PMS - Spleen Deficiency with Phlegm-Dampness Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for PMS with Spleen
PMS · 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 PMS,
characterized by **water retention, weight gain, bloating, heavy
sensation, and sticky mouth. The core pathogenesis is Spleen
deficiency with Phlegm-Dampness accumulation**, leading to fluid
retention, weight gain, and bloating.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
sensation |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
appetite |
| 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, even method; moxibustion
may be applied to Pishu and Zusanli to strengthen Spleen and transform
Dampness.
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 water retention | Add Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi to promote diuresis |
|---|
| Weight gain | Add Cang Zhu, Hou Po to dry Dampness |
|---|
| Bloating |
|---|
|
| Sticky mouth | Add Huo Xiang, Pei Lan to transform Dampness |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Water retention with elevated aldosterone, abnormal antidiuretic hormone
secretion, and weight gain. Spleen Deficiency with Phlegm-Dampness
corresponds to PMS with fluid retention, where elevated aldosterone
levels and abnormal ADH secretion contribute to water retention and
weight gain.
References
1. Gynecology of TCM - PMS 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.
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research papers and clinical case studies on TCM gynecology.
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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.