Phlegm-Damp Constitution
A constitution characterized by the accumulation of Phlegm and Dampness, resulting from a functional deficiency of the Spleen in transforming and transporting fluids. Phlegm-Dampness stagnates organ function and generates excess fatty tissue and mucus.
Description
A constitution characterized by the accumulation of Phlegm and Dampness, resulting from a functional deficiency of the Spleen in transforming and transporting fluids. Phlegm-Dampness stagnates organ function and generates excess fatty tissue and mucus.
Physical and emotional traits
Physical
- Tendency toward being overweight or obese
- Oily skin, especially on the face
- Excessive, sticky sweating
- Sensation of bodily heaviness
- Prominent, soft abdomen
- Puffy eyelids
- Chest tightness or a feeling of fullness
Emotional
- Tendency toward inertia and laziness
- Slow or foggy thinking
- Difficulty concentrating
- Generally calm, patient temperament
- Resistance to change and new beginnings
- Low inclination toward exercise
Common symptoms
- Feeling of heaviness in the body and head
- Abundant mucus (phlegm in the throat)
- Chest oppression
- Nausea and heaviness after eating
- Loose stools or stools with mucus
- Sticky mouth or no thirst
- Edema in the legs and ankles
- Snoring and sleep apnea
- High triglyceride and cholesterol levels
- Tongue
- Pale or pale pink body, white or yellow, thick and greasy coating (腻苔, nì tái)
- Pulse
- Slippery (滑脉, huá mài) or wiry (弦脉, xián mài), slow and deep
Tendencies and vulnerabilities
- Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- Obesity and dyslipidemia
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver
- Sleep apnea
Diet
Favor dry, warm foods that help the Spleen transform Dampness. Eat small, frequent meals. Strictly avoid cold, fatty, and sweet foods that generate Phlegm. Reduce refined carbohydrates.
Favor
- Pearl barley (薏苡仁, yì yǐ rén) - drains Dampness
- White daikon radish (化痰, dissolves Phlegm)
- Shiitake and maitake mushrooms
- Onion and leek
- Seaweed (kombu, wakame) in moderation
- Apple cider vinegar
- Pu-erh tea (消脂, reduces fat)
- Red and green bell peppers
- Lean chicken and rabbit
- Fava beans and peas
Moderate
- Excess dairy (generates Phlegm)
- Refined sugar and sweets
- Fried and fatty foods
- Alcohol
- Fast food
- Excess very sweet fruits
- White bread and refined flours
- Fatty meats
- Raw and cold foods
Lifestyle, exercise and emotions
Regular, sustained physical activity is essential. Avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Keep the home dry and well-ventilated. Avoid environmental dampness. Reduce alcohol consumption. Sleep enough, but not excessively.
- Moderate-to-intense aerobic exercise (45-60 min/day)
- Brisk walking
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Tai Chi to move Qi
- Dynamic yoga (Vinyasa)
Excessive worry and circular thinking block the Spleen and generate more Dampness. Practice mindfulness to clear the mind. Stimulating social activities. Keep active routines.
Seasonal advice
- Spring
- Activate the movement of Qi with exercise. Cleansing foods (sprouts, shoots). Avoid the dampness of spring rain.
- Summer
- Take advantage of the heat to dry internal Dampness. Moderate sweating with exercise. Avoid cold foods even when it is hot.
- Autumn
- Protect the Lung from Phlegm with foods that dry Dampness. Cooked pear with ginger.
- Winter
- Higher risk of Phlegm accumulation. Maintain physical activity. Hot soups with barley and daikon. Avoid excess fatty holiday foods.
Associated herbs and formulas
Herbs that tradition associates
Herbs usually avoided
Formulas
Herbs and formulas must be prescribed by qualified professionals: they can interact with medications.
Acupressure points
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
