What causes phlegm-dampness? Spleen deficiency is the culprit.
The formation of a phlegm-dampness constitution is closely related to the dysfunction of our internal organs, with "spleen deficiency" being the most critical factor.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the "spleen governs transportation and transformation." It is responsible for converting the food and water we consume into qi, blood, and body fluids that the body can use, and for expelling excess dampness. However, if the spleen becomes deficient due to poor eating habits (such as frequently consuming raw, cold, sweet, greasy, or fried foods), lack of exercise, or excessive thinking, the spleen's "transportation and transformation" function will weaken.
When water and dampness cannot be properly metabolized and expelled, they remain in the body, forming "dampness." When dampness accumulates and combines with other turbid substances in the body, it becomes the more viscous "phlegm." This is what is meant by "the spleen is the source of phlegm."
Phlegm-Dampness, Cold-Dampness, Damp-Heat? A chart to help you differentiate.
Dampness can evolve into different types depending on an individual's constitution. Besides phlegm-dampness, the most common types are "cold-dampness" and "damp-heat." Although all three are related to "dampness," their causes and treatment approaches are quite different.
|
Body Constitution Type |
Phlegm-Dampness |
Cold-Dampness |
Damp-Heat |
|
Core Cause |
Spleen deficiency, impaired transportation, and retention of water and dampness |
Insufficient yang qi, combination of cold and dampness |
Combination of dampness and heat evil, or excessive consumption of spicy and greasy foods |
|
Typical Symptoms |
Obesity, enlarged abdomen, phlegm in the throat, heavy body sensation |
Fear of cold, cold hands and feet, joint discomfort |
Bitter and dry mouth, oily face, strong body odor, dark yellow urine |
|
Tongue Characteristics |
Enlarged tongue body, white and greasy tongue coating |
Pale tongue body, white and slippery tongue coating |
Reddish tongue body, yellow and greasy tongue coating |
|
Treatment Direction |
Strengthen spleen and dispel dampness, resolve phlegm |
Warm yang and dispel cold, dispel dampness |
Clear heat and resolve dampness |
How to improve a phlegm-dampness constitution? Start with 4 key areas
To regulate a phlegm-dampness constitution, the core principle is to "strengthen the spleen" and "dispel dampness" simultaneously. Here are four suggestions covering diet, soups, acupoints, and lifestyle habits:
1. Dietary Adjustment
Individuals with a phlegm-dampness constitution should choose foods that help strengthen the spleen and promote diuresis, while avoiding "trigger foods" that worsen dampness in the body.
|
Recommended Foods (Strengthen spleen and dispel dampness) |
Foods to Avoid (Generate dampness and harm the spleen) |
|
Grains: Job's tears, adzuki beans, corn, Chinese yam |
Raw and cold: Iced drinks, ice cream, watermelon, sashimi |
|
Vegetables: Winter melon, white radish, dried tangerine peel, ginger |
Sweet and sticky: Cakes, chocolates, glutinous rice products, milk tea |
|
Meats: Crucian carp, lean meat |
Greasy and rich: Fried foods, fatty meat, animal organs |
2. Dampness-Dispelling Soups and Medicinal Cuisine
In addition to daily diet, regularly consuming soups that strengthen the spleen and dispel dampness can greatly help improve a phlegm-dampness constitution.
- Classic Si Shen Tang (Four-Gentlemen Soup): Composed of Chinese yam, Poria, lotus seeds, and Euryale ferox seeds. It has a mild effect in strengthening the spleen and dispelling dampness, suitable for most people.
- Red Bean and Job's Tears Soup: A classic combination for promoting urination and expelling dampness, helpful for reducing edema.
3. Daily Acupoint Massage
Massaging the following acupoints for a few minutes daily, persistently, can help strengthen the spleen and resolve dampness:
- Zusanli (ST36): Strengthens the spleen and stomach, regulates qi and blood.
- Fenglong (ST40): A key acupoint for resolving phlegm and dispelling dampness.
Yinlingquan (SP9): Strengthens the spleen and promotes diuresis, specifically for edema.
4. Cultivate Good Lifestyle Habits
- Moderate exercise: Exercise helps promote sweating, which is an excellent way to dispel dampness. It is recommended to choose exercises that induce light sweating, such as jogging or yoga.
- Avoid damp environments: Avoid getting wet in the rain, and thoroughly dry your hair after washing it.
Strengthening the Spleen and Dispelling Dampness is Key! A Smart Choice for Busy City Dwellers
To truly bid farewell to a phlegm-dampness constitution, the key lies in simultaneously "strengthening the spleen" and "dispelling dampness" to address the root cause of the problem.
However, for busy city dwellers, strictly adhering to dietary recommendations, regularly preparing soups, and consistently massaging acupoints can be easier said than done. Vitagreen "Herbal Dampness-Removing Formula" uses a classic formula for strengthening the spleen and dispelling dampness, combining natural herbal ingredients such as Poria, specifically designed for Hong Kong's humid climate. It not only helps you "dispel dampness" but, more importantly, strengthens the "spleen," the source of phlegm, helping you regulate your body from within and easily return to a light and refreshed state.
