Chronic Sinusitis - Spleen-Stomach Damp-Heat Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for chronic sinusitis
Chronic Sinusitis · Spleen-Stomach Damp-Heat Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Head
Pattern Overview
Spleen-Stomach Damp-Heat is a common pattern in chronic sinusitis,
characterized by **chronic sinusitis with purulent discharge, neutrophil
inflammation, heavy head sensation, poor appetite, and sticky mouth**.
The core pathogenesis is **Spleen-Stomach Damp-Heat accumulating and
ascending to the sinuses**, causing chronic inflammation, neutrophil
infiltration, and purulent discharge.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
head sensation, poor appetite |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
stools, fatigue |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
to the sinuses |
| Etiology |
|---|
consumption, chronic sinusitis |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Fenglong (ST40) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Transforms Phlegm and Dampness |
| Yinlingquan (SP9) | Below the medial condyle of the tibia |
|---|
Transforms Dampness and drains Heat |
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Yingxiang (LI20) |
|---|
midpoint of the lateral border of the ala nasi | Opens the nasal
passages |
| Quchi (LI11) | Lateral end of the elbow crease |
|---|
detoxifies |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with cupping on the back to drain Damp-Heat.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan (甘露消毒丹) or Huo Po Xia Ling
Tang (藿朴夏苓汤)
Composition:
Talc (Hua Shi), Artemisia (Yin Chen), Scutellaria (Huang Qin), Acorus
(Shi Chang Pu), Agastache (Huo Xiang), Cardamon (Bai Kou Ren), Coix Seed
(Yi Yi Ren), Xanthium (Cang Er Zi), Magnolia Flower (Xin Yi), Licorice
(Gan Cao)
Action: Clears Damp-Heat, strengthens the Spleen, and opens the
nasal passages.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Copious purulent discharge |
|---|
Heat and detoxify |
| Heavy head sensation |
|---|
and open the orifices |
| Poor appetite | Add Sha Ren, Mu Xiang to harmonize the Stomach |
|---|
| Sticky mouth |
|---|
Spleen |
| Abdominal distension |
|---|
relieve distension |
Western Mechanism Reference
Chronic sinusitis with purulent discharge, neutrophil inflammation,
elevated IL-8/TNF-α, and bacterial colonization. Spleen-Stomach
Damp-Heat corresponds to chronic sinusitis with neutrophilic
inflammation, where elevated IL-8/TNF-α and bacterial colonization
contribute to purulent discharge and chronic inflammation.
References
1. Otolaryngology of TCM - Chronic Sinusitis with Spleen-Stomach
Damp-Heat.
2. Xiong Jibai: Damp-Heat uses Huo Po Xia Ling Tang.
3. WHO. (2023). Respiratory health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for sinus relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM respiratory health.
Related TCM Patterns for Chronic Sinusitis
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.