In the previous days, we discussed the deficiency syndromes, which refer to the lack of necessary elements in the body. In the coming days, we will talk about five types of excess syndromes.
What is phlegm-dampness? It is the excessive accumulation of moisture in the body that cannot be transformed, resulting in a thick substance known as phlegm-dampness.
Individuals with a phlegm-damp constitution have an internal environment similar to smoggy weather, gloomy and humid, with obstructed flow of Qi. This environment can affect the functions of internal organs, making it easier for phlegm-dampness to form, thus creating a vicious cycle.
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7 Major Manifestations of Phlegm-Damp Constitution
1. Dull yellow complexion, oily skin, and edema
2. Enlarged tongue with a thick, white, slippery coating and teeth marks on the sides
3. Obesity with a soft, enlarged abdomen, prone to fatigue and drowsiness
4. Prone to various types of inflammation
5. Weak spleen and stomach function, leading to indigestion, poor appetite, and bloating
6. Recurrent cough with abundant phlegm
7. Many diseases are caused by phlegm, including inexplicable dizziness, chest tightness, motion sickness, and snoring, all due to phlegm-dampness.
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8 Methods to Regulate Phlegm-Damp Constitution
Method 1: Dietary Health
Individuals with a phlegm-damp constitution should consume foods that dispel dampness, transform phlegm, and promote Qi circulation. Suitable foods include: Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel), Chi Xiao Dou (Adzuki Bean), Yi Yi Ren (Job’s Tears), Dong Gua (Winter Melon), Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger), Yang Cong (Onion), Bai Luo Bo (White Radish), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), etc.
People with a phlegm-damp constitution should avoid greasy, fatty foods, foods that nourish Yin, and cold foods that harm Yang. The reasoning is simple: the body already has excessive phlegm-dampness and fat, so it is necessary to reduce oil intake. Foods that nourish Yin can easily generate dampness, so they should also be limited. Cold foods harm Yang, and Yang energy is needed to transform phlegm-dampness, so cold foods should be minimized.
Method 2: Acupoint Health: Yin Ling Quan, Di Ji, San Yin Jiao, Shui Fen, Shui Dao, Feng Long.
For individuals with heavy dampness, a recommended set of acupoints is known as the “Three Sovereigns Acupoints of Heaven, Earth, and Man,” which includes Yin Ling Quan, Di Ji, and San Yin Jiao. These three acupoints are located on the spleen meridian and are the best combination for regulating spleen deficiency and heavy dampness. If there is excessive water in the body, add the acupoints Shui Fen and Shui Dao. If phlegm-dampness is severe, also include Feng Long acupoint.
Regular moxibustion on these acupoints can help eliminate phlegm-dampness from the body.
Method 3: Foot Soak Recipe: Chai Qiao Wen Dan Tang
The Wen Dan Tang is the most suitable recipe for foot soaking for those with a phlegm-damp constitution. The Chai Qiao Wen Dan Tang is based on the Wen Dan Tang with the addition of Chai Hu (Bupleurum) and Huang Qin (Scutellaria), enhancing its ability to soothe the liver and relieve depression, while also regulating Qi stagnation.
Those who experience excessive phlegm, vivid dreams, easy awakening, oily skin, heavy head, bitter mouth upon waking, eczema, athlete’s foot, gynecological discharge, and dampness in the genital area can benefit from soaking their feet in Chai Qiao Wen Dan Tang.
Further reading: Chai Qiao Wen Dan Tang Foot Bath Package
Method 4: Primary Formula for Transforming Phlegm-Dampness: Er Chen Tang
Ingredients: Jiang Ban Xia (Pinellia) 15g, Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel) 15g, Fu Ling (Poria) 9g, Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-Fried Licorice) 5g.
Individuals with heavy phlegm-dampness often have spleen deficiency, which can lead to more phlegm-dampness. To resolve phlegm-dampness, it is essential to break this vicious cycle by transforming the phlegm-dampness in the body to enhance spleen and stomach function. Er Chen Tang follows this principle. Ban Xia and Chen Pi work together to promote Qi and transform phlegm, while Fu Ling dispels dampness, and Zhi Gan Cao tonifies the spleen and harmonizes the middle.
It is important to note that for those with a phlegm-damp constitution, if there is significant phlegm present, phlegm should be transformed before dampness is dispelled. The reasoning is straightforward: since phlegm has already formed and is relatively thick, it should first be transformed into thinner moisture, meaning breaking down larger clumps into smaller pieces before expelling the moisture.
If you do not break it down first and directly expel dampness, the phlegm may become thicker and turn into dry phlegm, making it even harder to expel.
