Sinus Headache - Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for sinus headache with
Sinus Headache · Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Head
Pattern Overview
Spleen Deficiency with Dampness is a chronic pattern in sinus headache,
characterized by **chronic sinusitis mucosal edema, heavy head
sensation, fatigue, poor appetite, and nasal congestion with sticky
discharge. The core pathogenesis is Spleen deficiency causing
Dampness accumulation**, leading to mucosal edema, impaired mucociliary
clearance, and chronic sinusitis.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
sticky nasal discharge |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
bloating, heavy sensation |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, soft and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
the nasal passages |
| Etiology |
|---|
constitution, overwork |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi |
| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 |
|---|
of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen-Qi |
| Fenglong (ST40) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Transforms Phlegm and Dampness |
| Yingxiang (LI20) |
|---|
midpoint of the lateral border of the ala nasi | Opens the nasal
passages and drains Dampness |
| Yintang (EX-HN3) | Midpoint between the eyebrows |
|---|
and opens the nasal passages |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, even 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) + Cang Er Zi San
(苍耳子散)
Composition:
Ginseng (Ren Shen), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Dioscorea
(Shan Yao), Hyacinth Bean (Bian Dou), Coix Seed (Yi Yi Ren), Xanthium
(Cang Er Zi), Magnolia Flower (Xin Yi), Angelica Dahurica (Bai Zhi),
Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Strengthens Spleen, drains Dampness, and opens the nasal
passages.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Mucosal edema | Add Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi to promote diuresis |
|---|
| Heavy head sensation |
|---|
Dampness and clear the head |
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
| Poor appetite | Add Sha Ren, Mu Xiang to harmonize the Stomach |
|---|
| Sticky nasal discharge |
|---|
passages and drain Dampness |
Western Mechanism Reference
Chronic sinusitis mucosal edema with impaired mucociliary clearance,
decreased mucosal immune function, and chronic inflammation. Spleen
Deficiency with Dampness corresponds to chronic sinusitis with mucosal
edema, where impaired mucociliary clearance and decreased mucosal immune
function contribute to chronic inflammation and recurrent infection.
References
1. Otolaryngology of TCM - Sinusitis with Spleen Deficiency and
Dampness.
2. Xiong Jibai: Spleen Deficiency with Dampness.
3. WHO. (2023). Respiratory health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for sinus relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM respiratory health.
Related TCM Patterns for Sinus Headache
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.