Gout - Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for gout with Spleen
Gout · Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Joints
Pattern Overview
Spleen Deficiency with Dampness is a chronic pattern in gout,
characterized by **impaired renal uric acid excretion, hyperuricemia,
fatigue, edema, and obesity. The core pathogenesis is Spleen
deficiency failing to transform and transport**, leading to Dampness
accumulation, impaired uric acid excretion, and hyperuricemia.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms | Fatigue, edema, obesity, hyperuricemia |
|---|
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
sensation, bloating |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, soft and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
impaired uric acid excretion |
| 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 |
| Fenglong (ST40) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Transforms Phlegm and Dampness |
| Taibai (SP3) |
|---|
| Source point of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied to Pishu and Zusanli to warm and tonify
Spleen Qi.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (参苓白术散) + Si Miao San
(四妙散)
Composition:
Ginseng (Ren Shen), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Dioscorea
(Shan Yao), Hyacinth Bean (Bian Dou), Coix Seed (Yi Yi Ren),
Atractylodes (Cang Zhu), Phellodendron (Huang Bai), Achyranthes (Niu Xi)
Action: Strengthens Spleen, drains Dampness, and promotes uric acid
excretion.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| High uric acid |
|---|
excretion |
| Edema | Add Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi to promote diuresis |
|---|
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
| Poor appetite | Add Sha Ren, Mu Xiang to harmonize the Stomach |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Impaired renal uric acid excretion causing elevated serum uric acid,
metabolic syndrome, and hyperuricemia. Spleen Deficiency with Dampness
corresponds to gout with metabolic syndrome, where impaired renal uric
acid excretion and metabolic dysfunction contribute to hyperuricemia.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Bi Syndrome with Spleen Deficiency and
Dampness.
2. DB-XJB: Shen Ling Bai Zhu San.
3. WHO. (2023). Gout fact sheet. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for joint health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM gout management.
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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.