What are the symptoms of spleen deficiency and excessive dampness?
Aug 08, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, there is a general feeling of heaviness in the body, as if wrapped in something, accompanied by weak and乏力 limbs, reluctance to move, and persistent lethargy and drowsiness even after sufficient sleep. There is a lack of interest in food, reduced food intake, a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount, and possible sensations of stickiness and sweetness in the mouth, particularly an aversion to greasy foods.
Generally, individuals with spleen deficiency and excessive dampness may experience symptoms such as physical heaviness and fatigue, decreased appetite, sticky and unsatisfactory bowel movements, thick腻 tongue coating, and oily skin. If abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Physical heaviness and fatigue: A sensation of overall heaviness, as if wrapped by something, accompanied by limb weakness, reluctance to move, and persistent mental fatigue or drowsiness even after sufficient sleep.
2. Decreased appetite: Lack of interest in food, reduced food intake, feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount, and possible sensations of stickiness or sweetness in the mouth, particularly aversion to greasy foods.
3. Sticky and unsatisfactory bowel movements: Stools are unformed and sticky, easily adhering to the toilet bowl and difficult to flush away completely. A feeling of incomplete evacuation persists during defecation, and more toilet paper is often needed when wiping.
4. Thick腻 tongue coating: The surface of the tongue is covered with a thick layer of coating, which appears white or yellowish in color and has a腻 texture. This is particularly noticeable upon waking in the morning, and the edges of the tongue may also show tooth marks.
5. Oily skin: Excessive sebum secretion on areas such as the face and scalp, resulting in a tendency to become oily. Recurrent acne or pimples may appear on the face, and the skin may feel sticky and unpleasant to the touch.
If the above symptoms occur, it is advisable to reduce intake of sweets, fried foods, and raw or cold foods in daily life. Foods that strengthen the spleen and remove dampness, such as coix seed, red beans, and Chinese yam, can be consumed in appropriate amounts. Maintaining regular sleep patterns and increasing physical activity appropriately can help promote the elimination of dampness.
