Phlegm in Chest

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.

At a glance

Preliminary reading: What is a pattern? The concept of Phlegm

Key attributes

Chinese name: 痰滞胸中 Pinyin name: Tán Zhì Xiōng Zhōng

Pattern nature: Empty

Causes

Common causes: 1. Diet, 2. Emotional Stress

Diagnosis

Common symptoms: Difficult breathing Focal distention of the chest

Pulse type(s): Wiry (Xian)

Treatment

Treatment principle: Discharges Phlegm

Common formulas: Gua Di San

Pathology

This pattern is characterized by Phlegm accumulation that obstructs the chest and diaphragm region. This obstruction severely impedes the flow of Qi, leading to symptoms such as firm areas of focal distention in the chest, a feeling of vexation, and difficult breathing.

The sensation of Qi rushing into the throat is a key symptom of this pattern. Additionally, the slightly floating quality of the distal pulse is indicative of the upward disturbance of Qi caused by the phlegm or food stagnation in the chest area.

Causes

Diet: Overconsumption of cold, greasy, or damp-producing foods can lead to phlegm accumulation.

Emotional Stress: Prolonged emotional disturbances, particularly worry or overthinking, can disrupt Qi flow and lead to phlegm accumulation.

Diagnosing Phlegm in Chest

Diagnosing a pattern in Chinese Medicine is no easy feat and should be left to professional practitioners. In particular one has to know how to differentiate between different types of pulses and tongue coatings, shapes and colors as well as learn to read from a long list of seemingly unrelated symptoms.

Pulse type(s): Wiry (Xian)

Main symptoms: Difficult breathing Focal distention of the chest

Diagnosis commentary: focal distention in the chest, difficult breathing, and a sensation of qi rushing into the throat, often accompanied by a slightly floating distal pulse.