Chronic Pharyngitis - Phlegm-Blood Stasis Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for chronic pharyngitis
Chronic Pharyngitis · Phlegm-Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Head
Pattern Overview
Phlegm-Blood Stasis is a common pattern in chronic pharyngitis,
characterized by **lymphoid follicle hyperplasia on the posterior
pharyngeal wall, foreign body sensation, sticky sputum, hoarseness, and
dark red pharynx. The core pathogenesis is Phlegm-Dampness
congealing and Blood stasis intermingling in the throat**, causing
lymphoid follicle hyperplasia, lymphatic tissue proliferation, and local
microcirculatory disturbance.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
follicle hyperplasia, sticky sputum |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
tightness, difficulty expectorating |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, hesitant or slippery pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
the throat |
| Etiology |
|---|
chronic inflammation |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Fenglong (ST40) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Transforms Phlegm and Dampness |
| Lianquan (RN23) |
|---|
midpoint of the upper border of the thyroid cartilage | Local point;
treats throat conditions |
| Xuehai (SP10) | On the medial thigh, 2 cun above the patella |
|---|
Invigorates blood and resolves stasis |
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Regulates Qi and unblocks collaterals |
| Tiantu (RN22) | In the depression at the suprasternal fossa |
|---|
Descends rebellious Qi and relieves throat obstruction |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, even method; may combine
with local pricking and cupping on the posterior pharyngeal wall to
resolve stasis.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Ban Xia Hou Po Tang (半夏厚朴汤) + Tao Hong Si Wu Tang
(桃红四物汤)
Composition:
Pinellia (Ban Xia), Magnolia (Hou Po), Poria (Fu Ling), Perilla Stem (Su
Geng), Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Safflower (Hong Hua), Angelica (Dang
Gui), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Red Peony (Chi Shao), Scrophularia (Xuan
Shen), Fritillaria (Zhe Bei Mu), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Transforms Phlegm, invigorates blood, resolves stasis, and
relieves throat obstruction.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Sticky sputum | Add Gua Lou, Bei Mu to moisten and transform Phlegm |
|---|
| Lymphoid follicle hyperplasia |
|---|
and resolve masses |
| Dark red pharynx |
|---|
invigorate circulation |
| Hoarseness |
|---|
improve voice |
| Chest tightness |
|---|
distension |
Western Mechanism Reference
Lymphoid follicle hyperplasia on the posterior pharyngeal wall with
lymphatic tissue proliferation and local microcirculatory disturbance.
Phlegm-Blood Stasis corresponds to chronic hypertrophic pharyngitis,
where lymphatic tissue proliferation and microcirculatory disturbance
contribute to lymphoid follicle hyperplasia and foreign body sensation.
References
1. Otolaryngology of TCM - Chronic Pharyngitis with Phlegm-Blood Stasis.
2. Xiong Jibai: Phlegm-Stasis uses Er Chen Tang with Tao Hong Si Wu
Tang.
3. WHO. (2023). Respiratory health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for throat health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM respiratory health.
Related TCM Patterns for Chronic Pharyngitis
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.