When communicating with a patient about their diagnosis in Chinese Medicine a common word that get misunderstood is phlegm. The term phlegm is used in the western world as the thick mucus that blocks the lungs and can be seen upon coughing some out. This is a form of phlegm in Chinese medicine, but only one simple, tangible form of it. Phlegm in TCM is nothing more than congealed fluids in the body. It presents itself when the energys in the body, or Qi, become depleted or depressed. This slowing of the fluids causing them to congeal into a thicker fluid. An additional way that phlegm can be formed is by adding heat or cold to the internal equation. Fluids can thicken if internal heat is applied over time, similar to reducing method when cooking. Likewise, cold can congeal fluids just the same. Cold causes things to contract and pull in, which causes fluids to thicken.

Phlegm has a tendency to wreck havoc in the body. It can be the source of a internal pattern or can be cause by an internal pattern. Phlegm can form soft, round, rubbery nodules in and on the body. It can be hidden and lying in wait until stirred up by other pathogens within the body. This situation can other in asthma patients who shown no signs of issues, but when they have an episode they can fill up with fluids. Mental health issues can be affect by phlegm within the body. In TCM, there is a pattern diagnosis where phlegm mists the portals of the heart. This basically means that the person’s mental faculties can be hindered by phlegm, not allowing the emotions to function properly.

Phlegm has become a massive problem in the western world based on our diets that are high in sugars and sweets, cold, and greasy foods. Ice cream is the single handed worst food for someone battling with phlegm because it is cold, greasy, and full of sugar.  The greasy foods that are prevelant and inexpensive cause issues with the organs in the body that metabolism foods correctly causing an imbalance in water metabolism in the body. This leads to formation of dampness and phlegm.

Phlegm can be treated with acupuncture and herbal medicine. There are specific formulas design to remove the dampness and phlegm from the body, while correcting the internal imbalance that allow them to form. The resolution of phlegm is based upon dietary changes in addition to the TCM treatments. The diet can be used to heal the body as well as harm it.