Overview of phlegm drink in traditional Chinese medicine

in traditional Chinese medicine theoryphlegm drinkIt is a pathological product formed by abnormal water metabolism in the human body and is divided intotangible phlegm(such as coughing up phlegm) andinvisible phlegm(such as phlegm and dampness trapping the spleen). The formation of phlegm is closely related to the dysfunction of the lungs, spleen, and kidneys. It is mainly caused by the cessation of water and dampness due to external factors, diet, emotions, and other factors. Its pathogenic characteristics are blocking Qi movement, blinding the clearing of the orifices, and causing symptoms such as cough, dizziness, and obesity. treatment withResolving phlegm and removing dampnessIn principle, commonly used prescriptions such as Erchen Decoction, Linggui Zhugan Decoction, etc. are combined with acupuncture and dietary conditioning.

The causes and classification of phlegm syndrome

There are many reasons for the formation of phlegmSpleen failure(stop when water is wet),Loss of lung function(Water liquid does not spread) orInsufficient kidney yang(Water turns into phlegm). Traditional Chinese medicine divides phlegm into four categories:phlegm drink(Stop in the gastrointestinal tract),hang drink(water accumulates under the ribs),overflowing drink(swollen limbs),Have a drink(Coughing and wheezing in the chest and diaphragm). For example, long-term craving for fatty, sweet and thick foods can easily lead to phlegm and dampness, while depression may lead to qi stagnation and phlegm coagulation. The fluidity of phlegm allows it to spread throughout the body, causing various symptoms. For example, phlegm covering the heart orifices can cause dizziness, and phlegm blocking the meridians can cause nodules.

Clinical manifestations and harms of phlegm syndrome

Symptoms of phlegm syndrome are complex:tangible phlegmCoughing and vomiting of sticky phlegm and phlegm in the throat can be seen;invisible phlegmMost symptoms include chest tightness, dizziness, and thick and greasy tongue coating. Long-term accumulation of phlegm and fluids may induce chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure (phlegm and turbidity), hyperlipidemia (phlegm and blood stasis intertwined) or thyroid nodules (phlegm and Qi blocked). "The Synopsis of the Golden Chamber" records: "Those who are sick with phlegm and drink should be treated with warming medicine", emphasizing the importance of warming. Modern medical research has also found that phlegm-retention constitution is related to metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Treatment and conditioning of phlegm syndrome

Traditional Chinese Medicine focuses on treating phlegm and fluid retentionTaking into account both specimens and specimens: Commonly used drugs include pinellia, tangerine peel, poria and other phlegm-reducing drugs, combined with Atractylodes macrocephala and cinnamon twig to warm the yang and transform the drink; acupuncture points such as Fenglong and Zusanli are selected to strengthen the spleen and remove dampness. It is necessary to avoid raw, cold and greasy food in daily conditioning, and we recommend dehumidifying ingredients such as barley and adzuki beans. Some Chinese patent medicines such asErchen Pill(Manufacturer: Beijing Tongrentang),Shenling Baizhu Powder(Manufacturer: Yunnan Baiyao) is also commonly used to regulate phlegm and dampness, but it needs to be used based on syndrome differentiation.

Summary and Notes

Phlegm retention is a unique pathological concept of traditional Chinese medicine, and its prevention and treatment requires a combination of physical identification and lifestyle adjustment. During treatment, it is necessary to distinguish the deficiency and excess of cold and heat. For example, cold phlegm should be warmed, while hot phlegm should be cleared and moistened. Patients should avoid blindly taking expectorants and are advised to use them under the guidance of a physician. For chronic diseases related to phlegm and fluids, the combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine has better therapeutic effect. Maintaining a comfortable mood, moderate exercise and regular work and rest can effectively prevent the formation of phlegm.

Quote sources:

1. "Huangdi Neijing·Suwen" - laying the foundation for the theory of phlegm and fluids
2. Zhang Zhongjing's "Synopsis of the Golden Chamber" - Proposing the classification and treatment of phlegm and fluids
3. Modern research: "The relationship between the phlegm-yin theory of traditional Chinese medicine and metabolic diseases" (China Traditional Chinese Medicine Press, 2018)
4. For data on proprietary Chinese medicines, please refer to the filing information of the State Food and Drug Administration.