Asthma - Deficiency Wheezing (Lung-Spleen Qi Deficiency)
TCM differentiation and treatment for asthma with
Asthma · Deficiency Wheezing (Lung-Spleen Qi Deficiency) Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Chest
Pattern Overview
Deficiency Wheezing (Lung-Spleen Qi Deficiency) is a core pattern in
asthma remission, characterized by **recurrent asthma, fatigue, pale
complexion, poor appetite, and susceptibility to colds**. The core
pathogenesis is **Lung and Spleen Qi deficiency with weakened defensive
exterior**, making the patient vulnerable to external pathogens and
recurrent asthma attacks.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
shortness of breath |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
sweating, susceptibility to colds |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
white coating, thready and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
exterior |
| Etiology |
|---|
respiratory infections, constitutional weakness |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Feishu (BL13) | On the upper back, 1.5 cun lateral to T3 |
|---|
Back-Shu point of Lung meridian; supplements Lung Qi |
| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 |
|---|
of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |
| Taiyuan (LU9) | On the wrist crease, radial side |
|---|
Lung meridian; supplements Lung Qi |
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi |
| Qihai (RN6) | 1.5 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
strengthens the body's foundation |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be added to warm and tonify Qi.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Liu Jun Zi Tang (六君子汤)
Composition:
Ginseng (Ren Shen), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Licorice
(Gan Cao), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Pinellia (Fa Ban Xia), Astragalus
(Huang Qi), Saposhnikovia (Fang Feng)
Action: Supplements Lung and Spleen Qi, strengthens the defensive
exterior, and transforms Phlegm.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Spontaneous sweating |
|---|
exterior |
| Poor appetite and loose stools |
|---|
Spleen and stop diarrhea |
| Susceptibility to colds |
|---|
upright Qi |
| Wheezing |
|---|
receive Qi |
Western Mechanism Reference
Respiratory muscle fatigue reducing ventilation efficiency; low
immunoglobulin levels causing recurrent infections and airway
remodeling. Deficiency Wheezing corresponds to asthma remission with
immune dysfunction, where reduced immune function and respiratory muscle
fatigue contribute to recurrent infections and airway remodeling.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Asthma with Lung-Spleen Qi Deficiency.
2. DB-XJB: Liu Jun Zi Tang.
3. WHO. (2023). Asthma fact sheet. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for respiratory
health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM asthma management.
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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.