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 | Fatigue, heavy sensation, sticky mouth, poor appetite |
| Associated Symptoms | Abdominal distension, loose stools, yellow urine, obesity |
| Tongue and Pulse | Red tongue with yellow greasy coating, slippery and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Damp-Heat accumulating in the Spleen, impairing transformation |
| Etiology | Poor diet, excessive rich and fatty food, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus | Front-Mu point of Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Yinlingquan (SP9) | Below the medial condyle of the tibia | Transforms Dampness and drains Heat |
| Fenglong (ST40) | 8 cun above the lateral malleolus, 2 cun lateral to the tibial crest | Transforms Phlegm and Dampness |
| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 | Back-Shu point of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen Qi |
| Neiting (ST44) | Between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones | Spring 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 | Add Pei Lan, He Ye to transform Dampness and awaken the Spleen |
| Abdominal distension | Add Mu Xiang, Sha Ren to regulate Qi and 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
- Internal Medicine of TCM - Wasting-Thirst with Damp-Heat Internal Accumulation.
- 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.