Due to the decline of the spleen’s ability to transform and transport water and dampness, or obstacles in the circulation and excretion of fluids within the body, water and fluids cannot properly nourish the body, leading to abnormal accumulation and becoming a pathological substance. This abnormal accumulation of water and fluids is referred to as “phlegm-dampness” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Among these, the turbid, viscous, and thick parts are called “phlegm” (痰), while the clear, thin, and transparent parts are referred to as “dampness” (饮).Therefore, in TCM, the term “phlegm” does not solely refer to the mucus produced in the lungs that can be expelled through coughing, which is visible to us. TCM’s concept of “phlegm” also includes pathological products that arise due to metabolic disorders of water and fluids, characterized by turbid, viscous, and thick properties.For example, obesity is referred to as “phlegm” in TCM. Since this type of “phlegm” is not as easily recognized as the phlegm from the lungs, it is termed “invisible phlegm” (无形之痰), while the phlegm produced in the lungs that can be expelled through coughing and is visible is called “visible phlegm” (有形之痰). Together, these two concepts form the TCM understanding of “phlegm.” 1. Visible Phlegm“Visible phlegm” primarily exists in the lungs and may arise from either internal metabolic disorders of water and fluids or external pathogenic factors invading the lungs. Once produced, this phlegm can be expelled through coughing and is observable, making it easier to understand.We are quite familiar with “visible phlegm,” as we often encounter it during colds and coughs. However, have we noticed the detail that even phlegm coughed up from the lungs can vary in characteristics?For instance, some phlegm appears white and viscous, some is white and thin, some is white and foamy, some is yellow and thick, some is gray-black, and some is yellow-green… Why does phlegm, which is essentially the same, exhibit so many variations?Upon careful analysis, the various characteristics of phlegm can be summarized into two aspects: one is the texture, which can be thick, thin, or foamy; the other is the color, which can be white, gray-black, yellow, or yellow-green. What do the different textures and colors of phlegm reflect about the pathological features within the body?Let’s consider a daily phenomenon: dissolving sugar in water. We obtain a colorless and transparent liquid. If we heat this colorless and transparent sugar water, what happens? We can observe that the sugar water gradually becomes thick, and its color changes from transparent to light yellow and then to deep yellow.
This phenomenon can be extrapolated to the phlegm in the body. It turns out that the thickness and color of phlegm are closely related to the body’s “heat”. If there is heat in the body, the phlegm will be yellow and thick; if there is no heat, the phlegm will be thin and white. The greater the degree of yellow thickness, the higher the level of heat in the body.According to this principle, TCM categorizes white and thin phlegm, or phlegm that is foamy or viscous, as “cold phlegm” (寒痰), while yellow and thick phlegm, or even yellow-green phlegm, is categorized as “heat phlegm” (热痰).Since cold phlegm and heat phlegm reflect completely opposite natures, their treatments are also entirely different. To treat cold phlegm, one must warm and transform it, commonly using herbs such as Gan Jiang (干姜), Xi Xin (细辛), Ban Xia (半夏), Chen Pi (陈皮), Bai Jie Zi (白芥子), and Lai Fu Zi (莱菔子); while to treat heat phlegm, one must clear heat and transform phlegm, commonly using herbs such as Zhe Bei Mu (浙贝), Chuan Bei Mu (川贝), Tian Zhu Huang (天竺黄), Dan Nan Xing (胆南星), Gua Lou (瓜蒌), and Tian Hua Fen (天花粉).However, whether it is cold phlegm or heat phlegm, TCM emphasizes the concept of “transformation” in treatment. What does “transformation” mean? In the past, before the advent of running water, if the water quality was murky, we often added a small amount of alum to the water tank, and after a while, the water would become clear. The alum acted to decompose and settle the turbid substances in the murky water, which is the essence of “transformation.”The phlegm-transforming herbs used in TCM for various phlegm conditions serve a similar role to that of alum, helping to decompose and settle the phlegm turbidity, thereby alleviating diseases caused by phlegm turbidity.Western medicine also recognizes