What are the differences between spleen dampness and spleen deficiency?

Generally, spleen dampness and spleen deficiency differ in terms of etiology, symptom presentation, core issues, key points of regulation, and developmental impacts. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Etiology: Spleen dampness often results from external invasion of dampness pathogens or excessive consumption of greasy or cold foods, leading to accumulation of dampness in the body and affecting spleen function. Spleen deficiency, on the other hand, is commonly associated with long-term irregular eating habits, excessive fatigue, and excessive thinking, which lead to weakened functions of the spleen such as transformation and transportation, and the upward movement of clear qi.

2. Symptom Presentation: Individuals with spleen dampness often experience symptoms such as heaviness in the body, fatigue, thick and greasy tongue coating, sticky and unsatisfactory bowel movements, abdominal distension, and oily skin—indicative of stagnation of dampness. Those with spleen deficiency mainly exhibit symptoms including poor appetite, indigestion, loose stools, shortness of breath, fatigue, sallow complexion, and thin limbs—indicative of functional weakness.

3. Core Issues: The core issue of spleen dampness is excessive internal dampness; although spleen function is affected, it is mainly due to obstruction by dampness rather than intrinsic weakness. The core issue of spleen deficiency is weakened spleen function itself, including reduced capacity to transform and transport food and fluids, and to produce qi and blood, which falls under the category of deficiency syndromes.

4. Key Points of Regulation: The main approach for regulating spleen dampness is eliminating dampness, using methods such as strengthening the spleen and promoting diuresis to expel dampness from the body—for example, consuming red beans and coix seed—while avoiding factors that may exacerbate dampness. For spleen deficiency, the focus is on nourishment and enhancing spleen function, such as consuming more Chinese yam, millet, and other spleen-strengthening foods.

5. Developmental Impact: If spleen dampness remains unaddressed for a long time, the dampness pathogen may further impair spleen function and may gradually develop into spleen deficiency. Spleen deficiency can easily lead to abnormal transportation and transformation of water-damp, thereby triggering or worsening dampness accumulation, resulting in a condition of spleen deficiency with excessive dampness. These two conditions may influence each other.

In daily regulation, whether it is spleen dampness or spleen deficiency, one should maintain a light diet, avoid excessive fatigue, and maintain regular作息 (作息 translates as作息 in English, which refers to rest and activity patterns). Engaging in appropriate physical activities, such as brisk walking or practicing tai chi, can help promote the circulation of qi and blood, improve spleen function, and reduce dampness accumulation.