In previous posts, we introduced the 9 types of constitutions in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Today, we will discuss the Phlegm-Damp Constitution.
What is Phlegm-Damp Constitution?
What are its characteristics?
The Phlegm-Damp Constitution refers to a physical state characterized by the accumulation of phlegm and dampness due to either congenital factors or excessive consumption of rich and fatty foods, leading to a condition marked by heaviness and turbidity. The main manifestations include obesity, a soft and distended abdomen, oily skin on the face, excessive sweating that is sticky, chest tightness, phlegm production, a sticky or sweet taste in the mouth, a preference for rich and sweet foods, a greasy tongue coating, and a slippery pulse. Individuals with a Phlegm-Damp Constitution tend to have a gentle and tolerant personality, but they struggle to adapt to humid environments and the rainy season.
What diseases are prone to occur in those with Phlegm-Damp Constitution?
The Phlegm-Damp Constitution, as a biased constitution type, provides a fertile ground for the occurrence and development of diseases, serving as an internal basis for the onset of certain conditions. Modern medical research has found a close relationship between the Phlegm-Damp Constitution and various metabolic diseases, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke. In women, it can affect menstruation, commonly seen in patients with obesity-related polycystic ovary syndrome. These individuals are often overweight and may experience menstrual irregularities and infertility. As stated in the “Danxi’s Heart Method: Offspring”: “Obese women, endowed with excessive richness, indulge in food and drink, leading to menstrual irregularities and inability to conceive, which is due to the fullness of body fat obstructing the uterus.”
How to regulate Phlegm-Damp Constitution?
1. Dietary Regulation
The diet for those with a Phlegm-Damp Constitution should primarily focus on being light. It is advisable to limit the intake of fatty meats and sweet, oily foods, and to choose foods that have the effects of promoting diuresis and resolving dampness, as well as warming and drying dampness, such as Job’s tears (Yi Yi Ren) and mung beans (Lu Dou). Additionally, since dampness can easily transform into heat, for those exhibiting signs of damp-heat, the diet should include sweet-cold, bitter-cold, sweet-neutral, and light foods that can clear heat and drain dampness, such as winter melon (Dong Gua), radishes (Luobo), and adzuki beans (Chi Xiao Dou). It is best to avoid rich, greasy, sweet, and spicy foods like hot pot, barbecued, and fried foods, and to abstain from smoking and alcohol. Incorporating more whole grains and coarse foods is also recommended.
Recommended medicinal dish: Yam and Winter Melon Soup.
2. Exercise Regulation
Choose appropriate exercises based on physical condition, such as jogging, table tennis, martial arts, badminton, yoga, swimming, and various forms of dance, focusing on aerobic activities. Aim for at least two sessions of exercise per week, each lasting at least 30 minutes, and select activities that elevate the heart rate above 120 beats per minute to effectively burn fat. Consistent exercise not only helps reduce weight and improve constitution but also alleviates common modern issues such as excessive stress and insomnia.
Before starting a weight loss program, it is advisable to seek help from qualified physicians, who, along with nutritionists, can design targeted weight loss methods based on age, height, weight, activity level, and occupation for optimal results.
3. Medicinal Regulation
Professor Wang Qi has developed a method for regulating the Phlegm-Damp Constitution based on its causes and characteristics, emphasizing the importance of addressing both deficiency and excess. Strengthening the spleen and promoting diuresis, as well as moving qi and resolving phlegm, are key. Commonly used herbs include Atractylodes (Cang Zhu), Hyacinth Bean (Bian Dou), Poria (Fu Ling), Yam (Shan Yao), Job’s tears (Yi Yi Ren), Lotus Seed (Lian Zi), Amomum (Sha Ren), and White Mustard Seed (Bai Jie Zi).
The formula for resolving phlegm and eliminating dampness is specifically designed to adjust the Phlegm-Damp Constitution, consisting of Atractylodes (Cang Zhu), White Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Alisma (Ze Xie), Astragalus (Huang Qi), Lotus Leaf (He Ye), Pollen of Cat Tail (Sheng Pu Huang), Stephania (Fang Ji), Tangerine Peel (Ju Hong), Rhubarb (Sheng Da Huang), and Chicken Inner Gold (Ji Nei Jin).
Er Chen Decoction (Er Chen Tang) and Cang Fu Dao Tan Decoction (Cang Fu Dao Tan Tang) are also major formulas for regulating the Phlegm-Damp Constitution.
4. Acupoint Massage
Massage of acupoints stimulates the meridians and promotes the flow of qi and blood to achieve clinical therapeutic goals. Commonly used acupoints include Fenglong (Stomach 40), Zusanli (Stomach 36), Chengshan (Bladder 57), Tianshu (Stomach 25), Yinlingquan (Spleen 9), Sanyinjiao (Spleen 6), Weizhong (Bladder 40), and Yongquan (Kidney 1).
5. Mental Regulation
Individuals with a Phlegm-Damp Constitution tend to be overweight and have a gentle disposition, often being patient. However, their ability to endure can lead to stagnation of qi, which over time can damage the liver and spleen qi, exacerbating phlegm and dampness and leading to poor appetite. Therefore, it is essential to regulate emotions, maintain a positive and optimistic attitude towards life, and avoid anger to prevent excessive emotional responses that can generate heat and transform fluids into phlegm. As the saying goes, “Calmness and emptiness lead to true qi, with the spirit kept within, how can illness arise?”
6. Lifestyle Regulation
Avoiding late nights and ensuring quality sleep are crucial for alleviating and improving the Phlegm-Damp Constitution. Developing a habit of taking afternoon naps (Zi Wu Jiao) can also be beneficial. It is important to choose a suitable living environment; individuals with a Phlegm-Damp Constitution should reside in drier areas and avoid prolonged exposure to damp environments. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid getting caught in the rain or working in excessively humid conditions.
Thanks to Director Wang Fang for her guidance!
Wang Songlu
Attending Physician, Master of Medicine
Specialty: Proficient in using Chinese medicine and acupuncture to treat gynecological infertility, ovarian dysfunction, recurrent miscarriage, and repeated implantation failure, as well as TCM regulation before and after assisted reproductive technology.
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