Thick And Yellow Phlegm in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different thick and yellow phlegm patterns according to TCM theory
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Thick and yellow phlegm is a common respiratory symptom characterized by the production of dense, sticky mucus that is yellow in color. This type of sputum is often indicative of an inflammatory response within the respiratory system, particularly in the presence of a bacterial infection.
The yellow hue suggests the body's immune system is actively fighting off the infection, with white blood cells accumulating in the mucus, giving it its distinctive color. Patients may experience coughing as the body attempts to expel this phlegm, which can be accompanied by wheezing and a feeling of congestion in the chest.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches the symptom of thick and yellow phlegm through a lens that seeks to understand the underlying imbalances within the body's organ systems.
According to TCM, this symptom is often a sign of Heat and Phlegm accumulation, indicating an excess condition where pathogenic Heat transforms Body Fluids into Phlegm. TCM emphasizes the importance of diagnosing the specific pattern of disharmony causing the symptom, as treatment strategies are tailored to rebalance these energies, rather than directly targeting the phlegm itself.
TCM Patterns for Thick And Yellow Phlegm
Phlegm
Causes: Coughing and wheezing with copious thick and yellow sputum
Heat
Causes: Coughing and wheezing with copious thick and yellow sputum
Wind
Causes: Coughing and wheezing with copious thick and yellow sputum
Cold
Causes: Coughing and wheezing with copious thick and yellow sputum
Herbal Formulas for Thick And Yellow Phlegm
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address thick and yellow phlegm