phlegm in two categories: one is infectious phlegm, such as that caused by bacterial, fungal, mycoplasma, or chlamydia infections; the other is exudative phlegm, often resulting from excessive secretion of mucus by respiratory mucosal cells.Among these, antibiotics can be effective against phlegm caused by bacterial infections, while there are limited options in Western medicine for phlegm caused by fungal, mycoplasma, or chlamydia infections, as well as for exudative phlegm. How does TCM view and treat these “phlegm” diseases?TCM believes that microorganisms such as fungi, mycoplasma, and chlamydia naturally exist in the air and do not harm the body under normal circumstances. Only when there is excessive accumulation of water and dampness in the body, creating an overly humid internal environment, do these microorganisms proliferate and reproduce in large numbers, thereby harming health and causing various diseases.Therefore, for these types of diseases, the internal environment’s “dampness” is the true root cause. Just as in the rainy season, the humid environment allows for the proliferation of fungi, making things prone to mold. If you can recognize that a humid environment is the main cause of fungal proliferation in nature, why would the human body be any different?So, how should we treat phlegm caused by internal dampness? In daily life, dampness is often associated with overcast and rainy weather. If the sky is clear and the sun is shining, there will naturally be no damp environment.There is a saying, “When the sun is blazing, the haze dissipates,” which illustrates this point. The blazing sun can drive away dampness, primarily relying on its heat. Therefore, when treating this type of phlegm, we should use warming herbs to create a “blazing sun” effect within the body, allowing the damp “haze” to dissipate, thus eliminating the root cause of water and dampness accumulation in the body and preventing the survival and reproduction of microorganisms such as fungi.The Han Dynasty medical sage Zhang Zhongjing already proposed in the “Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber” that the principle for treating this condition is “for those with phlegm-dampness, one should use warming herbs to harmonize it.” This perspective remains remarkably insightful even today, and we cannot help but admire the ancient methods and thoughts in exploring the mysteries of life and disease.2. Invisible PhlegmHaving discussed visible phlegm, what is “invisible phlegm,” and how can we determine its presence? TCM identifies four criteria for determining the existence of “invisible phlegm” in the body.Obesity. The TCM saying “obese individuals often have phlegm-dampness” refers to the presence of “invisible phlegm” in obese individuals, as fat possesses the turbid, viscous, and thick characteristics of phlegm, formed from the accumulated turbid parts of water and dampness in the body.Thick and greasy tongue coating. A thick and greasy tongue coating is the most direct manifestation of excessive water and dampness in the body.Swelling masses. Any swelling that is not red in color, protruding from the skin surface, and nodular in shape, which feels soft or resilient upon palpation, is referred to as a “phlegm mass” (痰块) in TCM.Slippery pulse. TCM classifies pulse sensations into over twenty types based on different feelings under the fingers, with slippery pulse being one of them. TCM describes slippery pulse as “flowing smoothly, like pearls rolling on a plate,” indicating that the pulse we feel is as smooth and swift as pearls rolling on a smooth plate. The presence of slippery pulse is one of the characteristic manifestations of phlegm turbidity in the body and is a primary basis for TCM diagnosis of “phlegm.”Based on TCM’s understanding of phlegm, combined with Western medicine’s microscopic examinations, the concept of “invisible phlegm” can be made more concrete and intuitive. For example, conditions such as hyperlipidemia, cysts, lymph node tuberculosis, and bone tuberculosis all exhibit characteristics of turbidity, viscosity, and thickness, and can thus be considered phlegm-related diseases. In this way, Western medical examinations extend the TCM practices of observation, listening, inquiry, and pulse diagnosis.Through TCM’s understanding of the mechanisms of phlegm formation, we can relate the occurrence of these diseases to the overall balance of the body, finding fundamental treatment methods. For