Some people may have their constitution assessed at a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospital or wellness center, and many are easily classified as having “heavy dampness,” which often indicates a phlegm-damp constitution (tan shi ti zhi).
In daily life, some individuals may gain weight just by drinking water, which is primarily related to their phlegm-damp constitution. Although it is not a disease, failing to regulate it over time can lead to health issues.
This “phlegm” is not the same as the phlegm in your throat.
Do you know what phlegm-damp is?
When discussing phlegm-damp constitution, many people may interpret it literally, thinking it refers to excess phlegm in the throat that can be resolved by expelling it. However, this is not the case.
Narrowly defined, phlegm refers to the mucus expelled from the respiratory tract. However, broadly speaking, phlegm refers to waste produced when the metabolism of fluids is obstructed, which can circulate throughout the body with the flow of qi and blood, causing various diseases. This is why it is said that “all diseases are caused by phlegm, and stubborn phlegm leads to strange symptoms.”
Understanding Phlegm-Damp Constitution
Do you know what a phlegm-damp constitution is?
The phlegm-damp constitution is one of the more common types among the nine constitution types in TCM. The phlegm in phlegm-damp constitution refers to the broad definition of phlegm. When phlegm-damp accumulates in the skin, it manifests as obesity; when it settles in the abdomen, it leads to abdominal obesity or central obesity; when it lodges in the lungs, it causes chest tightness and excessive phlegm; when phlegm-damp obstructs the spleen, it hinders the flow of qi, leading to fatigue, a heavy body sensation, and so on.
Are you of phlegm-damp constitution? Let’s do a little test!
Physical Characteristics
Obese body shape, soft and full abdomen;
Common Manifestations
Oily facial skin, excessive sticky sweat, prone to chest tightness, excessive phlegm, fatigue, heavy body sensation, sticky or sweet mouth, preference for rich, sweet, and sticky foods, normal or loose stools, infrequent or slightly turbid urination, and a white greasy tongue coating;
Psychological Characteristics
Generally mild and steady personality, often patient.
Adaptability to External Environment
Poor adaptability to the plum rain season and damp environments;
Tendency to Develop Diseases
Prone to metabolic syndrome, including abdominal obesity or overweight, abnormal lipid metabolism, hypertension, diabetes, etc.
Who is likely to have a phlegm-damp constitution?
Can phlegm-damp constitution be hereditary?
The phlegm-damp constitution can be formed from congenital inheritance or acquired factors. Congenital inheritance often has a clear family history; for example, if relatives have diabetes, hypertension, gout, or hyperlipidemia, there is a high likelihood of passing it to the next generation. Additionally, some unhealthy lifestyle habits can make one more prone to developing a phlegm-damp constitution.
The Four Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits Most Favored by Phlegm-Damp Constitution
Irregular Diet
Overeating rich foods, having a long-term preference for salty flavors, and frequently consuming high-fat, high-protein, and high-calorie foods. Additionally, overconsumption of cold and raw foods can harm the spleen and stomach, leading to dysfunction in their ability to transform and transport, resulting in phlegm-damp constitution.
Cold Invasion
In humid climates, prolonged exposure to water or rain, or living in damp areas can lead to dampness invading the body, causing the spleen and stomach to be obstructed, resulting in poor fluid metabolism and accumulation of dampness into phlegm.
Lack of Exercise
Long periods of inactivity, such as lying down or sitting for too long, can lead to poor circulation of qi and blood, sluggish spleen and stomach function, and an inability to transform and transport fluids, resulting in internal phlegm-damp accumulation.
Chronic Sleep Deprivation
Chronic late nights can affect the smooth flow of gallbladder qi, which in turn affects the liver, creating a vicious cycle that impacts the spleen.
Can Phlegm-Damp Constitution Be Regulated?
Regulating a phlegm-damp constitution requires exercise.
For individuals with a phlegm-damp constitution, the main methods of regulation include exercise and dietary therapy. Experts recommend maintaining a dry indoor environment and engaging in outdoor activities. Wear breathable clothing and get plenty of sunlight. However, during damp and cold weather, outdoor activities should be minimized to avoid getting wet and cold.
One important function of the spleen is to “govern the muscles of the body.” Through exercise, one can enhance the function of the spleen and stomach. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals with a phlegm-damp constitution engage in prolonged aerobic exercise to enhance the metabolic processes of the body, such as walking, jogging, playing badminton, or swimming. The best time for exercise is between 2 PM and 4 PM when yang energy is at its peak, and the environment is warm and pleasant. However, individuals with a phlegm-damp constitution generally have a higher body weight, so when exercising at higher intensities, it is important to pay attention to pacing and gradually increase the intensity to ensure safety.
Regulating Phlegm-Damp Constitution Requires Both Dietary and Herbal Therapy.
The dietary approach should focus on a light diet, emphasizing low-fat, high-fiber foods, while avoiding rich, greasy, and cold foods. Commonly used foods include Chi Xiao Dou (Adzuki Bean), Bian Dou (Lima Bean), Can Dou (Fava Bean), Hua Sheng (Peanut), Luobo (Radish), Yang Cong (Onion), Dong Gua (Winter Melon), Zi Cai (Nori), Ma Ti (Water Chestnut), and Jia Yu (Crucian Carp).
Additionally, one can also regulate through traditional Chinese medicine. The principles of dietary and herbal therapy focus on strengthening the spleen, eliminating dampness, transforming phlegm, and clearing turbidity. Representative formulas include Er Chen Tang (Two Aged Decoction) and Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginseng and Poria Powder). Commonly used herbs include Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), Fu Ling (Poria), Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Bian Dou (Lima Bean), Qian Shi (Euryale Seed), Yi Yi Ren (Job’s Tears), Sha Ren (Amomum Fruit), and Lian Zi Rou (Lotus Seed Flesh).
Moreover, when using traditional Chinese medicine for regulation, it should not be a one-size-fits-all approach. Adjustments should be made based on the specific symptoms accompanying the phlegm-damp constitution. For example, if there is concurrent qi deficiency, one can add Huang Qi (Astragalus) or Dang Shen (Codonopsis) to tonify qi; if there is concurrent yin deficiency, one can add Shi Hu (Dendrobium) or Hua Fen (Pollen) to nourish yin; if there is concurrent blood stasis, one can add blood-activating herbs such as Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) or Hong Hua (Safflower).
[Source: Guangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital]
