Pattern Full

Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine

Tán Yǐn 痰饮
Affects: Small Intestine Stomach

Educational content • Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment

Diagnostic Signs

Tongue

Swollen tongue with white slippery or yellow sticky coating

Pulse

Deep (Chen), Slippery (Hua), Wiry (Xian)

Key Characteristic Symptoms

Abdominal distention and fullness Vomiting of watery fluids Dry tongue Dry mouth with no desire to drink Splashing sound in the stomach Chest fullness Loose stools Weight loss

Other Associated Symptoms

Diagnostic Considerations

Key characteristic symptoms of this pattern are the chest distension and fullness as well as the water splashing sound of the Stomach.

Causes & Pathology

Pathological Mechanism

Phlegm-Fluids is a type of Substantial Phlegm characterized by white, very watery and thin sputum. It can sometimes actually be heard splashing in the body.

Phlegm-Fluids in Stomach and Intestines simply refers to a pattern whereby Phlegm-Fluids accumulates in those Organs. It often does so when the transportive and transformative functions of the Middle-Burner are damaged due to Spleen Yang Deficiency.

Please be aware that the term 'Phlegm-Fluids' has its general or specific meaning. The general one refers to all Phlegm-Fluids patterns including the following 4 main ones:

Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine (Tan Yin, 痰饮)

Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium (Xuan Yin, 悬饮)

Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs （Yi Yin, 溢饮)

Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm (Zhi Yin, 支饮)

The specific meaning refers to only the pattern of Phlegm-Fluids in the Stomach and Small intestine (Tan Yin, 痰饮).

Treatment Approach

Treatment Principle

Warm the Spleen Yang and Qi, remove Phlegm-Fluids, dispel Dampness, drain water through urination.

Recommended Herbal Formulas

Explore More Patterns

Browse all TCM patterns of disharmony

Pattern Relationships

Derives From

Phlegm-Fluids

Related TCM Concepts

Phlegm Fluids Stomach Large Intestine Small Intestine