PCOS - Spleen Deficiency with Phlegm-Dampness Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for PCOS with Spleen
PCOS · Spleen Deficiency with Phlegm-Dampness Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Pelvis
Pattern Overview
Spleen Deficiency with Phlegm-Dampness is a common pattern in PCOS with
metabolic syndrome, characterized by **insulin resistance, obesity,
anovulation, fatigue, and glucose and lipid metabolism disorder**. The
core pathogenesis is **Spleen deficiency with Phlegm-Dampness
accumulation**, leading to insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction,
and chronic anovulation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
menstruation |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
bloating |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, soft and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
|
| Etiology |
|---|
constitutional 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 |
| 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 |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method for
Spleen points, even method for Phlegm points; 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) + Er Chen Tang
(二陈汤)
Composition:
Ginseng (Ren Shen), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Dioscorea
(Shan Yao), Hyacinth Bean (Bian Dou), Coix Seed (Yi Yi Ren), Tangerine
Peel (Chen Pi), Pinellia (Ban Xia), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Strengthens Spleen, transforms Phlegm, and drains Dampness.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe obesity | Add Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi to promote diuresis |
|---|
| Insulin resistance | Add Huang Qi, Shan Yao to supplement Qi |
|---|
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
| Loose stools |
|---|
diarrhea |
Western Mechanism Reference
Insulin resistance with metabolic syndrome, obesity, glucose and lipid
metabolism disorder, and chronic low-grade inflammation. Spleen
Deficiency with Phlegm-Dampness corresponds to PCOS with metabolic
syndrome, where insulin resistance and chronic low-grade inflammation
contribute to anovulation and metabolic dysfunction.
References
1. Gynecology of TCM - PCOS with Spleen Deficiency and Phlegm-Dampness.
2. Xiong Jibai: Spleen Deficiency with Dampness uses Shen Ling Bai Zhu
San.
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.