Method 5: Comprehensive Treatment for Phlegm-Dampness: Long Hao Li Tan Yin
Ingredients: Qing Ban Xia (Clear Pinellia) 12g, Sheng Long Gu (Raw Dragon Bone) 18g, Sheng Mu Li (Raw Oyster Shell) 18g, Sheng Zhi Shi (Raw Red Ochre) 9g, Pu Xiao (Potassium Nitrate) 6g, Hei Zhi Ma (Black Sesame) 9g, Bai Zi Ren (Biota Seed) 9g, Bai Shao (White Peony) 9g, Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel) 6g, Fu Ling (Poria) 6g.
It is well-known that the spleen is the source of phlegm, the lungs are the storage for phlegm, and many may not know that the kidneys are the root of phlegm production. How to understand this? The body’s fluid metabolism relies on the kidneys for regulation; if fluid metabolism is abnormal, it will condense into phlegm. Therefore, the root cause of phlegm-dampness lies in the kidneys. To thoroughly treat phlegm-dampness, one must address the kidneys.
Long Hao Li Tan Yin is designed to penetrate deeper and more thoroughly than Er Chen Tang in treating phlegm-dampness.
It is important to note that this formula has a strong downward action, so it is not suitable for individuals with Qi deficiency or sinking Qi.
Method 6: Regulating Upper Jiao Water Dampness: Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Ban Xia Xing Ren Tang
When water accumulates in the upper jiao, it can lead to symptoms such as a swollen tongue, overall fatigue, a bland taste in the mouth, cough with chest tightness, and expectoration of clear, thin phlegm.
Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Ban Xia Xing Ren Tang: Fu Ling 12g, Gan Jiang 9g, Xi Xin 9g, Zhi Gan Cao 9g, Wu Wei Zi 3g, Jiang Ban Xia 3g, Xing Ren 3g.
If there is an external pathogen, use Xiao Qing Long Tang: Ma Huang 9g, Bai Shao 9g, Xi Xin 3g, Gan Jiang 3g, Gui Zhi 6g, Ban Xia 9g, Wu Wei Zi 3g, Zhi Gan Cao 6g.
Method 7: Regulating Middle Jiao Water Dampness: Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
Excessive water in the middle jiao often leads to symptoms such as overall fatigue, chest tightness, loss of appetite due to water retention in the abdomen, and a thick, greasy tongue coating, along with abdominal distension and a lack of thirst.
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang: Fu Ling 12g, Gui Zhi 9g, Bai Zhu 6g, Zhi Gan Cao 6g.
This formula is commonly used to dispel water dampness from the middle jiao.
Method 8: Regulating Lower Jiao Water Dampness: Wu Ling San
In addition to the basic symptoms of excessive fluid, individuals with lower jiao water dampness may also experience abdominal distension, reduced urination, and thirst without the ability to drink water. This is because excessive water in the lower jiao drowns the Yang Qi of the kidneys and spleen, preventing the upward movement of moisture, leading to a dry mouth but a lack of desire to drink when water is offered.
Wu Ling San: Zhu Ling 9g, Ze Xie 15g, Bai Zhu 9g, Fu Ling 9g, Gui Zhi 6g.
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These are the 8 methods to regulate phlegm-damp constitution. However, to treat illness, one must seek the root cause. It is essential to understand how phlegm-dampness has developed in your body and what unhealthy habits in your life have contributed to it.
The causes of phlegm-damp constitution can be summarized as follows:
1. External dampness invasion: Living in a humid environment, wearing damp clothes, or sleeping with wet hair.
2. Dietary irregularities: Overeating, preferring cold and greasy foods, drinking cold water, and excessive fruit consumption.
3. Lack of exercise: Staying in bed, prolonged sitting, and eating more while moving less.
4. Weak spleen and stomach: Individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency are prone to phlegm-dampness. This is also a case of deficiency leading to excess.
To adjust a phlegm-damp constitution, one must start from these lifestyle factors. Combined with herbal decoctions, acupuncture therapy, and dietary therapy, there is a good chance to regulate the phlegm-damp constitution.
Recommended Learning
1. Introduction to Basic TCM
2. 9 Major Constitution Regulation Plans
3. 100 Common Chinese Herbs Explained
4. 100 Classic Common Formulas
5. 365 Common Disease Regulations
As a moderate person, I am neither knowledgeable about astronomy nor geography. This account aims to promote TCM culture and is not a platform for seeking medical advice. The formulas shared here are for learning and exchange purposes; please do not blindly try them.
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