Spleen Deficiency & Dampness — The Root Cause of Auto-Immune Disease
When the Spleen (脾) cannot transform food and fluids, moisture stagnates into Dampness (湿). Dampness gums up the channels, weakens immunity, and—given enough time—ignites auto-immune illness. The Fengyang Taoist lineage, taught by Dr. Ming Wu, places “invigorating the Spleen and resolving Dampness” at the center of treatment. Below you’ll find the key diagnostic clues, the link to modern disorders like Chronic Lyme and Diverticulosis, and a dramatic case that shows how powerful these methods can be.
Five Diagnostic Points Every Practitioner Checks
Tongue (舌)
A pale, swollen body with scalloped edges and a thick, greasy coat tells us Dampness is trapping fluids in the middle burner.Complexion (面色)
A sallow or slightly oily face mirrors the internal bogginess of Damp accumulation.Body Feel & Shape (体态)
Patients often describe heaviness, mental fog, and a puffy or centrally “water-logged” build.Typical Diagnoses (常见病)
Rheumatoid arthritis, IBS, Chronic Lyme Disease, Diverticulosis, chronic fatigue, even recurring sinus congestion—all arise when the Spleen fails to separate the clear from the turbid.
5. Pulse (脉象) Soft and slippery (濡滑). If Cold-Damp predominates, the pulse slows and sinks; if Damp-Heat intrudes, it grows slightly rapid and slippery.
Why Lyme and Diverticulosis Keep Boomeranging Back
Chronic Lyme Disease persists because the Spleen never finishes “processing out” the residual pathogen. Dampness shelters the lingering toxin, allowing it to flare whenever the patient is run-down.
Diverticulosis stems from the same weakness. Without the Spleen’s lifting power, the Large Intestine sags and pockets form, trapping Dampness in the bowel wall.
Formula support for Diverticulosis
Experienced clinicians combine equal parts Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (补中益气汤) with Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San (藿香正气散). The first raises Spleen Qi and gently dries Dampness; the second aromatically transforms lingering turbidity and calms the gut. Dosage and preparation should be tailored by a licensed practitioner.
Dietary Must-Dos
Skip dairy—its rich, cold nature generates more Phlegm-Damp.
Avoid icy drinks—cold extinguishes the Spleen’s digestive “fire.”
Favor warm, lightly cooked meals; seasonal vegetables; small servings of properly prepared grains and roots; and congee fortified with Yi Yi Ren (薏苡仁, Coix seed) to leach Dampness.
William’s Story: From Yang Collapse to Normal Life
Read About and Watch William’s Experience Here
William arrived in Dr. Wu’s clinic with advanced myasthenia gravis. His eyelids drooped shut, climbing even a minor hill was impossible—signs of Yang Collapse (阳脱) atop profound Spleen deficiency. Treatment focused on:
High-dose Huang Qi (黄芪) to rescue sinking Yang
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (补中益气汤) to lift and stabilize the middle burner
Daily Fengyang Qigong, plus the strict “no dairy, no cold drinks” diet
Within a week he felt the spark of recovery; within two months most motor function returned!
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical advice. Always consult a qualified TCM or biomedical professional before starting any herbal program.