↑Click the card above to follow me↑【This article is: Dr. Peng Xin’s explanation of the fifth lecture in the “TCM Treatment of External Pathogenic Illness” series. (More exciting content will be updated in the next issue…)】Dear listeners, hello, I am Dr. Peng Xin from TCM.Today, I will share with you the course
The main title is:TCM Rehabilitation and Health Maintenance Methods for Cough and Throat Itch After External Pathogenic Illness
The subtitle is:Ancient TCM Methods for Treating External Pathogenic Illness (Lecture Five) – After Recovery: Cough and Throat Itch
Special Note:The content of this article is mainly for reference by clinical TCM professionals. The formulas, herbs, and other methods mentioned in the text should not be used blindly by non-professionals and should be applied under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner for safety.
In previous courses, I shared with you:Ancient TCM Methods for Treating External Pathogenic Illness (Lecture One): Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat Patterns (click to view)Ancient TCM Methods for Treating External Pathogenic Illness (Lecture Two): Qi Deficiency Pattern (click to view)Ancient TCM Methods for Treating External Pathogenic Illness (Lecture Three): Cold-Damp Pattern(click to view)Ancient TCM Methods for Treating External Pathogenic Illness (Lecture Four): After Recovery: Qi Deficiency and Fatigue(click to view)and other content, explaining the TCM differentiation and treatment methods for various patterns of external pathogenic illness such as “Wind-Cold Pattern,” “Wind-Heat Pattern,” “Qi Deficiency Pattern,” “Cold-Damp Pattern,” and the post-recovery “Qi Deficiency and Fatigue”.In this course, I will continue to share the thoughts and personal experiences of ancient TCM methods for treating external pathogenic illness, and today’s theme is:TCM Rehabilitation and Health Maintenance Methods for Cough and Throat Itch After External Pathogenic Illness.1. Pathogenesis Analysis of Cough and Throat Itch After Recovery from External Pathogenic Illness
After an external pathogenic illness, young people or those with generally good health can recover in 2-3 weeks. However, those with weak constitutions, underlying diseases, or elderly patients may experience lingering symptoms such as cough and throat itch after recovery.
TCM believes that post-illness weakness is generally due to deficiency in the five organs and insufficient Qi and Yin. Among these, “Lung Deficiency” mainly includes different conditions such as Lung Qi Deficiency, Lung Yin Deficiency, and both Qi and Yin Deficiency, all of which primarily manifest as symptoms of “cough and throat itch”; (Please follow WeChat: pengxinboshi) in addition, some patients may have residual pathogenic factors, such as “Lung Cold,” “Phlegm Heat,” “Phlegm Damp,” and “Lung Dryness,” which can also lead to cough, with the common pathogenesis being “Lung Qi Stagnation.” Due to the complexity of TCM differentiation and treatment for cough after recovery from external pathogenic illness, I will not be able to analyze each aspect in detail due to time constraints, but I will briefly explain the key points.
1. Main Manifestations:
(Warm reminder: The following are the most typical and comprehensive symptoms of various patterns; patients do not necessarily present textbook cases, and differentiation and treatment should be adjusted based on specific clinical situations.)
Lung Qi Deficiency:Cough with shortness of breath, thin and clear phlegm, fatigue and reluctance to speak, low voice and weak breath, pale complexion, spontaneous sweating, and aversion to wind. Tongue is pale with white coating, pulse is thin and weak.
Lung Yin Deficiency:Paroxysmal cough with reverse Qi, little sticky phlegm (or blood-streaked phlegm), dry throat and pain, hoarse voice, irritability, and insomnia, with heat in the palms and soles. Tongue is red with little coating, pulse is thin and rapid.
Both Qi and Yin Deficiency:Shortness of breath and cough with little sticky phlegm, irritability and dry mouth. Tongue is red with peeled coating, pulse is thin and rapid.
Residual Pathogenic Factors:Cough and throat itch, unproductive phlegm, or slight aversion to wind and fever.
(1) Cold-Damp:Cough with wheezing, phlegm sounds in the throat, thin and frothy phlegm, chest tightness and shortness of breath, feeling cold and aversion to cold. Tongue coating is white and slippery, pulse is deep and wiry or deep and tight.
