Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Spleen-Qi Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for chronic fatigue
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome · Spleen-Qi Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Whole Body
Pattern Overview
Spleen-Qi Deficiency is a core pattern in chronic fatigue syndrome,
characterized by **mitochondrial energy dysfunction, fatigue, poor
appetite, loose stools, and weakness**. The core pathogenesis is
insufficient Spleen Qi failing to generate adequate Qi and Blood,
leading to reduced energy production, muscle weakness, and systemic
fatigue.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
stools |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
bloating, drowsiness after meals |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
white coating, thready and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
Qi and Blood |
| Etiology |
|---|
habits |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 |
|---|
of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi and
Blood |
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach meridian; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Baihui (GV20) |
|---|
anterior hairline | Lifts Qi and treats fatigue and dizziness |
| 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: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (补中益气汤)
Composition:
Astragalus (Huang Qi), Ginseng (Ren Shen), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu),
Licorice (Gan Cao), Angelica (Dang Gui), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi),
Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma), Bupleurum (Chai Hu)
Action: Strengthens Spleen, supplements Qi, and lifts Yang.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe fatigue | Increase Huang Qi dosage |
|---|
| Poor appetite |
|---|
Stomach |
| Loose stools |
|---|
diarrhea |
| Cold limbs | Add Gui Zhi, Sheng Jiang to warm the meridians |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Mitochondrial energy dysfunction with reduced ATP production and
decreased skeletal muscle oxidative capacity. Spleen-Qi Deficiency
corresponds to chronic fatigue with energy deficits, where impaired
mitochondrial function and reduced nutrient assimilation contribute to
persistent fatigue.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Fatigue with Qi Deficiency.
2. DB-TCMJB: Spleen-Qi Deficiency.
3. DB-XJB: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.
4. WHO. (2023). Chronic fatigue syndrome fact sheet. World Health
Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for fatigue relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM fatigue management.
Related TCM Patterns for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
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.