The accumulation of Body Fluids (Jin Ye) can manifest in different forms: Phlegm, Dampness and Oedema.
Differences between Phlegm and Dampness
- Phlegm or Tan is always an internal imbalance, never external, whereas Dampness can arise both externally and internally.
- Internal Dampness is always an alteration of the transformation and transportation of the Spleen. In the case of Phlegm, the Lungs and Kidneys are also involved. Phlegm can also be formed by Fire consuming the Body Fluids.
- Dampness affects essentially the lower part of the body, whereas Phlegm affects more the middle and upper parts.
- Phlegm clouds the Mind causing mental problems; Dampness does not have these effects.
- Phlegm can be retained in the channels and under the skin (swellings and lumps); Dampness only affects the organs, skin or joints.
- Phlegm can combine with any pathogen — Wind, Cold, Dryness, etc. — whereas Dampness combines only with Cold and Heat.
- The pulse in both cases is Slippery, although Dampness can also appear with a Soggy pulse and Phlegm with a Wiry pulse (fine and tight).
- On the tongue, both present a thick and sticky coating, but Phlegm can also be seen with a rough and dry coating and a red tongue body if due to Heat. Dampness will likely present a more moist coating and the tongue with teeth marks, typical of Spleen-Qi deficiency.
- In treatment to resolve Dampness, the Spleen is always worked (SP-3, SP-6, SP-9). To resolve Phlegm, ST-40 is commonly used. It will be necessary to regulate the Lungs, Spleen and Kidneys, as well as clear Heat as needed by the individual.
- Dampness can be acute or chronic; Phlegm is mostly a chronic problem (except in the case of Wind-Heat attacking the Lungs (Lung patterns), which is the only acute case).
Contributed by Arturo Levi Lavista