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Damp-Heat Injures Spleen
(damp-heat in the Spleen and Stomach)

From "Zang Fu Syndromes," by McDonald and Penner

• Etiology
• Clinical Manifestations
• Complications
• Associated Western Conditions
• Differential Diagnosis
• Treatment Principle
• Common Acupuncture Points
• Common Herbal Formulae

External Perverse Damp-Heat invades SP and ST causing failure of SP's functions of transformation and transportation.

SP Qi Xu or SP Yang Xu leads to Damp Stagnation which can transform into Heat. Dampness and Heat combine to stagnate in SP / ST.

Dampness and Heat are generated internally by long-term overindulgence in alcohol and fatty sweet foods.

T: Pink
C: Thick, yellow and greasy (maybe sticky)
P: Soft and rapid

Damp-Heat in SP / ST almost always affects LIV / GB causing Damp-Heat in LIV / GB. In fact the classical association of the color yellow with the SP derives from the color of Yang jaundice (bright yellow "like the skin of a mandarin orange") which is due to Damp-Heat obstructing the normal movement of bile - a function of LIV / GB.

Damp-Heat in SP / ST is usually very closely associated with Damp-Heat in LIV / GB. The purpose of differentiation is to determine the extent of LIV / GB involvement. For example, as LIV / GB becomes more involved, the sweet sticky taste may become more bitter, the soft and rapid pulse may become slippery and rapid and then wiry and rapid.

Damp-Heat in SP / ST may be differentiated from Cold-Damp Distresses SP by the classic differentiation of Heat and Cold.

Clear Heat and Benefit Dampness (diuresis).

For points related to treatment of LIV / GB Damp-Heat such as jaundice, see Damp-Heat in LIV / GB.

In addition to the points dealt with under Damp-Heat in LIV / GB, the following points are useful for Damp-Heat in SP / ST.

When the treatment of Cold-Damp is compared to Damp-Heat, note that points with reinforcing actions are used extensively for Cold-Damp because it is basically a Xu condition of SP (associated with SP Yang Xu). For Damp-Heat, reducing needling is used and points selected have mainly reducing actions such as Cooling Heat or Dispersing Dampness. In short, Cold-Damp Distressing SP is basically Xu, while Damp-Heat Injures SP is basically Shi (excess or replete).

*Points which have a specific action on Damp-Heat or Dampness.

Yin Chen Wu Ling San / Artemisia Yinchenhao and Five Ingredient Powder with Poria

Xiao Feng San / Eliminate Wind Powder from "True Lineage"

Abundant Energy Digestion Formula

Promotes a Strong and Healthy Digestion System

High Performance

An Energy 'Chi' Formula for Optimal Operation of the Body

Five Elements Health Formula

A Whole Body Tune-Up

The Tao of Nutrition
By Maoshing Ni

The Path to Good Nutrition
and Health

Self-Healing Chi Gong

Strengthen & Balance the Mind and Body