In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) outpatient clinics, it is common to encounter patients who are perplexed by small lipomas that can be felt in multiple places on their bodies. In TCM, these small lipomas are referred to as "phlegm nodules" (tan he), resulting from the stagnation of qi and blood circulation and the internal generation of dampness-phlegm. In TCM clinical practice, the regulation and treatment of phlegm nodules typically require syndrome differentiation and individualized treatment based on the patient's specific constitution and condition.
I. Causes of Phlegm Nodules and Their Association with Body Constitution
Clinically, the presence of small lipomas all over the body is most commonly seen in individuals with phlegm-dampness constitution or qi-stagnation constitution. People with phlegm-dampness constitution tend to be overweight, easily fatigued, and have poor appetite; those with qi-stagnation constitution often experience chest tightness and emotional depression. In clinical practice, it is necessary to first distinguish whether phlegm-dampness or qi-stagnation is the predominant pattern, as the treatment approaches for the two differ.
II. Sequential Discussion of Medicinal Foods
1. Coix Seed (Yiyiren)
Coix seed is sweet and bland in taste, cool in nature, and enters the Spleen, Stomach, and Lung meridians. Coix seed has the effects of promoting diuresis and draining dampness, strengthening the spleen and stopping diarrhea, and clearing heat and expelling pus. It is suitable for phlegm nodules caused by phlegm-dampness constitution. An appropriate amount of coix seed can be cooked into porridge as part of the daily diet.
2. White Atractylodes (Baizhu)
White atractylodes is sweet and bitter in taste, warm in nature, and enters the Spleen and Stomach meridians. White atractylodes has the effects of strengthening the spleen and supplementing qi, and drying dampness and promoting diuresis. It is suitable for phlegm nodules caused by qi-stagnation constitution. An appropriate amount of white atractylodes can be decocted into a soup to assist in regulation.
3. Rose Flower (Meiguihua)
Rose flower is sweet and slightly bitter in taste, warm in nature, and enters the Liver and Spleen meridians. Rose flower has the effects of soothing the liver and relieving depression, and activating blood circulation and regulating menstruation. It is suitable for phlegm nodules caused by qi-stagnation constitution. An appropriate amount of rose flower can be brewed as tea to help ease emotions.
III. Combination Recommendations
For patients with phlegm-dampness constitution and qi-stagnation constitution, coix seed and white atractylodes can be used in combination to enhance the effects of strengthening the spleen, draining dampness, soothing the liver, and relieving depression. At the same time, drinking an appropriate amount of rose flower tea can help ease emotions and improve qi stagnation.
IV. Precautions
Clinically, if some individuals also present with chest tightness, emotional depression, and poor appetite, this may indicate a condition of qi stagnation combined with phlegm-dampness, and it is not appropriate to simply strengthen the spleen or soothe the liver alone. In such cases, a licensed TCM practitioner should determine the specific treatment plan based on the individual's constitution.
V. Conclusion
The presence of small lipomas all over the body is the body's way of reminding us to pay attention to nurturing our health. TCM theory points out that regulating body constitution, soothing the liver and relieving depression, and strengthening the spleen and draining dampness are effective approaches to improving phlegm nodules. It is recommended that patients undergo regulation under the guidance of a physician, and combine this with daily diet and emotional care to jointly maintain good health.
References:
1. The original text of Huangdi Neijing: Suwen (Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine: Plain Questions) can be consulted in the TCM ancient literature database: https://tcmdata.cintcm.com/
2. WHO strategic document on traditional medicine: https://www.who.int/health-topics/traditional-complementary-and-integrative-medicine
3. Official website of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine: https://www.satcm.gov.cn/
Related Knowledge Q&A
I. What causes phlegm nodules and what is their relationship with body constitution?
TCM believes that the causes of phlegm nodules and their relationship with body constitution must be analyzed from a holistic perspective of syndrome differentiation, using the four diagnostic methods (inspection, auscultation-olfaction, inquiry, and palpation) in combination with individual constitutional characteristics for comprehensive judgment. It cannot be generalized. The specific treatment direction should be determined by a licensed TCM practitioner after an in-person consultation.
II. How long is the treatment course for the sequential medicinal food approach?
The treatment course varies from person to person and is related to factors such as the individual's baseline constitution and compliance with lifestyle habits. TCM emphasizes gradual and progressive treatment. The specific course duration should be assessed by a licensed TCM practitioner based on the individual's condition after an in-person consultation. This material does not provide any specific commitment regarding treatment duration.
III. What should be noted in daily life regarding the combination recommendations?
In terms of daily care, it is recommended to maintain a regular daily routine, a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and emotional stability. Specific precautions should be flexibly adjusted according to individual constitution and seasonal changes. You may consult a licensed TCM practitioner for targeted advice.