Allergic Rhinitis · Spleen-Qi Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Head
Pattern Overview
Spleen-Qi Deficiency is a common pattern in allergic rhinitis, characterized by immune dysregulation, nasal congestion with clear discharge, fatigue, poor appetite, and loose stools. The core pathogenesis is Spleen-Qi deficiency failing to transform and transport, leading to Dampness accumulation and impaired immune defense.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|---|
| Primary Symptoms | Nasal congestion with clear discharge, fatigue, poor appetite |
| Associated Symptoms | Loose stools, bloating, pale complexion, cold limbs |
| Tongue and Pulse | Pale and swollen tongue with teeth marks, thin white coating, weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Spleen-Qi deficiency with Dampness accumulation and immune dysfunction |
| Etiology | Poor diet, overwork, constitutional Spleen deficiency, chronic illness |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Zusanli (ST36) | 3 cun below the patella, 1 finger-width lateral to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi |
| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 | Back-Shu point of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen-Qi |
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus | Front-Mu point of Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Yingxiang (LI20) | In the nasolabial groove, at the level of the midpoint of the lateral border of the ala nasi | Opens the nasal passages |
| Yintang (EX-HN3) | Midpoint between the eyebrows | Clears the head and opens the nasal passages |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method; moxibustion may be applied to Pishu and Zusanli to warm and tonify Spleen-Qi.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (补中益气汤)
Composition:
Ginseng (Ren Shen), Astragalus (Huang Qi), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Angelica (Dang Gui), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma), Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Strengthens Spleen-Qi, lifts Yang, and supports immune function.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|---|
| Profuse nasal discharge | Add Wu Wei Zi, Wu Mei to astringe and stop discharge |
| Poor appetite | Add Sha Ren, Mu Xiang to harmonize the Stomach |
| Loose stools | Add Shan Yao, Yi Yi Ren to strengthen Spleen and stop diarrhea |
| Bloating | Add Mu Xiang, Sha Ren to regulate Qi and relieve distension |
| Recurrent colds | Add Fang Feng to strengthen the defensive exterior |
Western Mechanism Reference
Immune dysregulation with reduced Treg cell function, decreased SIgA secretion, and impaired mucosal immune defense. Spleen-Qi Deficiency corresponds to allergic rhinitis with immune dysfunction, where reduced Treg function and decreased SIgA contribute to impaired mucosal immune defense and allergic symptoms.
References
- Otolaryngology of TCM - Allergic Rhinitis with Spleen-Qi Deficiency.
- Xiong Jibai: Spleen-Qi Deficiency uses Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.
- WHO. (2023). Respiratory health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for allergy relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full research papers and clinical case studies on TCM respiratory health.