Drooling: Is it caused by Spleen deficiency or Dampness in the Spleen?

Generally, drooling may be caused by spleen deficiency, or it could be due to dampness affecting the spleen. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and treatment at a qualified hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:

The spleen governs transformation and transportation. If the spleen qi is weak and its function of transformation and transportation becomes abnormal, the essential nutrients from food and water cannot be properly distributed throughout the body, and bodily fluids may be inadequately contained, possibly leading to drooling—especially during sleep. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as poor appetite, abdominal distension, loose stools, and fatigue. These manifestations occur because a weakened spleen cannot properly control the bodily fluids, leading to involuntary leakage.

The spleen prefers dryness and dislikes dampness. If pathogenic dampness impairs the spleen and interferes with its normal function, it can cause disturbances in fluid metabolism. Excess dampness may accumulate within the body, forcing bodily fluids to leak outward, resulting in drooling. This may also be accompanied by symptoms such as heaviness and fatigue in the body, thick腻 tongue coating, and sticky, unsatisfactory bowel movements. Dysfunction in the circulation and metabolism of bodily fluids due to dampness obstruction is the main cause.

In daily life, it is important to avoid consuming excessive cold or greasy foods, as these may worsen spleen deficiency or dampness. It is advisable to consume foods such as yam, coix seed, and red adzuki beans, which help strengthen the spleen and remove dampness. Maintaining regular sleep patterns and engaging in moderate exercise can help enhance the spleen's transformation and transportation functions and improve fluid metabolism.