Phlegm Dampness is often caused by the imbalance of the body’s organs, Yin-Yang, and improper circulation of Qi, blood, and bodily fluids.This physical type is commonly observed, especially in overweight individuals, and can lead to the formation of phlegm-damp constitution.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis, the inability to metabolize dampness within the body is a primary cause.Typical tongue manifestations include a swollen tongue body, thick and greasy tongue coating, and even tooth marks on the sides. These signs further indicate dysfunction in the spleen and stomach.
1. Symptoms of Phlegm-Damp Constitution
Individuals with phlegm-damp constitution are often unevenly overweight, especially around the abdomen. Additionally, according to TCM tongue diagnosis, their tongues typically appear swollen with noticeable tooth marks on the sides and a thick, greasy coating. This indicates dampness obstructing the spleen and stomach, causing a stagnation of Qi. Other signs of phlegm-damp constitution include oily facial skin, greasy hair, and a general sense of sluggishness, suggesting the accumulation of dampness that has not been effectively eliminated from the body.
Uneven fat distribution, especially around the abdomen.
2. How to Regulate Phlegm-Damp Constitution
Phlegm-damp constitution is mainly caused by the inability to metabolize dampness, so the primary goal in its regulation is to eliminate dampness and resolve phlegm. Through TCM tongue diagnosis, the severity of internal dampness can be determined by observing the tongue, which then guides the choice of appropriate remedies, including dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, and acupuncture.
- Dietary Regulation: For individuals with phlegm-damp constitution, dietary changes are especially important. It is advisable to consume foods that strengthen the spleen, resolve phlegm, and expel dampness, such as rice, oats, coix seed (薏苡仁), adzuki beans (赤小豆), mung beans (绿豆), lentils (扁豆), and winter melon (冬瓜). These foods help support the spleen and stomach’s digestive functions, reducing the accumulation of dampness.
Yam, milk, and oats protect the stomach and provide nourishment.
- Herbal Regulation: Based on TCM tongue diagnosis, individuals with phlegm-damp constitution often experience symptoms like coughing, asthma, and excessive phlegm. Herbal remedies that dry dampness and resolve phlegm, such as Er Chen Tang (二陈汤), are effective. Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang (半夏白术天麻汤) is suitable for individuals who experience chest tightness and nausea.
Er Chen Tang helps dry dampness and resolve phlegm.
- Exercise Regulation: Regular physical activity is key to regulating the Qi and maintaining smooth circulation of blood and bodily fluids, helping reduce phlegm-dampness. Exercise also promotes sweating, which assists in eliminating internal dampness. Consistent, moderate exercise is crucial for improving phlegm-damp constitution.
People with phlegm-damp constitution should engage in moderate exercise.
- Acupuncture Therapy: TCM tongue diagnosis also includes using specific acupuncture points to improve phlegm-damp constitution. Strengthening the spleen and removing dampness are essential. Moxibustion at the Pi Shu (脾俞) point helps tonify the spleen and stomach, while massaging the Shui Fen (水分) point accelerates the expulsion of dampness. Massaging the Feng Long (丰隆) point can resolve phlegm and expel dampness, and scraping the Yin Ling Quan (阴陵泉) point can eliminate dampness and promote Yang.
Moxibustion at the Pi Shu point.
- Dietary Restrictions: According to TCM tongue diagnosis, individuals with phlegm-damp constitution should avoid overly greasy foods. Traditional diets emphasize whole grains, and excessive consumption of meat places a burden on the spleen and stomach, leading to dampness accumulation. It is advisable to consume moderate amounts of whole grains and vegetables to aid digestion and prevent excessive dampness.
Consume more whole grains.
Foot bath therapy is also highly effective in expelling internal dampness. TCM recommends individuals with phlegm-damp constitution to soak their feet in medicinal herbal decoctions every night. This practice helps eliminate accumulated dampness in the body.
Avoid foot baths 30 minutes before or after meals.
Daily Lifestyle Adjustments
For individuals with phlegm-damp constitution, neglecting small details in daily life can exacerbate symptoms and negatively impact daily activities and work. According to TCM tongue diagnosis, people with phlegm-damp constitution often exhibit a thick, greasy tongue coating and a swollen tongue body, especially when dampness accumulates in the body. By paying attention to lifestyle habits, one can alleviate phlegm-damp symptoms and improve overall health.
- The Old Saying: “Eat radish in winter, ginger in summer, and don’t bother the doctor for a prescription.”
Ginger has excellent properties for expelling dampness, warming the spleen and stomach, and promoting sweating. Drinking a cup of ginger tea every day can help eliminate internal dampness and ease the discomfort associated with phlegm-damp constitution. According to TCM tongue diagnosis, ginger is one of the common ingredients used to resolve phlegm and dampness, making it an essential food for individuals with this constitution.
