Dampness in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different dampness patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Dampness, in the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), refers to an excessive accumulation of moisture in the body that disrupts its natural balance. This condition can manifest as a sensation of heaviness, swelling, and general sluggishness. It can also lead to various health issues such as digestive problems, joint pain, and a feeling of heaviness or bloating. The concept of dampness is unique to TCM and is not directly equivalent to any single condition in Western medicine, but it broadly correlates with symptoms like fluid retention and edema.
In TCM, dampness is seen as a pathogenic factor that can invade the body from external sources or arise from internal imbalances. Unlike Western medicine, which typically views symptoms like fluid retention through the lens of specific organ dysfunction, TCM considers dampness a result of disharmony in the body's Qi, Blood, and Body Fluids. It is crucial in TCM to identify the underlying pattern of disharmony causing the dampness before determining the appropriate treatment.
TCM Patterns for Dampness
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause dampness
Yin Excess
Diagnostic signs
Slippery (Hua), Tight (Jin), Wiry (Xian), Full (Shi)
Pale with white wet and/or creamy think coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Dampness
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address dampness