instance, hyperlipidemia, cysts, and lymph node tuberculosis all align with the characteristics of TCM phlegm, and their root causes are related to the spleen’s dysfunction in transforming and transporting water and dampness, leading to excessive accumulation of phlegm turbidity in the body. Therefore, treatment can be approached through strengthening the spleen, assisting in the transformation of phlegm, and softening hard masses. Moreover, by addressing the root cause, the treatment effect is long-lasting.Here, I can provide two examples. One patient with hyperlipidemia had taken medications such as Shujian and Lipingzhi without significant effect, feeling dizzy and fatigued, with poor appetite, daytime drowsiness, frequent dreams at night, palpitations, and loose stools. Upon examination, the tongue coating was pale white, and the pulse was weak.I diagnosed him with spleen deficiency leading to the inability to transform water and dampness, resulting in the accumulation of phlegm turbidity in the blood vessels, affecting the circulation of qi and blood. I prescribed a TCM formula to strengthen the spleen and transform phlegm: 30g of Chao Bai Zhu (炒白术), 15g of Dang Shen (党参), 10g of Chen Pi (陈皮), 10g of Ban Xia (半夏), 6g of Gan Cao (甘草), 15g of Fu Ling (茯苓), 6g of Ju Luo (橘络), 10g of Dan Nan Xing (胆南星), 15g of Jiao Shan Zha (焦山楂), and 5 slices of Sheng Jiang (生姜).After taking the 7 doses of medicine, the patient reported significant improvement in energy and appetite, with dizziness reduced by more than half, and stools were mostly formed. I then advised the patient to continue with the same formula for another 7 doses. Upon follow-up, the patient reported that various symptoms had become minimal, and a recheck of blood lipids showed they had returned to normal levels.Another patient with a popliteal cyst came to consult me out of fear of surgery. TCM believes that the formation of cysts is the result of phlegm turbidity accumulating in a specific area, and the production of phlegm turbidity is directly related to the spleen’s ability to transform water and dampness. Therefore, by improving and enhancing the spleen’s ability to transform water and dampness, we can eliminate the accumulation of phlegm turbidity in the body, thus resolving the cyst.Based on this approach, I prescribed a formula to strengthen the spleen, transform phlegm, and reduce swelling: 45g of Chao Bai Zhu (炒白术), 15g of Ze Xie (泽泻), 15g of Hua Shi (滑石), 10g of Zhu Ling (猪苓), 15g of Fu Ling (茯苓), 10g of Gui Zhi (桂枝), 20g of Ban Xia (半夏), 10g of Zhi Nan Xing (制南星), 30g of Yi Yi Ren (薏苡仁), and 10g of Qing Pi (青皮).The patient took this formula for about a month, and the popliteal cyst completely disappeared. During this time, the formula was slightly adjusted based on symptom changes, but the main ingredients remained as described. These two examples clearly demonstrate that the theory of phlegm in TCM withstands practical testing.The spleen’s insufficient ability to transform water and dampness leads to the accumulation of water and dampness in the body, and the turbid substances within the water and dampness can condense into phlegm masses in specific areas, such as the cysts, lymph node tuberculosis, and bone tuberculosis mentioned earlier. They can also enter the meridians and blood vessels, traveling throughout the body with the circulation of qi and blood, as discussed earlier regarding blood lipids.These turbid substances possess viscous properties, often leading to obstruction of qi and blood flow in the meridians and blood vessels, causing pathological changes due to ischemia and hypoxia in the organs, resulting in various diseases. For example, if phlegm accumulates in the head, it can affect blood supply to the brain, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, forgetfulness, drowsiness, and even coma, hemiplegia, or speech difficulties, which Western medicine refers to as cerebral infarction, and many cases in TCM are attributed to phlegm.If phlegm accumulates in the limbs, it can lead to blood supply disorders in the limbs, resulting in symptoms such as numbness and coldness in the hands and feet; if phlegm accumulates in the blood vessels, it can lead to insufficient blood supply to the heart, causing palpitations, irregular heartbeat, and chest tightness, which Western medicine refers to as coronary heart disease, and in many cases, it is closely related to phlegm.Moreover, phlegm can also affect a person’s mental state. If the