Obesity - Spleen Deficiency with Phlegm-Dampness Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for obesity with Spleen
Obesity · Spleen Deficiency with Phlegm-Dampness Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Whole Body
Pattern Overview
Spleen Deficiency with Phlegm-Dampness is a common pattern in obesity,
characterized by **lipid metabolism disorder, abdominal obesity,
fatigue, heavy sensation, and loose stools**. The core pathogenesis is
Spleen deficiency failing to transform and transport, leading to
Phlegm-Dampness accumulation, fat deposition, and insulin resistance.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
loose stools |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
coating, sticky mouth |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, slippery pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
accumulation |
| Etiology |
|---|
constitutional Spleen deficiency |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Fenglong (ST40) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Transforms Phlegm and Dampness |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, even method; moxibustion
may be applied to Pishu and Zusanli to warm and tonify Spleen Qi.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Liu Jun Zi Tang (六君子汤) + Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
(苓桂术甘汤)
Composition:
Ginseng (Ren Shen), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Pinellia
(Ban Xia), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi), Licorice
(Gan Cao)
Action: Strengthens Spleen, transforms Phlegm, and drains Dampness.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe abdominal obesity |
|---|
|
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
| Bloating |
|---|
|
| Sticky mouth | Add Huo Xiang, Pei Lan to transform Dampness |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Lipid metabolism disorder with fat accumulation, chronic low-grade
inflammation, and insulin resistance. Spleen Deficiency with
Phlegm-Dampness corresponds to obesity with metabolic syndrome, where
impaired lipid metabolism and chronic low-grade inflammation contribute
to insulin resistance and weight gain.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Obesity with Spleen Deficiency and
Dampness Obstruction.
2. DB-XJB: Liu Jun Zi Tang.
3. WHO. (2023). Obesity fact sheet. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for metabolic
health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM obesity management.
Related TCM Patterns for Obesity
- Stomach Heat with Dampness
- Liver-Qi Stagnation
- Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency
- Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat
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.