- Preventing External Dampness from Affecting the Body
To avoid external dampness invading the body, it is essential to maintain a dry and moisture-free living environment and clothing. People with phlegm-damp constitution are more susceptible to the effects of external dampness. Therefore, keeping living spaces dry is particularly important. TCM tongue diagnosis suggests that dampness can easily enter the body from the environment, accumulating in the spleen, stomach, and meridians, which in turn increases the burden of dampness in the body and affects organ function. It is essential to avoid damp environments to reduce the invasion of damp pathogens.
- A Common Characteristic: A Love for Sweets
A common trait of people with phlegm-damp constitution is their fondness for sweet foods. Sweet foods can damage the spleen, especially when consumed in excess. The sugar content in sweets increases the burden on the spleen and stomach, leading to digestive problems. If digestion is impaired, the food may turn into phlegm-dampness, worsening the symptoms. The thick, greasy coating on the tongue, often observed in TCM tongue diagnosis, is typically associated with excessive intake of sweets and the accumulation of dampness. Therefore, individuals with phlegm-damp constitution should avoid excessive consumption of sweets to prevent worsening their condition and triggering further complications.
Table of Contents
一. Toothmark Tongue, Thick White Greasy Coating – Heavy Dampness with Stagnant Heat
In TCM tongue diagnosis, a swollen tongue body with a pale or darkish color, along with visible toothmarks on the sides of the tongue, typically indicates a significant amount of dampness in the body. The tongue’s thick, greasy coating shows the presence of phlegm-damp, while a darkish, reddish tongue color suggests the presence of stagnant heat in the body. The combination of these signs points to an imbalance in the spleen and stomach functions, which fail to properly metabolize dampness, causing it to accumulate. This tongue appearance is commonly found in patients with phlegm-damp constitution, indicating excessive internal dampness and the formation of stagnant heat.
Other Symptoms Associated with Pathological Tongue Signs
This tongue pattern suggests that the body contains a large amount of dampness, possibly accompanied by stagnant heat. Apart from the tongue appearance, patients typically experience symptoms such as oily skin, acne, a bitter taste in the mouth, dry mouth, heaviness and fatigue in the body, difficult and sticky bowel movements, or dark yellow urine. These symptoms are closely linked to phlegm-damp constitution, suggesting that the spleen and stomach are not functioning efficiently to expel dampness from the body.
(Image) Swollen tongue, thick greasy coating, and visible toothmarks.
How to Adjust the Condition
For those with this tongue pattern identified in TCM diagnosis, there is likely a significant presence of stagnant heat and dampness in the body. The focus of treatment should be on dispersing wind, clearing heat, promoting urination, and expelling dampness. By improving spleen and stomach function and eliminating dampness and phlegm, these symptoms can be effectively relieved.
- Daily CarePeople with phlegm-damp constitution are prone to skin issues like acne or eczema due to dampness stagnating in the body. Therefore, special attention should be paid to skin cleanliness and keeping it dry to prevent the accumulation of dampness.
Maintain good hygiene for the skin.
- Dietary Therapy
It is recommended to eat foods that have heat-clearing, detoxifying, diuretic, and dampness-expelling properties, such as coix seed (薏苡仁), mung beans (绿豆), cucumbers (黄瓜), and winter melon (冬瓜). Phlegm-damp individuals should avoid spicy, greasy, fried, or overly sweet foods, as these can aggravate dampness and phlegm accumulation in the body.
Seaweed and mung bean porridge has heat-clearing and detoxifying effects.
- Herbal Formulas
Herbs such as ephedra (麻黄), saposhnikovia (防风), and mint (薄荷) can be used to disperse wind and clear heat. Gypsum (石膏), scutellaria (黄芩), and platycodon (桔梗) can clear heat, drain fire, and expel dampness and promote urination. Angelica (当归), white peony (白芍), and atractylodes (白术) help with regulating qi, activating blood, dispelling wind, and removing dampness, which can alleviate the discomfort caused by phlegm-damp constitution.
Ephedra helps induce sweating, release the exterior, and promote urination to reduce swelling.
- Acupoint Therapy
Acupressure and moxibustion can be used to regulate internal dampness. Pressing acupoints such as Wind Pool (风池), Curve Pond (曲池), Middle of Chest (膻中), Heaven’s Pivot (天枢), and Joining Valley (合谷) can help disperse wind, clear heat, and alleviate dampness. Moxibustion on points such as Zhongwan (中脘), Stomach Three Miles (足三里), Blood Sea (血海), and Fenglong (丰隆) can promote blood circulation, expel dampness, and regulate the spleen and stomach.
Pressing the Wind Pool acupoint.
二. Dark Red Tongue, Thin Yellow Greasy Coating – Spleen Deficiency with Phlegm and Stagnation
According to Chinese Tongue Diagnosis, the tongue shows a slightly dull color, with a thin, greasy, and slightly yellow coating. This tongue pattern suggests spleen deficiency with phlegm and blood stagnation. The dark red color of the tongue indicates stagnation of qi and blood, leading to poor circulation and the accumulation of dampness; the greasy coating indicates the presence of phlegm and dampness; and the thin yellow coating suggests that dampness has transformed into heat, meaning the condition has progressed from cold to heat, from external to internal. This tongue pattern is commonly seen in phlegm-damp constitutions, especially with underlying spleen deficiency.
