Author: Chai Xiaoyang, Licensed Practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Practice License Number: 141410105001067) This article is written by Dr. Chai Xiaoyang, based on classical theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine and clinical experience, and is intended for general knowledge and educational purposes only. The qualifications can be verified on the official website of the National Health Commission of China.
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Two Common Confusions: Damp Phlegm and Plum Pit Qi, the Core of "Visible" and "Invisible"In clinical practice, those who frequently clear their throats and feel as if they have phlegm are often generically categorized as having "excessive phlegm." However, upon closer examination, there are two distinct conditions that require differentiation: one is the presence of actual phlegm, which can be coughed up as thick or thin secretions, known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as "damp phlegm"; the other is...
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Understanding the Differences Between Damp Phlegm and Plum Pit QiDamp phlegm is a condition where the body's fluids become thick and sticky due to internal dampness, leading to symptoms such as a persistent cough, difficulty in expectoration, and a feeling of fullness in the chest. Plum pit qi, on the other hand, is a condition characterized by a sensation of a lump or ball in the throat, often accompanied by a desire to clear the throat, but no actual phlegm is produced.
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Diagnosis and Treatment in Traditional Chinese MedicineIn Traditional Chinese Medicine, the diagnosis of damp phlegm or plum pit qi involves a comprehensive assessment of the patient's symptoms, tongue coating, and pulse. Treatment typically involves herbal medicine, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle modifications. For damp phlegm, herbs that drain dampness and resolve phlegm are used, while for plum pit qi, herbs that soothe the throat and relieve Qi stagnation are prescribed.