turbid qi of phlegm-dampness obstructs normal mental and cognitive activities, it can lead to symptoms such as incessant talking, depression, and unexplained sadness, which are classified as depressive mental disorders in TCM. Since TCM believes that the “heart” governs the mind, this type of mental disorder caused by excessive “phlegm turbidity” is referred to as “phlegm obstructing the heart orifices” (痰迷心窍).3. The Mobility of PhlegmRegarding the mobility of phlegm, the great physician Zhu Danxi from the Yuan Dynasty stated: “Phlegm, as a substance, rises and falls with qi, reaching everywhere.” It is precisely because of the characteristic that phlegm “reaches everywhere” that TCM attributes many strange diseases or conditions with poor treatment outcomes to “phlegm.”Thus, there is a saying in TCM that “strange diseases often arise from phlegm.” Zhu Danxi also proposed the theory that “many diseases are accompanied by phlegm,” which adds a new perspective to disease diagnosis and treatment. Some diseases may be diagnosed correctly, and the medication may be appropriate, but the clinical outcomes are not ideal; in such cases, we can consider adding phlegm-transforming methods, which often yield unexpectedly good results.I once treated a patient with vertigo who had experienced dizziness for over a year. After squatting or sitting for a long time, if he suddenly stood up, he would experience blackouts and even fainting.He felt lethargic throughout the day, spoke softly, and had a pale complexion, with average appetite and normal bowel movements. His tongue was pale red with a thin white coating, and his pulse was weak. In the past month, his dizziness seemed to worsen. Western medicine diagnosed him with insufficient blood supply to the brain.At that time, I thought this was a typical case of qi sinking. Qi deficiency leads to the inability of qi and blood to rise and nourish the head, which should be easy to treat. So, I prescribed 5 doses of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Decoction (补中益气汤) and confidently told the patient that he would definitely see significant improvement after finishing the 5 doses.However, five days later, the patient returned for a follow-up and poured cold water on my confidence, stating that there had been no improvement in his dizziness! He also reassured me that it might take longer to improve since he had this issue for a long time. Upon further inquiry, I concluded that it was indeed qi sinking. Since there was no diagnostic error, why was there no effect?At this point, I recalled Zhu Danxi’s saying that “many diseases are accompanied by phlegm,” and I suddenly understood. Since there was qi deficiency, it must lead to abnormal transformation of water and dampness, resulting in internal phlegm turbidity, which obstructed the brain and caused dizziness.The previous treatment was ineffective because I only considered qi deficiency without considering the phlegm turbidity present in the meridians and blood vessels. Therefore, I prescribed a new formula to tonify qi and transform phlegm: 15g of Huang Qi (黄芪), 15g of Dang Shen (党参), 12g of Chao Bai Zhu (炒白术), 10g of Ban Xia (半夏), 10g of Fu Ling (茯苓), 6g of Chen Pi (陈皮), 10g of Chuan Xiong (川芎), 3g of Sheng Ma (升麻), 3g of Chai Hu (柴胡), 6g of Jie Geng (桔梗), 6g of Ju Luo (橘络), and 6g of Zhi Nan Xing (制南星). I prescribed 5 doses again.Five days later, the patient joyfully reported that this time the medicine was effective; after just five days, his dizziness had significantly reduced. I then advised him to take Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan (香砂六君丸) for consolidation, and after about a month of treatment, he had not experienced any recurrence of dizziness for a year.The strange disease Ménière’s syndrome is also caused by phlegm-dampness. Here, I would like to mention Ménière’s syndrome (formerly known as Meniere’s disease). The clinical features of this disease include paroxysmal vertigo that occurs frequently, during which the patient feels that surrounding objects are spinning, as if sitting on a vehicle that is swaying, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and head pain, with activity exacerbating the severity of vertigo and vomiting.Therefore, during an episode, patients often lie still with their eyes closed, afraid to move, and some may feel a sense of blockage and pressure in the ear, or experience nystagmus.Western medicine believes this condition is caused by increased lymphatic