Turbid Phlegm Blocks Orifices
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: 痰浊阻窍 Pinyin name: Tán Zhuó Zǔ Qiào
Pattern nature: Full
Causes
Common causes: 1. Irregular and Excessive Diet, 2. Overwork, 3. Exposure to Foul Smells or Emotional Outbursts
Diagnosis
Common symptoms: Coma Clenched jaw Sudden collapse Short of breath Pale complexion and three other symptoms
Treatment
Treatment principle: Remove Phlegm, unblock orifices.
Common formulas: Tong Guan San
Pathology
This pattern is typically triggered by an irregular and excessive diet or overwork that impairs the Spleen, leading to Dampness and Phlegm accumulation. This excess, often exacerbated by exposure to foul odors or intense emotions, disrupts the Qi mechanisms, causing them to rebel and disturb the spirit.
This results in a 'noxious-stroke' event where the functional activities of Qi are 'closed off', and the turbid phlegm follows the Rebellious Qi upwards, blocking the sensory orifices.
Causes
Irregular and Excessive Diet: Overindulgence in unhealthy foods can impair the Spleen's function, leading to the accumulation of Dampness and subsequent formation of Phlegm.
Overwork: Physical and mental overexertion can weaken the Spleen, a key organ in digestion and transformation of fluids, contributing to phlegm production.
Exposure to Foul Smells or Emotional Outbursts: Sudden exposure to extremely unpleasant odors or intense emotional experiences can disrupt the qi mechanisms, causing qi to become rebellious and disordered.
Diagnosing Turbid Phlegm Blocks Orifices
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.
Main symptoms: Coma Clenched jaw Sudden collapse Short of breath Pale complexion Excessive phlegm Excessive spittle Loss of consciousness
Diagnosis commentary: loss of consciousness, clenched jaw, extreme difficulty in breathing, and possibly foaming at the mouth.
Treating Turbid Phlegm Blocks Orifices
Treatment principle
Remove Phlegm, unblock orifices.
Herbal formulas used to treat Turbid Phlegm Blocks Orifices
Tong Guan San
Source date: 650 AD
Number of ingredients: 2 herbs
Key actions: Unblocks the jaw. Opens the sensory orifices.
Formula summary
Tong Guan San is a 2-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula. Invented in 650 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that warm and open sensory orifices.