Other Symptoms Associated with Pathological Tongue Signs
Patients with this tongue pattern are often affected by external wind-damp invasion, a long-term preference for greasy and rich foods, lack of exercise, or prolonged sitting, which can exacerbate the phlegm-damp constitution. Common symptoms include cold hands and feet, chest tightness, excess phlegm, fatigue, joint pain, numbness in the limbs, and digestive discomfort. All of these symptoms are closely related to the tongue pattern seen in Chinese Tongue Diagnosis.
(Image) Dark red tongue with thin yellow greasy coating.
How to Adjust the Condition
The primary causes of this tongue pattern are spleen and stomach weakness and the transformation of phlegm-damp into heat. Therefore, the focus of treatment should be on eliminating phlegm, removing dampness, promoting blood circulation, and addressing stagnation. This approach helps restore the spleen and stomach’s ability to process and expel dampness and improves the circulation of qi and blood.
- Daily Care
It is beneficial to consume foods that strengthen the spleen, improve qi, and promote digestion, such as red beans (赤小豆), coix seed (薏苡仁), yam (山药), lotus seeds (莲子), and hyacinth beans (白扁豆). These foods help enhance spleen function and expel dampness from the body. During the rainy season, special attention should be given to keeping warm, avoiding dampness, and ensuring that the body stays dry.
Red beans (赤小豆) are beneficial for promoting urination, reducing swelling, detoxifying, and expelling dampness.
- Dietary Therapy
A recommended food therapy is to make a red bean and lotus seed paste. To prepare this, cook 30g of red beans (赤小豆), 60g of rice, and 15g of lotus seeds (莲子) into a thick paste. This recipe is great for tonifying the middle, enhancing qi, strengthening the spleen, and expelling dampness, which can significantly improve a phlegm-damp constitution.
Red bean and lotus seed paste is great for tonifying qi, strengthening the spleen, and expelling dampness.
- Herbal Formulas
Herbs such as astragalus (黄芪), mulberry branches (桑枝), notoginseng (三七), cinnamon twig (桂枝), alisma (泽泻), white peony (白芍), saposhnikovia (防风), poria (茯苓), and atractylodes (白术) are all helpful. These herbs are used to tonify qi, strengthen the spleen, dry dampness, and invigorate blood circulation, effectively addressing phlegm-damp constitution and spleen deficiency with blood stagnation.
Astragalus (黄芪) can tonify qi and stabilize the exterior.
- Acupoint Therapy
Acupressure and gua sha (scraping) are effective ways to regulate the spleen and stomach, promoting the elimination of dampness. It is recommended to massage acupoints such as the Spleen Shu (脾俞) point, the Lower Stomach Shu (胃脘下俞), and the Stomach Shu (胃俞) point, which are helpful for strengthening the spleen and stomach and promoting digestion and dampness removal. Gua sha on acupoints like Triple Burner Shu (三焦俞), Stomach Three Miles (足三里), and Three Yin Crossing (三阴交) helps to regulate the triple burner, unblock the meridians, and promote the expulsion of dampness, improving the phlegm-damp constitution.
Gua sha on the Triple Burner Shu (三焦俞) acupoint.
三. Fat and Tender Tongue, Thick White Greasy Coating – Spleen and Stomach Deficiency
According to Chinese Tongue Diagnosis, the tongue appears pale white with a thick, greasy, white coating. The tongue is larger than normal and tender, with cracks in the center. There are tooth marks on both sides of the tongue tip.
The enlarged tongue with tooth marks indicates that spleen deficiency is impairing the body’s ability to effectively transform and transport water and dampness. The thick, greasy white coating suggests the presence of dampness, phlegm, or food stagnation in the body.
A tender tongue surface reflects a weakened constitution, while the cracks in the middle of the tongue suggest excessive dampness and heat accumulation. This could potentially lead to internal damp-heat issues. This tongue pattern is commonly seen in patients with spleen and stomach deficiency.
Other Symptoms Associated with Pathological Tongue Signs
Patients with this tongue pattern may experience fatigue, heaviness in the lower limbs, dizziness, and bad breath. These symptoms are typically the result of spleen and stomach weakness, compounded by the retention of dampness in the body. The inability to expel dampness leads to stagnation of qi and blood, which disrupts normal physiological functions.
(Image) Fat and tender tongue, thick greasy coating, tooth marks on the tongue edges.
How to Adjust the Condition
The formation of this tongue pattern is mainly related to spleen and stomach deficiency, as well as the stagnation of dampness. Therefore, the focus of treatment should be on strengthening the spleen and stomach, promoting water metabolism, and facilitating the circulation of qi and blood to expel dampness.