fluid in the inner ear and elevated pressure, leading to ear-related vertigo.Based on Zhang Zhongjing’s records in the “Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber” regarding the “Mao Xuan” syndrome (“Mao” refers to nausea and vomiting, and Mao Xuan refers to a disease characterized by simultaneous vertigo and nausea/vomiting), Zhang Zhongjing believed it was caused by “fluid retention in the heart area,” which closely resembles Ménière’s syndrome. I treated this condition with the “Ze Xie Decoction” (泽泻汤) from the “Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber,” achieving excellent clinical results.The composition of Ze Xie Decoction consists of just two herbs—Ze Xie (泽泻) and Bai Zhu (白术). Ze Xie, as recorded in the “Shennong’s Herbal Classic,” has the effect of “relieving wind, cold, dampness, and eliminating water”; Bai Zhu, as described in the “Compendium of Materia Medica” by the Jin Dynasty physician Tao Hongjing, is said to “eliminate phlegm and water, expel wind-water accumulation,” and is also noted for its ability to “warm the stomach and eliminate food stagnation.”These two herbs work together, with Ze Xie primarily promoting urination to eliminate internal water retention, while Bai Zhu assists in strengthening the spleen and eliminating phlegm. This combination effectively addresses both the symptoms of water retention and the root cause of phlegm production due to spleen deficiency, resulting in rapid therapeutic effects despite the small number of ingredients.I once treated a female patient surnamed Xia, 43 years old, who had suffered from Ménière’s syndrome for over three years. This time, her condition was triggered by fatigue, and she experienced severe dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, unable to eat, with water intake leading to vomiting. She lay still with her eyes closed, feeling slightly better, but any movement exacerbated her symptoms.She felt heavy-headed and spoke softly, and during the consultation, she vomited twice at the door, with the vomit being clear liquid. She reported that she had not eaten for a day and still felt nauseous. Her tongue was pale with a white greasy coating, and her pulse was wiry.Based on the idea of “fluid retention in the inner ear,” I prescribed Ze Xie Decoction: 30g of Ze Xie and 45g of Chao Bai Zhu. I instructed her to use one and a half bowls of water to decoct until half a bowl remains, and to take it warm.I also advised the patient not to drink it all at once, but to take a sip, wait about five minutes, and if there were no adverse reactions, to take another sip, gradually finishing the half bowl of medicine.Surprisingly, the patient did not vomit after taking the medicine, gradually fell asleep, and did not wake up until the next morning. Upon waking, she felt as if her illness had disappeared. After two days of adjusting her diet with spleen-strengthening and dampness-transforming herbs, her condition was completely resolved, and she has not experienced any recurrence since.4. Self-Assessment for Phlegm-Dampness Constitution1. Dizziness, headache, and heaviness in the head. TCM believes that the head is the residence of the clear and spiritual essence, which must be nourished by qi, blood, and essence, and should not be disturbed by turbid evils. If phlegm-dampness ascends and interferes with the clear, it can lead to dizziness, headache, and a feeling of heaviness in the head. Headaches, dizziness, and heaviness in the head are often seen in cases of hypertension.Western medicine considers hypertension to be caused by vascular spasms or loss of elasticity in blood vessels, leading to obstructed blood flow and elevated pressure.From a TCM perspective, the phlegm-damp evil is heavy and turbid, and combined with the characteristic that “phlegm follows qi and reaches everywhere,” phlegm-dampness can ascend and obstruct the clear yang, filling and blocking the blood vessels, which can also lead to vascular spasms and loss of elasticity, resulting in elevated blood pressure.Therefore, for hypertensive patients who exhibit symptoms of phlegm-dampness obstructing the clear yang in the head, treating them with methods to clear and transform phlegm-dampness can yield significant results.Dizziness, headache, and heaviness in the head caused by phlegm-dampness may persist or fluctuate, but they are fundamentally different from symptoms caused by qi and blood deficiency. Using tonifying agents is not only ineffective