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Phlegm-Dampness Accumulation

Spleen dysfunction fails to transform fluids, generating phlegm-dampness that blocks the airway. This is the most common snoring pattern, worsening when lying down at night.

Tongue & Pulse Enlarged tongue with tooth marks, white greasy coating; soggy-slippery or wiry-slippery pulse

Who Is Most Affected

Overweight individualsThose who prefer rich, fatty foodsSedentary lifestyleWeak spleen-stomach constitution

Common Symptoms

  • Loud, continuous snoring, worse at night
  • Overweight, heavy and lethargic body
  • Chest tightness, white phlegm in the morning
  • Drowsiness, especially after meals
  • Loose stools, puffy limbs

Treatment Focus

1 Tonify spleen, dry dampness, dissolve phlegm, descend Qi
2 Reduce fatty, sweet, and heavy foods
3 Consistent aerobic exercise (jogging, swimming) at least 3x per week
4 Avoid eating 2 hours before bed; sleep on your side

Representative Formula

Er Chen Tang combined with Ping Wei San

Ban Xia (dissolves phlegm, dries dampness)Chen Pi (regulates Qi, dissolves phlegm)Fu Ling (strengthens spleen, drains dampness)Cang Zhu (dries dampness, strengthens spleen)Hou Po (moves Qi, relieves fullness)Shi Chang Pu (transforms dampness, opens orifices)Zhi Gan Cao (harmonizes herbs)

Chinese herbs should be used under guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner. Do not self-prescribe.

Recommended Acupoints

Press each point for 1-2 min, 1-2 times daily
1 Feng Long (ST 40)

Lateral leg, 8 cun above the lateral malleolus, at the edge of the tibialis anterior

Key point for dissolving phlegm and dampness, strengthens spleen and stomach

2 Yin Ling Quan (SP 9)

Inner leg, in the depression below the medial condyle of the tibia

Strengthens spleen, drains dampness, regulates fluid metabolism

3 Zu San Li (ST 36)

3 cun below the knee, one finger-width lateral to the tibia

Tonifies spleen and stomach, builds middle Qi, improves spleen function

Dietary Guidance

✓ Recommended
  • Job's tears, red beans (drain dampness)
  • Winter melon, white radish (dissolve phlegm)
  • Yam, lotus seeds (strengthen spleen)
  • Chen Pi tea, ginger and red date tea
✕ Avoid
  • Fatty meat, fried foods
  • Cream, desserts, cakes
  • Cold fruits and cold drinks
  • Alcohol, carbonated beverages

Lifestyle Adjustments

  • 1 Sleep on your side to avoid supine position
  • 2 Elevate your pillow slightly, about 10–15 cm
  • 3 Morning walk 30 minutes daily to promote Yang Qi
  • 4 Avoid eating within 2 hours before bed
Next Type
Phlegm-Heat Congestion
View All Pattern Types

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