Phlegm — we all know how annoying it can be when your body is overproducing it. Whether it's from a lingering cold or a sign of an underlying imbalance, it can make you feel sluggish, congested, and just generally under the weather. But did you know that in Chinese medicine, phlegm isn't just seen as a symptom of illness but as something the body creates when things aren't quite in harmony?

Here at AcuMassey Acupuncture, I often work with patients dealing with excessive phlegm, helping them get to the root of the issue. Let's dive into how Chinese medicine views phlegm and what you can do to manage it.

What is Phlegm in

Chinese Medicine?

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), phlegm is seen as more than just the stuff you cough up during a cold. It's a sign of excess dampness and can be classified into two types:

  • Visible phlegm: The obvious one — what we see as mucus in the lungs, throat, or sinuses.

  • Invisible phlegm: The more subtle version, where the body has too much dampness stored in areas like the digestive system or even the mind, causing issues like brain fog, weight gain, or bloating.

Phlegm often arises when there's a problem with the body's ability to transform and transport fluids — this usually points to issues with the spleen, lungs, or even liver in TCM terms.

Common Causes of Phlegm

Phlegm can build up in the body for several reasons, including:

  • Diet: Eating too much cold, greasy, or sweet foods can lead to dampness and phlegm. Dairy is a classic culprit here.

  • Stress: Emotional stress affects your liver energy, which can lead to phlegm production, especially the invisible kind.

  • Weak digestion: When your digestive system (the spleen in TCM) isn’t functioning well, it struggles to process food and fluids properly, resulting in dampness and phlegm.

  • External factors: Living in damp or cold environments can also make things worse.

How Can Chinese Medicine Help?

Chinese medicine approaches phlegm by looking at the bigger picture. Instead of just treating the symptom, we focus on rebalancing the body's internal systems. Here are some key TCM methods for managing phlegm.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is excellent for clearing phlegm, particularly when paired with a personalised treatment plan. I target specific acupuncture points to boost your spleen and lung function, helping your body process fluids better and clear out dampness. Regular sessions can really help keep phlegm under control.

Dietary Adjustments

What you eat plays a massive role in phlegm production. In TCM, we recommend avoiding foods that create more dampness, such as:

  • Dairy (especially milk and cheese)

  • Greasy or fried foods

  • Excessive sugar and sweets

  • Cold/raw foods like salads and smoothies

Instead, try incorporating more warm, cooked foods like soups, stews, and herbal teas. Ginger, garlic, and warming spices are particularly good at helping your body dry out dampness and reduce phlegm.

Lifestyle Tips

  • Stay warm: Cold can exacerbate phlegm, so keep warm, especially around your neck and chest.

  • Manage stress: Emotional stress is a big player in creating internal imbalances, so it’s worth finding ways to relax — whether it’s through acupuncture, mindfulness, or just taking time out for yourself.

  • Exercise moderately: Gentle movements, like walking or tai chi, can help keep the body's fluids moving and reduce dampness.

Take the Next Step

Phlegm might be your body's way of telling you something's off, but the good news is that with the right approach, it can be managed. Whether it’s adjusting your diet, introducing acupuncture, or using herbal medicine, Chinese medicine offers holistic ways to reduce phlegm and get you back to feeling your best.

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