Type 2 Diabetes - Damp-Heat Trapping the Spleen Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Type 2 Diabetes · Damp-Heat Trapping the Spleen Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Whole Body

Pattern Overview

Damp-Heat Trapping the Spleen is a common pattern in type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, fatigue, heavy sensation, sticky mouth, and poor appetite. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of Damp-Heat in the Spleen, causing impaired transformation and transport, insulin resistance, and metabolic dysfunction.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Fatigue, heavy sensation, sticky mouth, poor appetite |

| Associated Symptoms | Abdominal distension, loose stools, yellow urine, obesity |

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

| Pathogenesis | Damp-Heat accumulating in the Spleen, impairing transformation |

| Etiology | Poor diet, excessive rich and fatty food, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus | Front-Mu point of Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |

| Yinlingquan (SP9) | Below the medial condyle of the tibia | Transforms Dampness and drains Heat |

| 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 |

| Neiting (ST44) | Between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones | Spring point of Stomach; clears Stomach Heat |

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

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Huang Qin Hua Shi Tang (黄芩滑石汤)

Composition:

Scutellaria (Huang Qin), Talc (Hua Shi), Poria Peel (Fu Ling Pi), Areca Peel (Da Fu Pi), Cardamon (Bai Kou Ren), Tetrapanax (Tong Cao)

Action: Clears Damp-Heat, promotes diuresis, and strengthens the Spleen.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Severe heavy sensation | Add Cang Zhu, Huo Xiang to dry Dampness |

| 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 |

| Obesity | Add Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi to promote diuresis |

Western Mechanism Reference

Insulin resistance with adipose tissue inflammation, TNF-α/IL-6 release, metabolic syndrome, and lipotoxicity. Damp-Heat Trapping the Spleen corresponds to type 2 diabetes with obesity and metabolic syndrome, where adipose tissue inflammation and lipotoxicity contribute to insulin resistance.

References

  1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Wasting-Thirst with Damp-Heat Internal Accumulation.

  2. WHO. (2023). Diabetes fact sheet. World Health Organization.

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

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