Phlegm Misting the Heart
Phlegm Misting the Heart
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Diagnostic Signs
Thick sticky slippery white coating, swollen tongue, midline crack until the tip of the tongue
Slippery (Hua)
Key Characteristic Symptoms
Other Associated Symptoms
Diagnostic Considerations
Key characteristic symptoms of this pattern are the rental confusion, rattling sound in the throat and swollen tongue with sticky coating.
Causes & Pathology
Common Causes
This pattern is constitutional if it happens to children.
Over consumption of greasy, cold or raw foods can cause accumulation of Phlegm and thus related patterns. However, in order for the Phlegm to mist the Heart, there are usually also serious long term emotional problems such as anxiety.
Pathological Mechanism
This pattern is also called 'Cold Phlegm or Mucus Obstructing the Heart Orifices'. It is similar to the pattern of 'Phlegm Fire harassing the Heart' (also called 'Hot Phlegm or Mucus Obstructing the Heart orifices'), but it is a Cold Pattern here.
Children can have this pattern and it is often constitutional. It can be the fundamental cause for symptoms like retardation or speech difficulties.
As for adult, Phlegm together with the Wind can lead to coma, paralysis and aphasia, which happens often after a Wind-stroke attack.
The Mind has no residence at the Heart if it is obstructed by the Phlegm, hence the symptoms of mental confusion, lethargic stupor or unconsciousness.
The Phlegm also prevents the tongue from moving and thus aphasia happens. It is because the Heart opens to the tongue. Due to the Phlegm obstructing the chest, vomiting and the rattling sound in the throat are also the typical symptoms.
Finally, the swollen tongue with sticky coating and Slippery pulse also shows the existing of Phlegm.
Treatment Approach
Treatment Principle
Resolve Phlegm, open the Heart and the Mind’s orifices.
Recommended Herbal Formulas
Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations
As for food recommendation, it is better to avoid any dairy, chocolate, alcohol, sodas, wheat, flour products, desserts, greasy and fried foods, caffeinated foods and drinks, cold and iced drinks and foods, raw foods, fruit and vegetable juices, salads. Avoid any processed foods, especially those with additives. Better eat rice, millet and barley, black bean soup with onions and garlic, protein and vegetables.
Take some safe and mild exercise such as walking.
Finally try some professional psychotherapy such as cupping or moxibustion.
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