Pleuritis according to Chinese Medicine
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
In Chinese Medicine, pleuritis is sometimes associated with Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm, a so-called "patterns of disharmony". Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted. It is not equivalent to the Western concept of "disease" because both concepts arise from totally different ways of seeing the human body.
To understand whether someone's pleuritis might be caused by the pattern Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from pleuritis alone. Indeed if pleuritis is caused by Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm, patients also experience symptoms such as alternating fever and chills, absence of sweating, wheezing and stifling sensation in the chest. Similarly, patients with Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm typically exhibit floating (Fu) or tight (Jin) pulses as well as a tongue with thick white coating.
We've listed below a more detailed description of Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm so that you can have a better understanding of where pleuritis might find its root according to Chinese Medicine.
Once identified, patterns are often treated using herbal formulas. Drinking herbal infusions is the most common remedy in Chinese Medicine, together with acupuncture. Here we detail below Xiao Qing Long Tang, a formula that can help treat Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm.
Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with pleuritis
Ephedra (Ma Huang) is the key herb for Xiao Qing Long Tang, a formula used for Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm
Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm
Pulse type(s): Floating (Fu), Tight (Jin)
Tongue coating: Thick white coating
Tongue shape: Swollen
Recommended herbal formula: Xiao Qing Long Tang
Symptoms: Wheezing No thirst Absence of sweating Generalized body pain Alternating fever and chills General sensation of heaviness Stifling sensation in the chest Coughing of copious thin and white sputum
Pleuritis might be due to Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as alternating fever and chills, absence of sweating, wheezing and stifling sensation in the chest. Similarly, patients with Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm typically exhibit floating (Fu) or tight (Jin) pulses as well as a tongue with thick white coating.
Xiao Qing Long Tang, a herbal formula that might help with pleuritis
Xiao Qing Long Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 8 herbs
Key actions: Releases the Exterior. Transforms Phlegm-Fluids. Warms the Lungs. Directs Rebellious Qi downward.
Why might Xiao Qing Long Tang help with pleuritis?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm, a pattern sometimes associated with pleuritis. If it looks like you might suffer from Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
