DampnessSpleenPhlegm-DampDamp-HeatTCM DiagnosticsHerbal Medicine
Understanding Dampness in TCM: Diagnosis and Treatment
Medically Reviewed by Derek Doran, BHSc (Acupuncture) · AHPRA Registered · AACMA Member · Updated April 22, 2026
April 22, 202611 min readBy MediChi Editorial
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dampness in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Dampness (Shī, 濕) is a pathogenic factor in TCM characterised by heaviness, stagnation, turbidity and lingering chronic patterns. It can arise externally (humid climates, wet living conditions) or internally (impaired Spleen transformation of fluids). Clinically it manifests as fatigue, heaviness, oedema, sticky discharges, a swollen tongue with greasy coating, and a slippery or soggy pulse.
What is the difference between Damp-Cold and Damp-Heat?
Damp-Cold presents with pale complexion, cold limbs, watery discharges, loose stools, white greasy tongue coating and a slow soggy pulse. Damp-Heat presents with yellow sticky discharges, thirst without desire to drink, burning sensations, yellow greasy tongue coating and a slippery rapid pulse. Treatment strategies differ — warming and draining for Damp-Cold versus clearing heat and draining damp for Damp-Heat.
Which acupuncture points drain Dampness?
The most commonly used points include SP9 (Yīnlíngquán) — the principal point for resolving damp; SP6 (Sānyīnjiāo) for tonifying Spleen and harmonising the lower jiao; ST36 (Zúsānlǐ) and ST40 (Fēnglóng) for resolving phlegm-damp; CV9 (Shuǐfēn) for fluid metabolism; and BL22 (Sānjiāoshū) for the Triple Burner waterways.
Which herbs and formulas treat Dampness?
Classical formulas include Píng Wèi Sǎn (Calm the Stomach Powder) for damp obstructing the middle jiao, Líng Guì Zhú Gān Tāng for thin mucus and water retention, Sān Rén Tāng for damp-warmth in the upper jiao, and Èr Chén Tāng (Two Cured Decoction) for phlegm-damp. Key single herbs include Bái Zhú (Atractylodes), Fú Líng (Poria), Yì Yǐ Rén (Coix seed) and Chén Pí (aged tangerine peel).
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Derek Doran, BHSc (Acupuncture)
AHPRA Registered (CMR0002211465) · AACMA Member
Derek is the founder of MediChi and a registered acupuncturist with clinical expertise in integrating Western diagnoses with Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment protocols.
Clinically reviewed: April 22, 2026
