TCM Pattern Diagnosis: Damp Heat Pattern

Damp-Heat in Chinese Medicine: Understanding, Managing, and Healing the Pattern

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Damp-Heat is a common pathological pattern that reflects the combination of two pathogenic factors: Dampness, which is heavy, sticky, and obstructive; and Heat, which is drying, inflaming, and rising. When these forces combine, they generate a complex condition that tends to linger and obstruct the normal flow of Qi (vital energy), Blood, and Fluids in the body.

Pattern Description of Damp-Heat

Pathogenesis

Damp-Heat often originates from:

• External invasion of Damp and Heat, especially in humid, hot climates.

• Dietary habits, such as consumption of greasy, sweet, or spicy foods.

• Internal imbalances, such as Spleen Qi deficiency leading to accumulation of Dampness, which then transforms into Heat.

Common Locations & Symptoms

Damp-Heat can affect different areas of the body and present with varying symptoms depending on an individuals constitution and lifestyle habits:

Organ/System Affected	Symptoms
Liver & Gallbladder	Hypochondriac pain, bitter taste, yellow tongue coating, irritability, jaundice, nausea.
Urinary Bladder	Burning urination, dark/scanty urine, frequent urge, lower abdominal discomfort.
Intestines	Abdominal fullness, diarrhea with foul smell, mucus or blood in stool.
Skin	Eczema, oozing rashes, acne, itchy skin, redness, pustules.
Genital System	Vaginal discharge (yellow, thick, itchy), genital itching, swelling.

Tongue & Pulse

• Tongue: Red body with yellow, greasy (sticky) coating

• Pulse: Slippery and rapid

Dietary Recommendations for Damp-Heat

Food therapy in TCM emphasizes clearing Heat and draining Dampness, while supporting the Spleen to transform fluids and improve metabolism.

Foods to Emphasize

• Bitter and cooling foods: Dandelion greens, bitter melon, chrysanthemum, romaine lettuce

• Diuretics & damp-draining foods: Job’s tears (Yi Yi Ren), mung beans, barley, adzuki beans, winter melon

• Green leafy vegetables: Spinach, kale, celery

• Cooling fruits: Watermelon, pear, cucumber (in moderation)

Herbal Teas & Beverages

• Chrysanthemum and honeysuckle tea

• Mint and dandelion tea

• Corn silk tea

Foods to Avoid

• Greasy/fried foods

• Spicy, heavily seasoned dishes

• Refined sugars and dairy

• Alcohol and caffeine (especially beer and wine)

Lifestyle Remedies

• Environment: Avoid hot and humid places; use dehumidifiers if needed.

• Clothing: Wear breathable fabrics; avoid synthetic materials that trap heat and moisture.

• Hygiene: Keep the skin clean and dry to prevent skin conditions.

• Activity: Moderate exercise like Tai Chi or Qi Gong to promote circulation and Spleen Qi function.

• Sleep: Adequate rest is essential to restore Yin and clear internal Heat.

Acupuncture Points for Damp-Heat

Treatment aims to clear Heat, resolve Dampness, and harmonize the affected organ system. Commonly used acupuncture points include:

Point	Function
SP9 (Yinlingquan)	Resolves Dampness, especially in lower burner
LI11 (Quchi)	Clears Heat and cools the Blood
GB34 (Yanglingquan)	Regulates Liver and Gallbladder, clears Damp-Heat
LV3 (Taichong)	Regulates Liver Qi, clears internal Heat
ST44 (Neiting)	Clears Stomach Heat and Dampness
CV12 (Zhongwan)	Harmonizes Middle Jiao, transforms Damp
BL22 (Sanjiaoshu)	Promotes water metabolism

Herbal Remedies for Damp-Heat

Herbal medicine in TCM is tailored to the specific location and severity of Damp-Heat. Here are some common formulas:

1. Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (Gentiana Drain the Liver Decoction)

• Indications: Liver/Gallbladder Damp-Heat

• Symptoms: Irritability, bitter taste, headache, red eyes, genital itching/discharge

2. Ba Zheng San (Eight Herb Powder for Rectification)

• Indications: Damp-Heat in the Bladder

• Symptoms: Painful, burning urination, urinary frequency, dark yellow urine

3. Yin Chen Hao Tang (Artemisia Yinchen Decoction)

• Indications: Jaundice from Damp-Heat

• Symptoms: Yellow skin and eyes, abdominal fullness, thirst

4. Huang Lian Jie Du Tang (Coptis Decoction to Relieve Toxicity)

• Indications: Excess Heat with Dampness and Fire Toxins

• Symptoms: High fever, inflammation, skin eruptions, irritability

Note: Herbal formulas should always be prescribed by a licensed TCM practitioner after a full diagnosis.

Conclusion

Damp-Heat once established can be a stubborn and often chronic condition in Chinese Medicine that requires a multifaceted approach for healing. By combining dietary discipline, lifestyle changes, acupuncture, and herbal medicine, one can effectively clear Damp-Heat from the body and restore balance to the organ systems.

Proper management requires patience and individualized care, so working with a skilled TCM practitioner is essential for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment. If you are concerned you may have a Damp Heat pattern, please contact our clinic at 850-766-5678 or at our website, www.TallahasseeChineseMedicine.com .