PCOS - Phlegm-Dampness Obstruction Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for PCOS with
PCOS · Phlegm-Dampness Obstruction Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Pelvis
Pattern Overview
Phlegm-Dampness Obstruction is the most common pattern in PCOS,
characterized by **insulin resistance, obesity, anovulation, amenorrhea,
and lipid metabolism disorder. The core pathogenesis is Spleen
deficiency causing Phlegm-Dampness accumulation**, leading to insulin
resistance, elevated androgen production, and chronic anovulation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
menstruation/amenorrhea, infertility |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
sensation, loose stools |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, slippery pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
accumulation |
| Etiology |
|---|
lifestyle, constitutional Spleen deficiency |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Fenglong (ST40) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Transforms Phlegm and Dampness |
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Yinlingquan (SP9) | Below the medial condyle of the tibia |
|---|
Transforms Dampness and promotes diuresis |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
menstruation and nourishes Blood |
| Qihai (RN6) | 1.5 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
strengthens the body |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, even method; moxibustion
may be applied to Pishu and Zhongwan to strengthen Spleen and transform
Dampness.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan (苍附导痰丸) + Er Chen Tang
(二陈汤)
Composition:
Atractylodes (Cang Zhu), Cyperus (Xiang Fu), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi),
Pinellia (Ban Xia), Poria (Fu Ling), Arisaema (Dan Nan Xing), Immature
Bitter Orange (Zhi Shi), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Transforms Phlegm, drains Dampness, regulates Qi, and
promotes ovulation.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe obesity | Add Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi to promote diuresis |
|---|
| Amenorrhea |
|---|
menstruation |
| Sticky mouth | Add Huo Xiang, Pei Lan to transform Dampness |
|---|
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Insulin resistance causing elevated androgen production, obesity, lipid
metabolism disorder, hyperinsulinemia, and chronic anovulation.
Phlegm-Dampness Obstruction corresponds to PCOS with obesity and insulin
resistance, where hyperinsulinemia and elevated androgen levels
contribute to anovulation and metabolic dysfunction.
References
1. Gynecology of TCM - PCOS with Phlegm-Dampness.
2. Xiong Jibai: Phlegm-Dampness uses Er Chen Tang series.
3. WHO. (2023). Women's health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for women's health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM gynecology.
Related TCM Patterns for Pcos
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.