Allergic Rhinitis - Spleen-Qi Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for allergic rhinitis
Allergic Rhinitis · Spleen-Qi Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Head
Pattern Overview
Spleen-Qi Deficiency is a common pattern in allergic rhinitis,
characterized by **immune dysregulation, nasal congestion with clear
discharge, fatigue, poor appetite, and loose stools**. The core
pathogenesis is **Spleen-Qi deficiency failing to transform and
transport**, leading to Dampness accumulation and impaired immune
defense.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
poor appetite |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
cold limbs |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
white coating, weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
immune dysfunction |
| Etiology |
|---|
chronic illness |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi |
| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 |
|---|
of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen-Qi |
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Yingxiang (LI20) |
|---|
midpoint of the lateral border of the ala nasi | Opens the nasal
passages |
| Yintang (EX-HN3) | Midpoint between the eyebrows |
|---|
and opens the nasal passages |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied to Pishu and Zusanli to warm and tonify
Spleen-Qi.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (补中益气汤)
Composition:
Ginseng (Ren Shen), Astragalus (Huang Qi), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu),
Angelica (Dang Gui), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma),
Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Strengthens Spleen-Qi, lifts Yang, and supports immune
function.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Profuse nasal discharge |
|---|
discharge |
| Poor appetite | Add Sha Ren, Mu Xiang to harmonize the Stomach |
|---|
| Loose stools |
|---|
diarrhea |
| Bloating |
|---|
|
| Recurrent colds | Add Fang Feng to strengthen the defensive exterior |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Immune dysregulation with reduced Treg cell function, decreased SIgA
secretion, and impaired mucosal immune defense. Spleen-Qi Deficiency
corresponds to allergic rhinitis with immune dysfunction, where reduced
Treg function and decreased SIgA contribute to impaired mucosal immune
defense and allergic symptoms.
References
1. Otolaryngology of TCM - Allergic Rhinitis with Spleen-Qi Deficiency.
2. Xiong Jibai: Spleen-Qi Deficiency uses Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.
3. WHO. (2023). Respiratory health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for allergy relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM respiratory health.
Related TCM Patterns for Allergic Rhinitis
Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.