- Daily Care
It is helpful to consume foods that strengthen the spleen, invigorate qi, and aid in digestion, such as yam (山药), tomatoes (番茄), hyacinth beans (白扁豆), coix seed (薏苡仁), and rice (大米). These foods promote spleen and stomach function and help eliminate dampness from the body. It is important to avoid eating cold foods such as bitter melon (苦瓜), watermelon (西瓜), and pears (梨), as they can harm the spleen and stomach, exacerbating qi deficiency and dampness retention.
Hyacinth bean and yam porridge can strengthen the spleen and benefit the stomach.
- Herbal Formulas
Herbal formulas that strengthen the spleen, invigorate qi, and dry dampness include herbs like Codonopsis (党参), Atractylodes (白术), and Poria (茯苓). These herbs help enhance spleen and stomach function, expel dampness from the body, and improve digestion. Atractylodes (苍术) specifically helps to dry dampness and promote its elimination. Commonly used formulas such as Shenling Baizhu San (参苓白术丸) and Lizhong Wan (理中丸) help strengthen the spleen and qi, harmonize the stomach, and expel dampness, which can alleviate symptoms of spleen and stomach weakness.
Shenling Baizhu San (参苓白术丸) can strengthen the spleen, invigorate qi, and harmonize the stomach while promoting dampness elimination.
- Acupoint Therapy
Acupressure and moxibustion can be effective in regulating spleen and stomach function, helping to expel dampness. It is recommended to massage acupoints such as Zusanli (足三里) and Sanyinjiao (三阴交), which help strengthen the spleen, invigorate qi, and boost blood circulation. Moxibustion on points like Yinlingquan (阴陵泉) and Fenglong (丰隆) can promote water metabolism, support dampness elimination, and alleviate symptoms of excessive dampness in the body.
Moxibustion on the Yinlingquan (阴陵泉) acupoint.
四. Fat Pale Tongue, Yellow Greasy Coating – Spleen Deficiency with Phlegm Dampness
The tongue is large, with tooth marks on the sides. It appears pale and has a yellow, greasy coating, thicker toward the back.
According to Chinese Tongue Diagnosis, the enlarged tongue with tooth marks indicates spleen deficiency, which leads to stagnation of water and dampness in the body.
The pale tongue color suggests a deficiency in spleen qi, causing a lack of energy and blood. The yellow, greasy coating, especially thick at the back, indicates the transformation of phlegm and dampness into heat or the stagnation of food, which gradually turns into heat.
The combination of spleen deficiency and phlegm dampness turning into heat prevents the smooth elimination of dampness. Over time, this causes dampness to accumulate and form heat.
Other Symptoms Associated with Pathological Tongue Signs
This tongue pattern suggests that the patient has both spleen qi deficiency and phlegm dampness, with phlegm dampness gradually transforming into heat. The patient may experience symptoms such as a heavy body, increased appetite, chest tightness, excessive phlegm, profuse sweating, and heat in the palms and soles. The interplay of dampness and heat can disrupt the flow of qi and blood, resulting in these uncomfortable symptoms.
(Image) Fat, pale tongue with yellow greasy coating.
How to Adjust the Condition
The formation of this tongue pattern is mainly associated with spleen deficiency, phlegm dampness, and the transformation of dampness into heat. Therefore, treatment should focus on replenishing qi, strengthening the spleen, eliminating phlegm, and clearing heat. By restoring the function of the spleen and stomach, the body’s dampness can be expelled while phlegm and heat are addressed, preventing further complications.
- Daily Care
It is beneficial to consume foods that resolve phlegm, eliminate dampness, and strengthen the spleen, such as rice (大米), oats (燕麦), and coix seed (薏苡仁). These foods help support spleen and stomach function and clear dampness and phlegm from the body. For individuals with obesity and a phlegm-damp constitution, it is important to avoid greasy, heavy foods or overly sour, bitter, or cold foods, as these can burden the spleen and stomach and hinder the flow of qi and blood.
A porridge made with yam (山药) and coix seed (薏苡仁) can help strengthen the spleen and eliminate dampness.
- Herbal Formulas
During treatment, it is advisable to use herbs that strengthen the spleen and eliminate dampness. Formulas like Pingwei San (平胃散) and Liu Jun Zi Tang (六君子汤) can be used to strengthen the spleen, invigorate qi, dry dampness, and transform phlegm. Additionally, heat-clearing herbs like Gardenia (栀子) and Rhubarb (大黄) can be added to help clear heat and detoxify the body, preventing dampness from transforming into more intense heat.
Liu Jun Zi Tang (六君子汤) can strengthen the spleen, dry dampness, and transform phlegm.
