Written by: Xia Feng Illustrated by: 8 Years Old Edited by: Yun Shao
April
20
Friday
5th day of the 3rd month in the year of Wu Xu
Today is the Grain Rain
*Illustration by 8 Years Old
Constitution has a significant relationship with our health. The ideal state is a balanced constitution, but due to various factors such as genetics, diet, lifestyle, emotions, and daily habits, our constitution can gradually change and become biased. As stated in the “Su Wen – Treatise on the Five Excesses”:
“The sage treats diseases… by understanding human affairs, clarifying the principles of the classics, recognizing the different qualities of the rich and poor; inquiring about age, courage, and fear, examining the divisions, and knowing the origin of the disease.”
This emphasizes that diagnosing a disease must first involve identifying the constitution.
Today, we will introduce moxibustion treatment methods corresponding to the phlegm-damp constitution.
First, let’s understand the phlegm-damp constitution!
The phlegm-damp constitution refers to a state characterized by the accumulation of phlegm and dampness due to the stagnation of body fluids, primarily marked by a heavy and turbid quality. Common features include a plump body shape, a soft and full abdomen; often, the facial skin is oily, with excessive sweating that feels sticky, chest tightness, excessive phlegm, pale yellow complexion, slightly swollen eyelids; prone to fatigue, typically with a large tongue, white and greasy tongue coating, sticky or sweet mouth, a heavy body feeling, and a preference for rich, sweet, and sticky foods; normal or loose stools, and infrequent or slightly turbid urination; poor adaptability to humid environments.
The phlegm-damp constitution is closely related to declining kidney qi, spleen and kidney yang deficiency, spleen deficiency with excess dampness, and the transformation of water into phlegm, closely associated with the lungs, spleen, and kidneys. Due to the inherent phlegm and dampness in the body, individuals with this constitution are prone to phlegm-related diseases. Literature and clinical research indicate that the phlegm-damp constitution is associated with conditions such as hypertension, cerebrovascular accidents, coronary heart disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and polycystic ovary syndrome. The tendency for these diseases poses a serious threat to health, and early intervention is necessary. The regulation of the phlegm-damp constitution should be tailored to the individual, considering both the root and branch of the condition.
Therefore, individuals with a phlegm-damp constitution can use moxibustion on the following acupuncture points for regulation:
Shen Que (Ren 8)
Located at the center of the navel. This point is contraindicated for needling and is often treated with moxa cones or suspended moxibustion. It has the effect of warming the middle and dispersing cold, and can also be used for daily health maintenance and treating cold-related diseases. Those with spleen deficiency can use moxibustion on Shen Que to warm and tonify spleen qi.
Guan Yuan (Ren 4)
Located in the lower abdomen, 3 inches below the navel, on the anterior midline. This point has a strong tonifying effect and is commonly used for health maintenance, providing excellent yang tonification.
Zhong Wan (Ren 12)
Located 4 inches above the navel. This point has the effects of warming the stomach, stopping vomiting, dispersing cold, alleviating pain, harmonizing the stomach, strengthening the spleen, and promoting the downward flow of qi. It can open the meridians and invigorate yang qi, suitable for those with spleen and stomach deficiency.
Shui Fen (Ren 9)
Located 1 inch above the navel, on the anterior midline. The function of this point is related to its name, effectively treating abdominal diseases, as well as edema and urinary difficulties caused by the accumulation of water and dampness.
Yin Ling Quan (SP 9)
Located on the inner side of the lower leg, below the medial condyle of the tibia. This depression can be felt with the fingers and is known as Yin Ling Quan. It is a commonly used and effective point for dispelling phlegm and dampness, also treating abdominal distension and edema.
Feng Long (ST 40)
Located on the outer side of the lower leg, 8 inches above the tip of the lateral malleolus, at the lateral edge of the tibialis anterior muscle, 1 inch lateral to the channel. Feng Long is a key point for eliminating phlegm and is often used in conjunction with Yin Ling Quan.
*Acupuncture point images are from the illustrated book “The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon” published by Zitu Publishing.
Those with spleen or kidney deficiency can add Pi Shu (BL 20) and Shen Shu (BL 23).
Operation Method:
The patient should lie supine, fully exposing the treatment points, adjusting the height of the moxa stick to ensure the treated area feels warm and comfortable without burning. Each of the above points should be moxibusted for 20 minutes, once a week, for 8 sessions per treatment course, and observe the effects after 3 treatment courses.
Video demonstration of the operation
We have recorded a demonstration video of the acupuncture points and specific operation techniques, with a duration of 2 minutes and 52 seconds. It is recommended to play in a WiFi environment 
.
While undergoing moxibustion treatment, individuals with a phlegm-damp constitution should also pay attention to the following points in daily life:
1
People with a phlegm-damp constitution should avoid fatty meats and foods that are sweet, sticky, or greasy, which hinder the spleen and stomach’s transformation. They can consume more aromatic foods that awaken the spleen, such as scallions, garlic, kumquats, and mustard, as well as foods that resolve phlegm and drain dampness, like radishes, seaweed, winter melon, and coix seeds.
2
Moderate physical exercise helps the spleen’s transformation, but individuals with a phlegm-damp constitution often feel fatigued due to obesity. Therefore, they should engage in physical activities according to their specific conditions, such as walking, jogging, swimming, or practicing Wu Qin Xi. The initial exercise intensity should not be too high, and it should be gradual and sustained over time.
3
Phlegm and dampness are pathological products formed by the stagnation of body fluids. Individuals with a phlegm-damp constitution should maintain a peaceful mindset, promptly eliminate negative emotions, and avoid extreme joy or sorrow. They should cultivate hobbies to divert attention, allowing for smooth qi movement and normal fluid metabolism.
4
It is best for individuals with a phlegm-damp constitution to live in a dry environment and frequently sunbathe or engage in outdoor activities. In humid and cold climates, they should reduce outdoor activities to avoid catching a cold or getting wet. They should not linger in bed to prevent qi and blood stagnation, which can worsen internal phlegm and dampness.
Constitutional differences not only manifest as different types but also in various states, such as gender, age, strength, and weakness. Therefore, the regulation of the phlegm-damp constitution should emphasize tailored methods according to different constitutional states, aiming to adjust the constitution without harming the righteous qi. Individualization is the basic principle for regulating the phlegm-damp constitution, and the application of moxibustion should also be based on one’s actual condition, avoiding excessive pursuit of moxibustion duration while neglecting the body’s tolerance.
Moreover, while moxibustion is beneficial, it is important to avoid smoke and burns. Smoke is unavoidable when using moxa sticks, so appropriate positioning should be adopted, and the room should be well-ventilated. Moxibustion should not be performed in a closed room to prevent excessive smoke, which can adversely affect health.
Related articles:
“A Must-Read for Overweight Individuals: How to Regulate Cold Phlegm and Phlegm Heat?”
“The ‘Middle-Aged Greasy Man’ is Likely a Phlegm-Damp Constitution”
“What Should Individuals with a Phlegm-Damp Constitution Do to Regulate?”
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