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Every March during the return of the southern rains, hospitals see an increase in patients who, with their various accents, report symptoms caused by dampness. However, many people have misconceptions about dampness.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there is a saying that “all diseases arise from phlegm.” Phlegm obstructs the flow of Qi, leading to lingering illnesses that are difficult to cure. Many conditions, such as dizziness, palpitations, cervical spondylosis, facial paralysis, cough, asthma, and lumbar spondylosis, are considered related to phlegm-dampness in TCM.

Phlegm: Both Tangible and Intangible

Many friends interpret “phlegm” literally, thinking it refers only to the phlegm expelled from the mouth. In TCM, however, phlegm can be both tangible and intangible. Tangible phlegm refers to the phlegm that is coughed up, while intangible phlegm refers to conditions where no phlegm is expelled but can still cause symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, and shortness of breath. TCM categorizes phlegm into four types:

· Cold Phlegm

Cold phlegm is often caused by cold pathogens, resulting in white phlegm, a thin white tongue coating, and a tendency to feel cold, preferring warm drinks.

· Heat Phlegm

Heat phlegm arises from heat pathogens invading the lungs or from a cold pathogen causing high fever for several days before transforming into heat phlegm. Patients present with yellow, sticky phlegm, a red tongue with a yellow coating, and a dislike of heat, preferring coolness.

· Dry Phlegm

Dry phlegm is caused by lung dryness, resulting in thick, sticky phlegm that is difficult to expel, with symptoms of dryness in the mouth, nose, and throat, and a thin yellow tongue coating.

· Damp Phlegm

Damp phlegm occurs due to damp pathogens invading the body or from a diet that is too greasy and a lack of exercise, leading to dysfunction of the lungs and spleen. Patients present with white, watery phlegm, a heavy body feeling, easy fatigue, or loose stools.

The production of phlegm is primarily related to the lungs and spleen. The lungs govern respiration, while the spleen governs transformation and transportation. When affected by external factors, the body’s fluids can condense into phlegm. If not adjusted in time, this can lead to the accumulation of dampness, forming phlegm and disrupting the functions of the internal organs, eventually leading to what is commonly referred to as a phlegm-damp constitution.

What is a Phlegm-Damp Constitution?

A phlegm-damp constitution arises from abnormal function of the internal organs, with disordered metabolism of Qi, blood, and body fluids, leading to the accumulation of dampness and phlegm in the body.

Obesity and fullness in the abdomen are the most obvious characteristics of a phlegm-damp constitution. The generation of phlegm-dampness is related to the deficiency of Yang Qi in the internal organs, which cannot transform and transport body fluids. Therefore, individuals with a phlegm-damp constitution often experience two types of pathological changes: one is the accumulation of phlegm-dampness, which can obscure the clear orifices, leading to symptoms such as heaviness in the head and memory decline; the other is Yang Qi deficiency, manifesting as cough with phlegm and excessive sticky phlegm.

Treating Phlegm-Damp Constitution: Focus on Eliminating Dampness and Warming Yang

Phlegm-dampness is considered Yin in nature, so treatment should primarily focus on warming and tonifying Yang Qi while eliminating dampness and transforming phlegm. In daily life, attention should also be paid to diet and appropriate exercise to aid in the recovery of Yang Qi.

· Dietary and Lifestyle Adjustments

Individuals with a phlegm-damp constitution often prefer rich and greasy foods, which can promote the generation of internal dampness. Therefore, it is advisable to consume foods that help eliminate phlegm-dampness, such as yam (Shan Yao), coix seed (Yi Yi Ren), lentils (Bian Dou), winter melon (Dong Gua), white radish (Bai Luobo), red adzuki beans (Chi Xiao Dou), hawthorn (Shan Zha), and ginger (Sheng Jiang). In addition to food, maintaining a regular daily routine can enhance the body’s righteous Qi and help restore organ function.

· Exercise for Health

Appropriate exercise helps generate Yang Qi in the body, which has the effect of eliminating dampness and transforming phlegm. Additionally, exercise can promote sweating, which helps expel dampness from the body.

· Commonly Used Chinese Patent Medicines

The treatment of phlegm-damp constitution should primarily focus on tonifying the spleen. Classic formulas include Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginseng and Atractylodes Powder) and Er Chen Wan (Two Aged Pills).

Shen Ling Bai Zhu San: This formula tonifies Qi and strengthens the spleen, drains dampness, and stops diarrhea. It is suitable for patients who experience shortness of breath, fatigue, fullness in the chest, and difficulty digesting food.

Er Chen Wan: This formula regulates Qi, harmonizes the middle, dries dampness, and transforms phlegm. It is suitable for patients with excessive phlegm, frequent cough, and accompanying symptoms of nausea, vomiting, heaviness in the limbs, and dizziness.

Many people are unfamiliar with phlegm-damp constitution. During the rainy season or in humid environments, they may feel discomfort and attribute it to “spring fatigue” or “heavy dampness.” Individuals with a phlegm-damp constitution need timely adjustment; otherwise, it may lead to diseases related to the lungs, spleen, and kidneys.

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