- Acupoint Therapy
Cupping and acupressure on specific points can help strengthen the spleen, invigorate qi, and eliminate phlegm and dampness. It is recommended to perform cupping on acupoints such as Pishu (脾俞), Weishu (胃俞), Zusanli (足三里), and Qihai (气海) to promote the smooth flow of qi and enhance spleen qi. Additionally, massaging the Zhongwan (中脘) and Fenglong (丰隆) acupoints can aid in eliminating dampness, transforming phlegm, and improving the spleen and stomach’s ability to process food and fluids.
Cupping on the Pishu (脾俞) acupoint.
五. Fat, White, Greasy Tongue – Phlegm Dampness Accumulation
The tongue appears dull, enlarged compared to a normal tongue, with a white, greasy coating and tooth marks on the sides. In Chinese Tongue Diagnosis, this tongue pattern indicates the accumulation of phlegm dampness in the body. The dull tongue suggests stagnation of qi and blood, which impairs their smooth circulation. The white, greasy coating indicates a deficiency of yang energy or the presence of cold in the body, with phlegm and dampness not being effectively resolved. Overall, the tongue pattern reflects the accumulation of phlegm dampness, insufficient yang energy, and stagnation of qi and blood.
Other Symptoms Associated with Pathological Tongue Signs
This tongue pattern suggests the presence of phlegm and dampness stagnating in the body, preventing yang energy from functioning properly, limiting the circulation of qi and blood, and resulting in a state of qi stagnation and blood stasis. The patient may experience symptoms such as excessive sleepiness, loose stools, night sweats, abdominal bloating, and sluggish metabolism. The accumulation of dampness and cold leads to slow detoxification and metabolic processes, intensifying these discomforting symptoms.
(Image) Fat, enlarged tongue with tooth marks and a white, greasy coating.
How to Adjust the Condition
This tongue pattern is closely related to phlegm dampness accumulation and qi and blood stagnation. Therefore, treatment should focus on strengthening the spleen and qi, transforming phlegm, eliminating dampness, and invigorating blood circulation. By restoring the function of the spleen and stomach, promoting the flow of qi and blood, the body’s phlegm and dampness can be expelled, and yang energy can be revitalized.
- Daily Care
Foods that help transform phlegm, eliminate dampness, and promote qi and blood circulation are recommended. These include hyacinth beans (白扁豆), seaweed (海藻), kelp (海带), cucumber (黄瓜), loofah (丝瓜), winter melon (冬瓜), and yam (山药). These foods support spleen health, transform dampness, and promote smooth circulation of qi and blood. It is advisable to avoid spicy, greasy, and cold foods, as well as those that may increase the accumulation of phlegm and cold. Drinking dried tangerine peel (陈皮) and hawthorn (山楂) tea can help soothe the liver, regulate qi, and invigorate blood circulation, relieving internal phlegm and dampness.
Dried tangerine peel and hawthorn tea can regulate the liver, promote qi circulation, and invigorate blood.
- Herbal Formulas
For treatment, consider herbs that dry dampness and regulate the spleen, such as Atractylodes (苍术) and Magnolia bark (厚朴). These herbs help dry dampness and promote spleen function. Additionally, herbs that invigorate blood and remove stasis, such as Cinnamon twig (桂枝), Poria (茯苓), Red peony root (赤芍), and Peach kernel (桃仁), can be included to enhance the circulation of qi and blood, expel phlegm dampness, and clear blood stasis. Tangerine peel (橘皮) is also effective in promoting qi circulation and can be combined with these herbs. Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan (桂枝茯苓丸) is a classic formula that invigorates blood and removes blood stasis, making it suitable for this type of condition.
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan (桂枝茯苓丸) has the effect of invigorating blood and removing blood stasis.
- Acupoint Therapy
Moxibustion and gua sha (scraping therapy) can be used to stimulate specific acupoints to transform phlegm, eliminate dampness, and invigorate blood circulation. It is recommended to perform moxibustion on acupoints such as Dazhui (大椎), Zusanli (足三里), Sanyinjiao (三阴交), Xuehai (血海), and Guanyuan (关元) to strengthen the spleen, promote qi circulation, and invigorate blood. For gua sha therapy, use acupoints such as Yinlingquan (阴陵泉) and Fenglong (丰隆) to enhance the function of the spleen and promote the expulsion of dampness.
Moxibustion on the Dazhui (大椎) acupoint.
六. Fat, Pale Tongue with White, Greasy Coating and Tooth Marks – Phlegm and Dampness Obstruction
The tongue is enlarged, with a pale color, a white, greasy coating, and tooth marks along the edges. In Chinese Tongue Diagnosis, this tongue pattern indicates a deficiency in the spleen leading to the accumulation of water and dampness within the body. The dampness has not been effectively expelled, and the accumulation of phlegm and turbid substances blocks the flow of qi. The white, greasy coating reflects internal phlegm and dampness, which obstructs the circulation of qi and blood. This is especially the case when the spleen is unable to properly transform and expel dampness, leading to the further buildup of phlegm and turbid substances.