(2) Phlegm Heat:Cough with coarse breathing, yellow and thick phlegm, unproductive cough, possibly with a fishy taste or blood-streaked phlegm, chest and rib fullness, pain during coughing, possibly with fever and dry mouth. Tongue coating is thin yellow and greasy, pulse is slippery and rapid.
(3) Phlegm Damp:Recurrent cough, white and thick phlegm, possibly with chest tightness and shortness of breath. Tongue coating is turbid and greasy, pulse is soft and slow or soft and slippery.
(4) Lung Dryness:Cough with little phlegm, possibly blood-streaked, chest discomfort during coughing, dry mouth and thirst, dry lips and sore throat. Tongue is red, pulse is thin and rapid.
(Warm reminder: The above are the most typical and comprehensive symptoms of various patterns; patients do not necessarily present textbook cases, and differentiation and treatment should be adjusted based on specific clinical situations.)
2. TCM Differentiation Insights
The specific conditions of patients are generally quite complex; while a single pattern may exist, it is not common. More often, there are mixed patterns, such as Yin Deficiency with Phlegm Heat, or Qi Deficiency with Phlegm Damp, or both Qi and Yin Deficiency with Phlegm Damp, Cold-Damp, etc.; if the patient also has spleen and stomach insufficiency, or heart Qi insufficiency, or kidney Qi deficiency, a more detailed differentiation analysis combining the organs is needed. (Please follow WeChat: pengxinboshi) Patients recovering from external pathogenic illness generally present with a predominance of deficiency, often accompanied by phlegm dampness, while phlegm heat and lung dryness are less common.
3. Example of Differentiation
Due to the numerous classifications of cough differentiation, I will not analyze them all due to time constraints. Based on current experience, I will share a relatively common type.
Residual Pathogenic Factors, Lung Qi Stagnation Pattern
1. Main Manifestations:Cough and throat itch, unproductive phlegm, possibly slight aversion to wind, tongue coating is thin and white, pulse is floating and slow.
2. Summary of Pathogenesis:Residual pathogenic factors, lung Qi stagnation
3. Treatment Principles:Disperse and benefit lung Qi, stop cough and transform phlegm
4. Corresponding Formulas and Herbs:Mainly using Zhi Sou San (Stop Cough Powder) as the primary formula. (Adjust according to clinical conditions)
5. Formula Composition:Zhi Sou San formula: 9g of Jie Geng (Platycodon), 9g of Jing Jie (Schizonepeta), 9g of Zi Wan (Aster), 9g of Bai Bu (Stemona), 9g of Bai Qian (Cynanchum), 3g of Gan Cao (Licorice), 6g of Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel). [1]
(The composition and dosage of the above formula are mainly based on the standardized textbooks of TCM pharmacology used in higher education institutions. TCM professionals can adjust according to the specific clinical conditions of the patient.)
6. Formula Analysis:
After an external pathogenic illness, the lungs lose their ability to clear and regulate. Some patients have residual pathogenic factors, still experiencing throat itch and cough, with most external pathogens eliminated. Therefore, some may still have slight aversion to wind. At this time, the patient’s constitution is about to recover, but still needs a little more time, like a boat nearing the shore (complete health), and cannot use forceful paddling (strong herbs), but aims to adjust the direction (detailed differentiation), using light herbs to eliminate residual pathogenic factors and finish the treatment.
The treatment approach focuses on dispersing the lungs and stopping cough, with a few additional herbs to release wind and resolve the exterior.
The formula includes Zi Wan and Bai Bu, both of which are warm but not hot, moistening but not greasy, and can stop cough and transform phlegm, serving as the monarch herbs. Jie Geng opens and disperses lung Qi, stopping cough and transforming phlegm; Bai Qian lowers Qi and transforms phlegm, enhancing the monarch herbs’ ability to stop cough and transform phlegm, serving as minister herbs. Jing Jie releases wind and resolves the exterior, eliminating residual pathogenic factors on the surface; Chen Pi regulates Qi and transforms phlegm, serving as assistant herbs. Licorice harmonizes the herbs, and combined with Jie Geng, it also has the function of benefiting the throat and stopping cough, serving as the envoy herb. Overall, the formula consists of seven herbs, with relatively light dosages, characterized by warmth without dryness, moistening without greasiness, dispersing cold without promoting heat, and resolving the exterior without harming the righteous Qi. As stated in the “Medical Insights”: “This formula is warm, moist, and balanced, neither cold nor hot, with no risk of excessive attack, and has a strong tendency to open the door and drive away the thief. Therefore, the guest pathogen is easily dispersed, and lung Qi is at peace.” The ancients used it for chronic cough and unproductive phlegm, and with appropriate adjustments, it can yield good results.[1]
7. Adjustments:
If phlegm is thick and sticky, and phlegm dampness is heavier, add 9g of Fu Ling (Poria) and 9g of Sang Bai Pi (Mulberry Bark) to enhance the function of eliminating dampness and transforming phlegm;If there is a dry cough without phlegm, and internal lung fire dryness, add 6g of Gua Lou (Trichosanthes) and 6g of Zhe Bei Mu (Fritillaria) and 6g of Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena) to moisten dryness and transform phlegm.
