Chronic Pharyngitis - Spleen-Stomach Weakness Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for chronic pharyngitis
Chronic Pharyngitis · Spleen-Stomach Weakness Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Head
Pattern Overview
Spleen-Stomach Weakness is a common pattern in chronic pharyngitis,
characterized by **reduced pharyngeal mucosal immune function, dry
throat, fatigue, poor appetite, and loose stools**. The core
pathogenesis is **Spleen-Stomach deficiency failing to transform and
transport**, leading to reduced immune function, impaired mucosal
barrier, and chronic throat irritation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
stools |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
voice |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
white coating, weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
function |
| Etiology |
|---|
Spleen deficiency |
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 |
| Lianquan (RN23) |
|---|
midpoint of the upper border of the thyroid cartilage | Local point;
moistens the throat |
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Regulates Qi and relieves throat discomfort |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied at Pishu and Zusanli to warm and tonify
Spleen-Qi.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (补中益气汤) or Shen Ling Bai Zhu
San (参苓白术散)
Composition:
Ginseng (Ren Shen), Astragalus (Huang Qi), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria
(Fu Ling), Dioscorea (Shan Yao), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Cimicifuga
(Sheng Ma), Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Strengthens Spleen-Stomach, lifts Yang, and supports immune
function.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Dry throat |
|---|
dryness |
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
| Poor appetite | Add Sha Ren, Mu Xiang to harmonize the Stomach |
|---|
| Loose stools |
|---|
diarrhea |
| Cold limbs | Add Gui Zhi, Sheng Jiang to warm the meridians |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Reduced pharyngeal mucosal immune function with decreased pharyngeal
SIgA and impaired mucosal barrier function. Spleen-Stomach Weakness
corresponds to chronic pharyngitis with immune dysfunction, where
decreased mucosal SIgA and impaired barrier function contribute to
chronic throat irritation and infection.
References
1. Otolaryngology of TCM - Chronic Pharyngitis with Spleen-Stomach
Weakness.
2. Xiong Jibai: Spleen-Qi Deficiency uses Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang/Shen Ling
Bai Zhu San.
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.