Other Symptoms Associated with Pathological Tongue Signs
This tongue pattern is closely related to spleen and stomach disharmony and the obstruction caused by phlegm and dampness. Patients may experience symptoms such as dizziness, eye pressure, excessive phlegm, oily skin, heaviness or weakness in the limbs, and constipation or loose stools. Due to the spleen’s inability to properly transform dampness into qi and blood, the body accumulates turbid substances, leading to obstruction in the flow of qi. The buildup of dampness weakens the digestive function, affecting overall bodily functions.
(Image) Fat tongue with pale color, white greasy coating, and tooth marks along the edges.
How to Adjust the Condition
This tongue pattern primarily indicates spleen deficiency with dampness retention and obstruction by phlegm and turbid substances. Therefore, treatment should focus on strengthening the spleen, expelling dampness, transforming phlegm, and lowering rebellious qi. This will help expel the dampness and phlegm from the body and restore normal spleen and stomach function. By tonifying spleen qi and eliminating excess dampness, symptoms can be improved, and overall recovery promoted.
- Daily Care
Avoid greasy foods in the diet. Instead, focus on foods that dry dampness and transform phlegm, such as pumpkin (南瓜), Poria (茯苓), winter melon (冬瓜), and adzuki beans (赤小豆). These foods help strengthen the spleen, expel dampness, and transform phlegm. It is advisable to avoid strong tea, spicy foods, and any foods that could generate dampness or phlegm, such as oily foods. For patients with significant phlegm and dampness, it is essential to keep the living environment dry and ensure good ventilation in the bedroom to reduce the accumulation of moisture.
Poria (茯苓) and yam (山药) soup can help strengthen the spleen and expel dampness.
- Herbal Formulas
For patients with spleen deficiency, dampness stagnation, and phlegm obstruction, Chinese herbal formulas should focus on strengthening the spleen, expelling dampness, transforming phlegm, and regulating rebellious qi. Herbs like ginseng (人参), Atractylodes (白术), and Poria (茯苓) can tonify the spleen, transform dampness, and support qi. Additionally, herbs such as Pinellia (半夏) and Tangerine peel (橘红) can dry dampness and transform phlegm. A representative formula is Er Chen Tang (二陈汤), which tonifies qi, strengthens the spleen, transforms phlegm, and expels dampness. It is ideal for treating these symptoms.
Er Chen Tang (二陈汤) is a basic formula that tonifies qi, strengthens the spleen, transforms phlegm, and expels dampness.
- Acupoint Therapy
In treatment, moxibustion and acupressure on specific acupoints can be used to expel dampness, transform phlegm, and regulate rebellious qi. Suitable acupoints include Fengchi (风池), Baihui (百会), Neiguan (内关), Taichong (太冲), and Touwei (头维). These acupoints help expel wind, open the meridians, and regulate qi and blood. For patients with significant phlegm and dampness, moxibustion can be applied to Fenglong (丰隆), Zhongwan (中脘), and Yinlingquan (阴陵泉) to help expel phlegm, eliminate dampness, and restore spleen and stomach function.
Massage of the Fengchi (风池) acupoint.
七. Dark Purple Trembling Tongue, Yellow Thick Greasy Coating — Spleen Qi Deficiency with Phlegm Dampness and Blood Stasis
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis, a dark purple tongue body with a thick, greasy yellow coating in the middle and rear parts, along with visible tooth marks along the edges and slight trembling of the tongue, represents a condition of “dark purple trembling tongue.” The dark purple tongue body and its trembling usually indicate liver wind and internal heat transforming into wind. The yellow greasy coating suggests spleen and stomach weakness, with phlegm dampness transforming into heat. The dark color of the tongue body signifies poor circulation of qi and blood, resulting in blood stasis, which affects the transformation and transportation of qi and blood in the spleen and stomach.
- Pathological Tongue Appearance and Other Symptoms
This tongue appearance is commonly seen in cases of phlegm dampness obstructing the body, meridian stagnation, wind-phlegm disturbing the upper body, and gradual heat formation. Patients may experience fatigue, hot palms and soles, bloating in the stomach area, loss of appetite, irritability, dizziness, and headaches. The internal formation of phlegm dampness, combined with poor circulation of qi and blood, impacts various bodily functions, leading to these symptoms.
（Image）Bright Purple Tongue with Thick Greasy Coating
- How to Regulate This Condition
This tongue appearance is associated with phlegm dampness, blood stasis, and spleen qi deficiency. Treatment should focus on expelling wind, resolving phlegm, and clearing heat to restore smooth flow of qi and blood, as well as improving the internal issues of dampness and blood stasis.
- Daily Care:
It is recommended to consume foods that help strengthen the spleen and resolve dampness, such as Poria (茯苓), Job’s tears (薏苡仁), Chinese yam (山药), and winter melon (冬瓜). These foods aid in tonifying the spleen, transforming dampness, and resolving phlegm. Additionally, appropriate physical activity should be incorporated to improve blood and qi circulation, which helps alleviate discomfort. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and avoiding late nights also supports the balance of qi and blood in the body.
