Type 2 Diabetes - Damp-Heat Trapping the Spleen Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for type 2 diabetes with
Type 2 Diabetes · Damp-Heat Trapping the Spleen Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Whole Body
Pattern Overview
Damp-Heat Trapping the Spleen is a common pattern in type 2 diabetes,
characterized by **insulin resistance, fatigue, heavy sensation, sticky
mouth, and poor appetite. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of
Damp-Heat in the Spleen**, causing impaired transformation and
transport, insulin resistance, and metabolic dysfunction.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
appetite |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
urine, obesity |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
transformation |
| Etiology |
|---|
consumption, sedentary lifestyle |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Yinlingquan (SP9) | Below the medial condyle of the tibia |
|---|
Transforms Dampness and drains Heat |
| 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 |
| Neiting (ST44) | Between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones |
|---|
point of Stomach; clears Stomach Heat |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with cupping to drain Damp-Heat.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Huang Qin Hua Shi Tang (黄芩滑石汤)
Composition:
Scutellaria (Huang Qin), Talc (Hua Shi), Poria Peel (Fu Ling Pi), Areca
Peel (Da Fu Pi), Cardamon (Bai Kou Ren), Tetrapanax (Tong Cao)
Action: Clears Damp-Heat, promotes diuresis, and strengthens the
Spleen.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe heavy sensation | Add Cang Zhu, Huo Xiang to dry Dampness |
|---|
| Sticky mouth |
|---|
Spleen |
| Abdominal distension |
|---|
relieve distension |
| Obesity | Add Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi to promote diuresis |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Insulin resistance with adipose tissue inflammation, TNF-α/IL-6 release,
metabolic syndrome, and lipotoxicity. Damp-Heat Trapping the Spleen
corresponds to type 2 diabetes with obesity and metabolic syndrome,
where adipose tissue inflammation and lipotoxicity contribute to insulin
resistance.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Wasting-Thirst with Damp-Heat Internal
Accumulation.
2. WHO. (2023). Diabetes 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 diabetes management.
Related TCM Patterns for Type 2 Diabetes
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.