Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs
Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs
Educational content • Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment
Diagnostic Signs
Swollen tongue with sticky white coating
Tight (Jin), Wiry (Xian)
Key Characteristic Symptoms
Diagnostic Considerations
Key characteristic symptoms of this pattern are the heaviness and pain of the body, especially in the limbs.
Causes & Pathology
Pathological Mechanism
Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet, a classic Chinese Medicine book written almost 2,000 years ago by Zhang Zhongjing (150-219), defines Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs (Yi Yin) as follows: "The Fluids flow [throughout the entire body] and come together in the four limbs. They should issue as sweat, and when they do not, the entire body aches and [feels] heavy."
This is a description of superficial Oedema with the Fluids constraining Yang Qi in the Interior leading to a sensation of heaviness and aching that is accompanied by generalized irritability and restlessness.
The typical cure for Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs involves the promotion of physiological sweating as it provides a way to get rid of the Fluids.
Treatment Approach
Treatment Principle
Drain Dampness, Phlegm and Fluids
Explore More Patterns
Browse all TCM patterns of disharmony