- Dietary Therapy Ingredients:
- Winter melon (冬瓜) 200g
- Mung beans (绿豆) 100g
- Salt (适量)
Peel and cut the winter melon into pieces, rinse the mung beans, and place both in a clay pot with water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Add an appropriate amount of salt and it’s ready to consume. This soup has the effects of clearing heat, relieving summer heat, and resolving dampness and phlegm. It is especially suitable for patients with heavy dampness and qi stagnation with blood stasis.
- Chinese Herbal Formulas:
In Chinese herbal treatment, medicines that resolve phlegm and calm wind should be used, such as Pinellia (半夏), Atractylodes (白术), and Gastrodia (天麻). These can be combined with Bupleurum (柴胡), Peppermint (薄荷), Tree Peony bark (牡丹皮), and Gardenia (栀子) to soothe the liver and regulate qi. If blood stasis is present, herbs such as Peach kernel (桃仁) and Safflower (红花) can be added to invigorate blood, promote circulation, and eliminate phlegm.
- Acupoint Therapy:
Massage and gua sha therapy on specific acupoints can help clear the meridians, resolve phlegm, and regulate qi. Recommended acupoints include the Conception Vessel (膻中穴), Qimen (期门穴), Fenglong (丰隆穴), and Yinlingquan (阴陵泉穴), which help promote qi and blood flow and assist in expelling dampness. For symptoms like headache and irritability caused by wind-phlegm disturbing the upper body, massaging acupoints such as Sishencong (四神聪), Yintang (印堂), Baihui (百会), and Fengchi (风池) can help expel wind, relieve pain, calm the mind, and reduce irritability.
Summary
This article thoroughly explores various tongue appearances in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis, particularly focusing on the characteristics, formation causes, pathological manifestations, and treatment methods related to phlegm dampness. As an important diagnostic tool in TCM, tongue diagnosis allows the observation of changes in the tongue’s texture, color, and coating to reflect the body’s internal pathological state. In this article, we focus on tongue appearances related to phlegm dampness, such as a white sticky coating and dark purple tongue body, which often indicate issues like spleen deficiency, internal dampness, and qi stagnation with blood stasis.
Through the analysis of different tongue appearances, the article summarizes various methods for regulating phlegm dampness, including dietary therapy, Chinese herbal formulas, and acupoint massage. These methods help readers understand how to adjust internal dampness and phlegm through diet and TCM treatments to improve overall health.
In particular, the application of TCM tongue diagnosis provides an effective treatment path. By observing the tongue appearance and considering an individual’s body constitution and symptoms, a more precise and personalized treatment plan can be developed. Therefore, understanding the relationship between TCM tongue diagnosis and phlegm dampness not only helps us better comprehend the state of our body but also offers effective guidance for health management and treatment.
More Articles in “Tongue Physique”
- Tongue Image Body Type
- Qi Deficiency Body Type
- Qi Stagnation Body Type
- Damp-Heat Body Type
- Phlegm Dampness Body Type
- Blood Stasis Body Type
- Yang Deficiency Body Type
- Yin Deficiency Body Type
Learn more about how to identify your tongue type in Identification Tongue section.
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- Dietary Therapy Ingredients:
- Poria (茯苓) 10g
- Millet (小米) 15g
- Rice (大米) 120g
- Jujube (大枣) 3 pieces
Mix the ingredients and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes. This porridge helps tonify the spleen, resolve dampness, clear heat, and resolve phlegm, strengthening the spleen and stomach.
- Chinese Herbal Formulas:
For treating spleen qi deficiency with phlegm dampness and blood stasis, Chinese herbal formulas such as Pinellia and Magnolia Decoction (半夏厚朴汤), Gastrodia and Uncaria Decoction (天麻汤), Qiánzhèng Decoction (牵正汤), Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction (血府逐瘀汤), and Panax notoginseng powder (三七粉) are commonly used. These formulas work to expel wind, resolve phlegm, invigorate blood, and restore the smooth flow of qi, thus alleviating the burden of phlegm dampness and blood stasis. Specific formulas should be adjusted according to individual constitution and used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
- Acupoint Therapy:
During the treatment process, acupressure and moxibustion on key acupoints can help expel wind, resolve phlegm, and invigorate blood. Suitable acupoints include Wind Pool (风池穴), Wind Mansion (风府穴), Great Vertebra (大椎穴), Baihui (百会穴), and Earth Warehouse (地仓穴), which can help clear the body’s meridians and expel dampness and wind. For patients with significant phlegm dampness and blood stasis, scraping therapy (gua sha) can be applied to acupoints like Fenglong (丰隆穴), Ge Shu (膈俞穴), and Gan Shu (肝俞穴) to promote blood circulation and resolve blood stasis.
