Dislike of lying down 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.
Dislike of lying down can be the consequence of several so-called “patterns of disharmony” in Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted, leading to symptoms or signs that something is wrong (like dislike of lying down here). It is similar to the concept of disease in Western Medicine but not quite: a Western disease can often be explained by several Chinese patterns and vice-versa.
A pattern often manifests itself in a combination of symptoms that, at first glance, do not seem necessarily related to each others. For instance here dislike of lying down is often associated with sputum in the lungs and throat, coughing and pale face in the pattern “Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs”.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of dislike of lying down we’ve identified that a herbal formula called Er Chen Tang can help treat the patterns behind the symptom.
Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs, a "pattern of disharmony" that can cause dislike of lying down
In Chinese Medicine dislike of lying down is a symptom for the pattern "Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs". Below is a small explanation for it with links for more details.
The Lungs is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Lungs in Chinese Medicine
Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs
Pulse type(s): Slippery (Hua), Soggy (Ru)
Tongue coating: Sticky coating, Thick coating
Tongue shape: Swollen
Phlegm in the Lungs (a synonym for "Substantial Phlegm") is the sputum that collects in the Lungs and is spat out during bronchitis or other Lung diseases.
In addition to dislike of lying down, other symptoms associated with Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs include sputum in the lungs and throat, coughing and pale face.
Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs is often treated with Er Chen Tang, a herbal formula made of 5 herbs (including Crow-Dipper Rhizomes - Ban Xia - as a key herb). Er Chen Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Dries Damp and dispels Phlegm".
A herbal formula that might help with dislike of lying down
Er Chen Tang
Source date: 1148 AD
Number of ingredients: 5 herbs
Key actions: Dries Damp and dispels Phlegm. Regulates Qi and harmonizes the Middle Burner (Stomach and Spleen).
Why might Er Chen Tang help with dislike of lying down?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs' of which dislike of lying down is a symptom.
The two Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat dislike of lying down
Why might Crow-Dipper Rhizome (Ban Xia) help with dislike of lying down?
Because it is a key herb in Er Chen Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs' (a pattern with dislike of lying down as a symptom)
Crow-Dipper Rhizomes is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent. It targets the Lung, the Spleen and the Stomach.
Its main actions are: Drains Dampness and reduces Phlegm. Reverses the flow of Rebellious Qi. Reduces hardenings and relieves distention.
Why might Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi) help with dislike of lying down?
Because it is a key herb in Er Chen Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs' (a pattern with dislike of lying down as a symptom)
Tangerine Peel is a Warm herb that tastes Bitter and Pungent. It targets the Lung and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Warms the Spleen and regulates the Middle Burner Qi. Dries Dampness and disperses Phlegm from the Lungs and Middle Burner. Reduces the potential for Stagnation caused by tonifying herbs.
Other symptoms often associated with dislike of lying down
Sputum in the lungs and throat Coughing Pale face Phlegm in throat Stifling sensation in the chest Shortness of breath Wheezing Nausea Feeling of heaviness Dizziness