I. Core Theory: The Spleen and Stomach as the Foundation of Health
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the spleen and stomach are considered the root of postnatal qi and blood production. Weakness in these organs leads to:
- Impaired water-dampness metabolism → Phlegm-dampness accumulation → Affects the lungs and respiratory tract (nose, throat, bronchi).
- Weakened defensive qi (immunity) → Increased susceptibility to external pathogens (allergens, viruses, bacteria).
- Spleen-Lung deficiency cycle: Spleen dysfunction impairs lung qi, and chronic lung issues further weaken the spleen.
Modern research supports that gut health (intestinal microbiota balance and mucosal immunity) directly influences respiratory health.
II. The Connection Between Spleen-Stomach Weakness and Chronic Respiratory Diseases
1. Chronic Cough
- TCM Mechanism: Spleen deficiency leads to phlegm-dampness retention in the lungs, causing recurrent cough with white, sticky phlegm.
- Modern Explanation: Linked to GERD (acid reflux) and gut dysbiosis affecting immune regulation.
- Research: A 2020 study in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that spleen-strengthening herbs improved chronic cough in 78% of cases.
2. Chronic Rhinitis / Allergic Rhinitis
- TCM Mechanism: “The nose is the orifice of the lungs.” Spleen deficiency weakens lung qi, making the nose sensitive to cold/allergens.
- Modern Explanation: Gut mucosal immune dysfunction correlates with Th2-mediated nasal allergies.
- Data: 60% of allergic rhinitis patients exhibit spleen deficiency patterns (International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2019).
3. Hay Fever (Seasonal Allergies)
- TCM Perspective: Spleen deficiency fails to nourish the lungs (“Earth fails to generate Metal”), worsening symptoms in spring (allergy season).
- Research: Japanese studies (Kampo Medicine, 2021) show that spleen-tonifying herbs reduce IgE levels in hay fever patients.
III. Self-Diagnosis: Signs of Spleen-Stomach Weakness
- Tongue: Swollen with teeth marks, white greasy coating
- Digestion: Poor appetite or overeating, bloating after meals, loose stools
- General fatigue: Low energy, weak muscles, worsened symptoms during seasonal changes
- Respiratory symptoms: Morning phlegm, sneezing in cold air, itchy eyes/nose
IV. TCM Treatment Strategies
1. Herbal Formulas
| Formula | Key Ingredients | Best For | Symptoms Targeted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shen Ling Bai Zhu San | Ginseng, Atractylodes, Poria | Spleen deficiency with dampness | Poor appetite, loose stools, fatigue |
| Yu Ping Feng San | Astragalus, Atractylodes, Fangfeng | Weak immunity | Frequent colds, sweating, allergies |
| Li Zhong Wan | Ginseng, Dried Ginger, Atractylodes | Cold-type spleen deficiency | Cold limbs, abdominal pain, watery phlegm |
| Gan Cao Gan Jiang Tang | Licorice, Dried Ginger | Lung-spleen yang deficiency | Clear nasal discharge, chronic cough |
Custom Modifications
- Chronic cough: Li Zhong Wan + Apricot Kernel, Platycodon
- Allergic rhinitis: Yu Ping Feng San + Magnolia Flower, Xanthium
- Hay fever: Gan Cao Gan Jiang Tang + Mume Fruit, Saposhnikovia
Caution:
- Li Zhong Wan and Gan Cao Gan Jiang Tang are warming—avoid in heat conditions (red tongue, dry mouth).
2. Dietary Therapy
- Recommended Foods:
- Spleen tonics: Yam, lotus seeds, barley, millet, pumpkin
- Warming foods: Ginger, red dates, longan (for cold types)
- Anti-allergy: Perilla leaves, apple peel (quercetin source)
- Avoid:
- Cold foods: Ice cream, iced drinks
- Dampness-inducing: Sugar, dairy
- Irritants: Spicy foods, alcohol
3. External Therapies
- Moxibustion:
- Main points: Zhongwan (CV12), Zusanli (ST36), Pishu (BL20)
- Support points: Feishu (BL13) (cough), Yingxiang (LI20) (nasal congestion)
- Frequency: 2–3x/week, 10 min per point
- Acupressure:
- Fenglong (ST40): Reduces phlegm (2 finger-widths from tibia)
- Hegu (LI4): Relieves nasal blockage (press for 3 min daily)
4. Lifestyle Adjustments
- Keep warm: Protect the abdomen, neck, and feet from cold.
- Sleep before 11 PM: The spleen repairs during nighttime.
- Gentle exercise: Tai Chi, Qigong (avoid excessive sweating).
- Allergy season tips:
- Wear N95 masks + goggles outdoors.
- Use saline nasal rinse after exposure.
V. Modern Scientific Support
- Gut-Lung Axis: Spleen deficiency correlates with gut dysbiosis, affecting respiratory immunity (Frontiers in Immunology, 2022).
- Vitamin D Deficiency: Poor nutrient absorption in spleen weakness may lower Vitamin D, worsening allergies (test 25(OH)D levels).
VI. Precautions
- Persistent cough (>8 weeks) or blood-tinged phlegm requires ruling out bronchiectasis/TB.
- Nasal obstruction + loss of smell may indicate nasal polyps (endoscopy needed).
- Consult a TCM practitioner before herbs—especially for children/pregnant women.
Bonus: Simple Recipes
🍵 Ginger-Date Tea: Dried ginger (3 slices) + red dates (5 pieces) + licorice (5g). Boil and drink (for cold types).
🍲 Four-Shen Congee: Yam (30g) + lotus seeds (15g) + barley (15g) + poria (10g) + rice (50g). Cook as porridge.
For personalized plans or full research references, provide detailed health information.