八. Dark Purple Tongue with Sticky Greasy Coating — Liver Qi Stagnation with Phlegm Obstruction
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis, a dark purple tongue with spots of blood stasis and a thin layer of white sticky coating, often accompanied by frothy mucus on the coating, represents the pattern of “Liver Qi Stagnation with Phlegm Obstruction.” The thin sticky white coating indicates internal dampness. If phlegm diseases caused by external pathogenic factors are left untreated for a long time, they may transform into phlegm dampness obstructing the body. The dark purple tongue body, accompanied by spots of blood stasis, suggests poor circulation of qi and blood, particularly within the liver meridian, which can manifest as “wind-phlegm” symptoms.
- Pathological Tongue Appearance and Other Symptoms
This tongue appearance is often seen in patients with wind-phlegm disturbing the upper body, liver qi stagnation combined with blood stasis. Common symptoms in these patients include poor mood, heavy limbs, sluggish movement, difficulty concentrating, gastrointestinal discomfort, and sticky stools. These symptoms arise from a combination of internal dampness and qi stagnation with blood stasis.
（Image）Dark Purple Tongue with Blood Stasis Spots
- How to Regulate This Condition
The formation of this tongue appearance is closely linked to phlegm dampness obstruction and liver qi stagnation. Therefore, the focus of treatment should be on resolving dampness, transforming phlegm, and soothing the liver to regulate qi. Treatment methods include dietary therapy, Chinese herbal formulas, and acupoint massage.
- Daily Care:
It is beneficial to consume foods that promote the flow of qi, such as white radish (白萝卜) and fresh ginger (生姜). These foods help soothe the liver and promote the movement of qi and blood. For patients with heavy phlegm, foods such as Job’s tears (薏苡仁) and Hyacinth bean (白扁豆), which strengthen the spleen and resolve dampness, are recommended to help alleviate internal dampness and phlegm accumulation.
- Dietary Therapy Ingredients:
- Winter melon (冬瓜) 200g
- Mung beans (绿豆) 100g
- Salt (适量)
Peel and cut the winter melon into pieces, rinse the mung beans, and place both in a clay pot with water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Add an appropriate amount of salt and it’s ready to consume. This soup has the effects of clearing heat, relieving summer heat, and resolving dampness and phlegm. It is especially suitable for patients with heavy dampness and qi stagnation with blood stasis.
- Chinese Herbal Formulas:
In Chinese herbal treatment, medicines that resolve phlegm and calm wind should be used, such as Pinellia (半夏), Atractylodes (白术), and Gastrodia (天麻). These can be combined with Bupleurum (柴胡), Peppermint (薄荷), Tree Peony bark (牡丹皮), and Gardenia (栀子) to soothe the liver and regulate qi. If blood stasis is present, herbs such as Peach kernel (桃仁) and Safflower (红花) can be added to invigorate blood, promote circulation, and eliminate phlegm.
- Acupoint Therapy:
Massage and gua sha therapy on specific acupoints can help clear the meridians, resolve phlegm, and regulate qi. Recommended acupoints include the Conception Vessel (膻中穴), Qimen (期门穴), Fenglong (丰隆穴), and Yinlingquan (阴陵泉穴), which help promote qi and blood flow and assist in expelling dampness. For symptoms like headache and irritability caused by wind-phlegm disturbing the upper body, massaging acupoints such as Sishencong (四神聪), Yintang (印堂), Baihui (百会), and Fengchi (风池) can help expel wind, relieve pain, calm the mind, and reduce irritability.
Summary
This article thoroughly explores various tongue appearances in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tongue diagnosis, particularly focusing on the characteristics, formation causes, pathological manifestations, and treatment methods related to phlegm dampness. As an important diagnostic tool in TCM, tongue diagnosis allows the observation of changes in the tongue’s texture, color, and coating to reflect the body’s internal pathological state. In this article, we focus on tongue appearances related to phlegm dampness, such as a white sticky coating and dark purple tongue body, which often indicate issues like spleen deficiency, internal dampness, and qi stagnation with blood stasis.
Through the analysis of different tongue appearances, the article summarizes various methods for regulating phlegm dampness, including dietary therapy, Chinese herbal formulas, and acupoint massage. These methods help readers understand how to adjust internal dampness and phlegm through diet and TCM treatments to improve overall health.
In particular, the application of TCM tongue diagnosis provides an effective treatment path. By observing the tongue appearance and considering an individual’s body constitution and symptoms, a more precise and personalized treatment plan can be developed. Therefore, understanding the relationship between TCM tongue diagnosis and phlegm dampness not only helps us better comprehend the state of our body but also offers effective guidance for health management and treatment.
More Articles in “Tongue Physique”
- Tongue Image Body Type
- Qi Deficiency Body Type
- Qi Stagnation Body Type
- Damp-Heat Body Type
- Phlegm Dampness Body Type
- Blood Stasis Body Type
- Yang Deficiency Body Type
- Yin Deficiency Body Type
Learn more about how to identify your tongue type in Identification Tongue section.
Subscribe now and enjoy 15% off your first purchase
