampness is a chronic pattern in sinus headache, characterized by chronic sinusitis mucosal edema, heavy head sensation, fatigue, poor appetite, and nasal congestion with sticky discharge. The core pathogenesis is Spleen deficiency causing Dampness accumulation, leading to mucosal edema, impaired mucociliary clearance, and chronic sinusitis.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Chronic nasal congestion, heavy head sensation, sticky nasal discharge |

| Associated Symptoms | Fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools, bloating, heavy sensation |

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

| Pathogenesis | Spleen deficiency causing Dampness accumulation in the nasal passages |

| Etiology | Chronic sinusitis, poor diet, Spleen deficiency constitution, overwork |

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 |

| Fenglong (ST40) | 8 cun above the lateral malleolus, 2 cun lateral to the tibial crest | Transforms Phlegm and Dampness |

| Yingxiang (LI20) | In the nasolabial groove, at the level of the midpoint of the lateral border of the ala nasi | Opens the nasal passages and drains Dampness |

| Yintang (EX-HN3) | Midpoint between the eyebrows | Clears the head and opens the nasal passages |

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

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (参苓白术散) + Cang Er Zi San (苍耳子散)

Composition:

Ginseng (Ren Shen), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Dioscorea (Shan Yao), Hyacinth Bean (Bian Dou), Coix Seed (Yi Yi Ren), Xanthium (Cang Er Zi), Magnolia Flower (Xin Yi), Angelica Dahurica (Bai Zhi), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Strengthens Spleen, drains Dampness, and opens the nasal passages.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Mucosal edema | Add Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi to promote diuresis |

| Heavy head sensation | Add Shi Chang Pu, Huo Xiang to transform Dampness and clear the head |

| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |

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

| Sticky nasal discharge | Add Cang Er Zi, Xin Yi to open the nasal passages and drain Dampness |

Western Mechanism Reference

Chronic sinusitis mucosal edema with impaired mucociliary clearance, decreased mucosal immune function, and chronic inflammation. Spleen Deficiency with Dampness corresponds to chronic sinusitis with mucosal edema, where impaired mucociliary clearance and decreased mucosal immune function contribute to chronic inflammation and recurrent infection.

References

  1. Otolaryngology of TCM - Sinusitis with Spleen Deficiency and Dampness.

  2. Xiong Jibai: Spleen Deficiency with Dampness.

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

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