but may worsen the condition, as it interferes with the real issue.If stubborn phlegm and stagnant blood accumulate and solidify, they can form tumors, residing in the brain or other parts of the body. Without resolving the stubborn phlegm and stagnant blood, the tumor cannot be eliminated.2. Nausea or vomiting of phlegm and saliva. There may be a gurgling sound in the stomach or intestines, or a sticky, greasy, dry mouth with no desire to drink water.The phlegm-damp evil resides in the stomach and intestines, causing the stomach to lose its harmony and downward movement, leading to nausea or vomiting of phlegm and saliva, or a gurgling sound in the stomach.Phlegm and dampness can also obstruct the flow of fluids, leading to a sticky mouth. Phlegm turbidity is originally transformed from body fluids, but it can also obstruct the movement of body fluids, leading to dryness in the mouth, as excessive drinking can exacerbate the phlegm-dampness.These symptoms are often clinically diagnosed as gastrointestinal neurosis, and medication is frequently ineffective. However, treating with methods to warm and transform phlegm-dampness or simultaneously promoting liver and spleen function can yield rapid results.3. A sensation of obstruction in the throat, difficulty swallowing, and intermittent symptoms. The occurrence of this condition generally begins with liver qi stagnation and emotional disharmony, leading to liver depression and spleen deficiency. When the liver and spleen are not in harmony, the spleen’s qi is also suppressed, leading to the accumulation of fluids and phlegm, which obstructs the throat.Thus, the sensation of obstruction in the throat, difficulty swallowing, and intermittent symptoms are characteristic of phlegm. This condition often varies with emotional states, being more pronounced during periods of emotional distress.These symptoms are commonly seen in female patients. If the condition persists, it can lead to yin deficiency with phlegm. If only phlegm-transforming methods are used, it may further deplete yin fluids, exacerbating the sensation of obstruction and dryness in the throat. It is essential to combine sufficient nourishing yin substances to nourish while transforming, allowing for the resolution of phlegm and obstruction.4. Palpitations, insomnia, or fainting, convulsions, or mental disorders. However, neurological examinations show no abnormalities, nor are there signs of yin deficiency or yang excess.“Phlegm qi obstructing the heart” and “phlegm obstructing the heart orifices” refer to these types of conditions. TCM states that the “heart” also refers to brain function, as in “the heart governs the spirit” and “the brain is the residence of the original spirit.”Thus, when phlegm qi obstructs the heart orifices, it often manifests as dysfunction of the cerebral cortex. Treating these conditions with methods to clear phlegm and open the orifices can often yield satisfactory results.5. Stools coated with phlegm and saliva, or constipation without smooth passage. Phlegm turbidity resides in the stomach and intestines, leading to stools coated with phlegm and saliva. Treating with methods to strengthen the spleen and transform phlegm should yield results. If phlegm turbidity resides in the intestines, obstructing the flow of qi, it can lead to constipation (though the stools are not dry). In such cases, the more one tries to moisten the bowels, the more constipated they become. Using methods to promote qi, transform phlegm, and clear the lungs can lead to rapid bowel movement.6. Low-grade fever and body heaviness, or a sensation of heat without significant elevation in body temperature. Phlegm is a yin evil, characterized by its viscous nature and tendency to remain hidden. When phlegm turbidity remains hidden, it obstructs yang qi, preventing it from expanding, leading to a situation where yin does not match yang, resulting in heat due to yin obstructing yang. Phlegm turbidity obstructing yang can cause low-grade fever, which is different from the heat caused by external pathogens or the symptoms of blood deficiency, yin deficiency, or qi deficiency. Many cases of unexplained low-grade fever without signs of yin deficiency or qi deficiency fall into this category.If one carelessly administers yin-nourishing and qi-tonifying herbs, it may further promote phlegm and dampness, leading to persistent low-grade fever and body heaviness. If one can carefully examine the tongue and pulse, and accurately assess the symptoms, focusing on transforming and dispersing phlegm-dampness, satisfactory results can be achieved.7. Localized heat or cold in the limbs (or the back feels cold like a palm-sized area or is numb without pain or itching, or certain areas of the limbs have different thicknesses or sensations), but no abnormalities are found in neurological, orthopedic, or dermatological examinations.