3. Health Maintenance and Lifestyle Methods
1. Health Massage
Meridian massage: Gently massage or lightly pat along the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian from top to bottom (do not apply too much force) to smooth the lung meridian.
Acupoint massage: Massage points such as Kong Zui, Lie Que, and Yu Ji.
2. Moxibustion for Health
Moxibustion points:Lung Shu and Ding Chuan, moxibustion for 30 minutes at each point
to disperse lung Qi and stop cough. Suitable for cough due to wind-cold. Caution is advised for those with dry mouth and Yin deficiency.
4. Post-Recovery Health Maintenance Considerations
1. Speak Less to Nourish Qi
TCM believes that excessive talking depletes Qi; after recovery, try to speak less to nourish lung Qi.
2. Dietary Considerations
It is recommended to avoid spicy, cold, and overly sweet foods; the diet should be light, warm, nutritious, and easy to digest, without adding burden to the spleen and stomach.
3. Mental Health Maintenance
Maintain a calm mindset, avoid emotional disturbances (joy, anger, worry, thought, sadness, fear, surprise), and try to limit screen time on phones, computers, and TVs to cultivate tranquility. Listening to soothing music can also help nurture the spirit.
4. Gradual Resumption of Work and Exercise
After recovery, prioritize rest and gradually restore energy and physical strength. Only after complete recovery of vital energy should one undertake a certain amount of exercise and work, avoiding excessive physical activity and workload too soon.
5. Health Practices
Health practices can include practicing the “Chest Expansion Method” (as shown in the video below), twice a day for 5 minutes each time, with gentle and slow movements to expand the chest, strengthen the lungs, and promote recovery.
Special Note:The content of this article is mainly for reference by clinical TCM professionals. The formulas, herbs, and other methods mentioned in the text should not be used blindly by non-professionals and should be applied under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner for safety.
The above are the TCM health maintenance methods for cough and throat itch after recovery from external pathogenic illness.
Due to time constraints, this is where today’s lesson ends. (Please follow WeChat: pengxinboshi) In the next courses, I will share various TCM health maintenance methods for other issues after recovery from external pathogenic illness. Thank you all!
I sincerely wish you good health!
I am Dr. Peng Xin from TCM, and I will see you in the next issue! (To be continued)
References
[1] Duan Fujin. Formulary Science [M]. Shanghai: Shanghai Scientific and Technical Publishers, 1995: 26, 27
This article is: Dr. Peng Xin’s explanation of the fifth lecture in the “TCM Treatment of External Pathogenic Illness” series. More exciting content will be updated in the next issue.
Previous content of Dr. Peng’s “TCM Treatment of External Pathogenic Illness” series:
1: Ancient TCM Methods for Treating External Pathogenic Illness (Lecture One) – Differentiation Experience Sharing: Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat (with audio) (click to view the original text)
2:What to do if a person with Qi deficiency contracts an external pathogenic illness? What are the sequelae? (with audio) (click to view the original text)
3: What to do if a person with heavy dampness contracts an external pathogenic illness? What are the sequelae? (with audio) (click to view the original text)
4:TCM Rehabilitation and Dietary Moxibustion Health Methods for Cough and Throat Itch After Recovery from External Pathogenic Illness (with audio)(click to view the original text)Disclaimer: This article is for health knowledge sharing. The medications, formulas, acupuncture, and other treatments and health methods mentioned in the text should be applied under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, and should not be used independently. The author is not responsible for any issues arising from improper use.Copyright Statement: This article is authored byPeng Xin, and is an original article. Reproduction or citation without permission is prohibited.(Copyright belongs to the original author, and all legal rights are reserved)Recommended Reading
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