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In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there is a saying: “All diseases arise from phlegm.” Although it is a short phrase, it highlights the significant impact of “phlegm” on the body. When we talk about phlegm, we often think of the phlegm-damp constitution. Today, we will discuss the phlegm-damp constitution and analyze how to address this “phlegm”.
#Phlegm-damp constitution refers to the dysfunction of the internal organs, leading to the disordered transformation of qi, blood, and body fluids, resulting in the accumulation of water and dampness, which transforms into phlegm. This condition is often characterized by obesity, especially in the abdomen, which feels soft like cotton when pressed. Additionally, symptoms include chest tightness, excessive phlegm, drowsiness, and a heavy sensation in the body. The tongue presentation typically shows a swollen tongue body, possibly with tooth marks, and a white, greasy, or slightly yellow coating.
The term “phlegm” here does not merely refer to the common understanding of phlegm; it indicates the pathological accumulation of body fluids. “Dampness” can be categorized into internal and external dampness. External dampness refers to environmental factors such as humidity from rain or living in damp conditions, which can invade the body and cause illness. Internal dampness arises from improper digestive function, leading to uncontrolled fluid movement within the body, resulting in the accumulation of body fluids, which can be caused by excessive intake of moist foods, alcohol, dairy, or cold beverages.
Why does one develop a phlegm-damp constitution? It is often accompanied by long-term unhealthy lifestyle habits. Observing individuals with a phlegm-damp constitution, we find that they frequently consume rich and fatty foods, do not exercise, and have irregular daily routines. Therefore, to adjust their health, individuals with phlegm-damp constitution must first practice self-discipline, adopt a light diet, increase physical activity, and adjust their lifestyle to a healthier state. Additionally, they can use Wendan Decoction (温胆汤) for foot baths.
However, when using Wendan Decoction, we need to differentiate between ordinary phlegm-damp, cold-phlegm, and phlegm-heat.
NO.1
Ordinary Phlegm-Damp
Ordinary phlegm-damp refers to the condition where phlegm-damp has formed but has not significantly developed towards cold or heat. At this time, the tongue coating is thick and greasy, white in color, with a relatively high amount of saliva on the tongue.
For ordinary phlegm-damp, Dr. Luo Dalun recommends adding ginger (生姜), patchouli (藿香), and eupatorium (佩兰) to Wendan Decoction, as phlegm cannot be resolved without warmth, and patchouli and eupatorium can help to disperse and purify. Thus, the final formula becomes:
Formula
Patchouli (藿香) 6g, Eupatorium (佩兰) 6g, Poria (茯苓) 30g, Dried Tangerine Peel (陈皮) 9g, Pinellia (法半夏) 6g, Honey-fried Licorice (炙甘草) 6g, Bamboo Shavings (竹茹) 6g, Bitter Orange (枳实) 6g, Ginger (生姜) 3 slices. (Not suitable for pregnant women)
Method:
Decoct the herbs, then pour the decoction into warm water for foot baths. Use twice daily for 20 minutes each time, with the water level covering the ankles. After a few days, the phlegm-damp will gradually loosen, and the tongue coating will become thinner, at which point foot baths can be discontinued.
NO.2
Cold-Phlegm
Individuals with cold-phlegm often have insufficient righteous qi, with spleen and kidney yang deficiency, which, when combined with external cold, leads to an internal accumulation of cold and the condensation of cold-phlegm. Symptoms include manifestations of yang deficiency, along with symptoms of blocked meridians; bowel movements may present as either unformed stools or constipation; the tongue is often pale and lacks color, sometimes appearing light purple, indicating blood stasis due to cold. The tongue coating is usually snow-white, even stark white, resembling a snowy landscape in winter, and is moist with saliva.
In this case, using Wendan Decoction is not effective. Instead, one can use the TCM patent medicine Fuzi Lizhong Wan (附子理中丸) to warm and tonify the spleen and kidney yang, or perform moxibustion (艾灸) for regulation. The key is to adopt warming methods to tonify yang qi.
NO.3
Phlegm-Heat
As mentioned earlier, individuals with phlegm-damp tend to consume rich and fatty foods, leading to the accumulation of phlegm. Over time, if the internal environment is conducive, such as having pre-existing internal heat, these two conditions can combine to create phlegm-heat.
People with phlegm-heat are often prone to heat symptoms, dislike heat; they may have a bad temper, be irritable, and impulsive; in severe cases, they may notice a reddening of the face and dry stools. The tongue is often red, with the intensity of redness indicating the severity of heat; the tongue coating is thick and greasy, often with varying degrees of yellow. A slight yellow indicates mild heat, while a pronounced yellow indicates more severe heat.
In this case, Wendan Decoction can be modified for treatment, and the formula changes again:
Formula
Poria (茯苓) 30g, Dried Tangerine Peel (陈皮) 6g, Pinellia (法半夏) 6g, Honey-fried Licorice (炙甘草) 6g, Bamboo Shavings (竹茹) 9g, Bitter Orange (枳实) 9g, Whole Trichosanthes (全瓜蒌) 9g, Zhejiang Fritillaria (浙贝母) 9g. (Not suitable for pregnant women)
Method:
After decocting, mix with warm water for foot baths, following the same method as before.
This formula contains a higher proportion of cooling herbs and does not include ginger, making it more effective for eliminating phlegm-heat.
Having read this, do you now have a deeper understanding of “phlegm”? Are you also amazed by the intricacies of TCM? However, we must emphasize that any health issues do not arise overnight. Do not wait for health problems to arise before relying on medication; instead, pay attention to health maintenance, eat healthily, maintain a regular schedule, keep a positive mindset, and exercise regularly. Your body is your own; do not overexert yourself, and take better care of your health!
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