“Phlegm follows qi and reaches everywhere,” and “different sensations correspond to different diseases,” indicating that phlegm turbidity obstructs the flow of qi and blood in specific areas, leading to the aforementioned symptoms. If phlegm turbidity accumulates and does not disperse, the affected area may also exhibit swelling or nodules.8. Ulcers, erosions, or seepage of thick phlegm fluid that does not heal for a long time. There may also be localized skin thickening and scaling without fluid seepage.Phlegm-dampness remains, or heat phlegm condenses, affecting the flow of qi and blood in the affected area, leading to the external discharge of phlegm turbidity. This can result in persistent ulcers and seepage. If this condition persists, the righteous qi may weaken, and the affected area may be exposed to external wind, cold, or heat, making it difficult for the qi and blood to return to normal, resulting in prolonged non-healing. This condition begins with phlegm turbidity accumulation, leading to qi and yin deficiency, often accompanied by stubborn phlegm that does not resolve. If the affected area exhibits skin thickening and scaling, it indicates qi and yin deficiency, along with the loss of harmony in the qi and blood.9. Chest tightness and shortness of breath, with a feeling of fullness in the back, preferring to sigh or pound the chest. These symptoms are particularly pronounced during overcast and rainy weather or when the temperature fluctuates.Phlegm-dampness stagnates in the chest, obstructing the yang qi in the chest (causing lung qi to lose its ability to descend), leading to a feeling of chest tightness and shortness of breath. If phlegm turbidity stagnates in the back, it can lead to a feeling of fullness or coldness in the back. Sighing and pounding the chest can temporarily relieve the qi, which is why patients often sigh loudly or pound their chests for relief. If phlegm turbidity obstructs excessively, it can completely block the yang qi in the chest, leading to temporary stagnation of qi and blood flow, resulting in pain in the chest area, which can lead to severe acute myocardial infarction.10. Swellings or nodules, either beneath the skin or within the abdomen. These can also occur in other tissues or organs, with no changes in the skin surface or a slight cold sensation, or a dull complexion.
Source: China Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine
TCM Acupuncture and Tuina Department: Xie Yibing
★ Associate Professor
★ Associate Chief Physician
Profile
Graduated from Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1990, with over 30 years of clinical experience.
Specialties
1. TCM specialty in chronic rhinitis and cough: using rhinitis ointment and floating needle therapy to comprehensively treat various acute and chronic rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis. Also treats chronic cough, adenoid hypertrophy, chronic pharyngitis, and asthma.
2. TCM warming acupuncture and Qi guidance: a. Various constitution adjustments: treating women’s yang deficiency, cold uterus, cold limbs, menstrual pain, headaches, infertility; treating qi and blood deficiency leading to fatigue, easy colds, prolonged illnesses, hair loss, etc.; b. Reducing dampness and lowering lipids: treating abdominal obesity, primary hypertension (level 1 and 2), hyperlipidemia, gout, etc., and treating chronic urticaria, eczema, neurodermatitis, and acne.
3. TCM pediatric tuina: treating children’s colds, coughs, sore throats, poor appetite, food stagnation, enuresis, diarrhea, and torticollis.
4. TCM pain specialty: using rapid effective muscle relaxation and pain relief techniques, floating needles, and buried threads to treat various acute and chronic soft tissue injuries, degenerative changes causing pain, arthritis, spinal diseases, and related visceral dysfunctions. Specializes in treating cervical spondylosis, headaches, dizziness, lumbar disc herniation, lumbar muscle strain, and chronic gastritis with abdominal distension and pain.
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