Chronic Prostatitis - Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for chronic prostatitis

Chronic Prostatitis · Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Pelvis


Pattern Overview

Spleen Deficiency with Dampness is a chronic pattern in chronic

prostatitis, characterized by **chronic inflammation with immune

dysfunction, fatigue, perineal heaviness, poor appetite, and loose

stools. The core pathogenesis is Spleen deficiency causing Dampness

accumulation**, leading to chronic inflammation, immune dysfunction, and

prostate symptoms.


Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

heaviness, poor appetite |

Associated Symptoms

sticky mouth |

Tongue and Pulse

coating, soft and weak pulse |

Pathogenesis Spleen deficiency with Dampness accumulation
Etiology

Spleen deficiency |


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 |

Yinlingquan (SP9) Below the medial condyle of the tibia

Transforms Dampness and promotes diuresis |

Zhongji (RN3) 4 cun below the umbilicus

Bladder meridian; regulates urination |

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method;

moxibustion may be applied at Pishu and Zusanli to warm and tonify

Spleen-Qi.


Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (参苓白术散) + Bi Xie Fen Qing

Yin (萆薢分清饮)

Composition:

Ginseng (Ren Shen), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Dioscorea

(Shan Yao), Hyacinth Bean (Bian Dou), Coix Seed (Yi Yi Ren), Dioscorea

Hypoglauca (Bi Xie), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Strengthens Spleen, drains Dampness, and reduces chronic

inflammation.

Modifications

Associated Symptoms Additions/Subtractions
Perineal heaviness Add Bi Xie, Yi Yi Ren to drain Dampness
Fatigue Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation
Poor appetite Add Sha Ren, Mu Xiang to harmonize the Stomach
Loose stools

diarrhea |

Chronic inflammation

function |


Western Mechanism Reference

Chronic inflammation with immune dysfunction, impaired cellular

immunity, and chronic low-grade inflammation. Spleen Deficiency with

Dampness corresponds to chronic prostatitis with immune dysfunction,

where impaired cellular immunity and chronic low-grade inflammation

contribute to persistent prostate symptoms.


References

1. Surgery of TCM - Chronic Prostatitis with Spleen Deficiency with

Dampness.

2. WHO. (2023). Urological health. World Health Organization.


Explore More

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research papers and clinical case studies on TCM urology.


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.