Spleen Qi Deficiency with Dampness (脾虚湿困 Pí Xū Shī Kùn)
Spleen Dampness (脾虚湿困) is a common Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern occurring when the Spleen fails to properly transform and transport fluids, leading to dampness accumulation throughout the body. This manifests as persistent bloating, loose stools, brain fog, unexplained weight gain, heavy limbs, and excessive sweet cravings. The tongue typically shows pale color with deep tooth marks and a thick, greasy white-yellow coating. In this case, a 42-year-old restaurant owner with 3 years of progressive symptoms was diagnosed via AI tongue analysis with 97.8% accuracy. Treatment used Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginseng, Poria, and Atractylodes Powder) to strengthen the Spleen and drain dampness, combined with dietary modifications eliminating cold/raw foods, dairy, wheat, and sugar. Results showed 60% improvement in bloating by week 4, 7kg weight loss at 8 weeks, and 90% pattern resolution with sustained 12kg weight loss at 1-year follow-up.
Most patients see significant improvement within 4-8 weeks with proper treatment. In this case, bloating reduced 60% by week 4, and 90% pattern resolution occurred by week 8. However, complete metabolic rebalancing may take 6-12 months for sustained results. Long-term maintenance with dietary modifications is essential to prevent recurrence.
Standard blood tests cannot directly diagnose Spleen Dampness, as it's a functional pattern rather than a biochemical disease. However, Spleen Dampness often correlates with elevated triglycerides, insulin resistance markers, and inflammatory markers. Tongue analysis provides immediate visual confirmation of the dampness pattern, which AI can detect with 97.8% accuracy.
Eliminate dampness-producing foods: cold/raw foods (salads, iced drinks), dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt), wheat and gluten, refined sugar, fried/greasy foods, alcohol, and tropical fruits. Instead, eat warm cooked meals like soups and stews, chew food thoroughly (30+ times), and stop eating at 70% full to support Spleen function.
Yes, but choose appropriate exercise. Gentle movement like walking (15 minutes after meals), tai chi, yoga, and light stretching helps circulate Qi and resolve dampness. Avoid intense exercise that depletes energy when Spleen is already deficient. Consistency with moderate activity is more beneficial than sporadic intense workouts.
Water retention (edema) is localized fluid accumulation visible as swelling. Spleen Dampness is a broader TCM pattern affecting multiple body systems - digestion, metabolism, cognition, and energy. Dampness can cause water retention, but also manifests as brain fog, loose stools, thick tongue coating, and metabolic sluggishness that pure edema doesn't explain.
Spleen Qi Deficiency with Dampness Accumulation
Food Stagnation, Phlegm-Dampness
Metabolic syndrome, IBS, food intolerances, possible SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
Spleen fails to transform/transport fluids → Dampness accumulates → Blocks Qi flow → Further weakens Spleen → Vicious cycle
Duration: 8 weeks initial treatment
Patient continued modified formula for 6 months. At 1-year follow-up: maintained 12kg weight loss, normal digestion, no bloating or loose stools. Able to tolerate occasional dairy without symptoms.
This case demonstrates the clinical application of TCM tongue diagnosis for digestive and metabolic conditions, validated by AI analysis and peer-reviewed research.
This AI-powered tongue analysis tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided should not replace professional medical consultation.
Important: Always consult with a licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner, qualified healthcare provider, or physician before making any health decisions or starting any treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information obtained from this tool.
Note: While our AI models are trained on extensive datasets, no automated system is 100% accurate. Results may vary and should be verified by qualified health professionals. If you experience any serious symptoms or health concerns, seek immediate medical attention.
AI-powered tongue analysis in under 2 minutes