Phlegm-Dampness Constitution Combined with Blood Stasis Constitution

Manifestation Characteristics

• Physical Signs: The primary manifestations are the accumulation of phlegm and dampness, leading to an overweight physique, a full and distended abdomen, and a sticky sensation in the mouth with a greasy tongue coating. This may be accompanied by signs of poor blood circulation and blood stasis, such as a dull and dark complexion and a purplish, dark tongue.

• Body Shape: The body shape is typically overweight with a full, distended, and soft abdomen, although a thin and emaciated body shape can also be seen.

• Common Manifestations: Oily facial skin, excessive and sticky sweat, chest tightness, abundant phlegm, a sticky, greasy, or sweet sensation in the mouth. A dull or dark complexion, pigmentation, the appearance of bruises or dark spots (ecchymosis), and dull, dark lips may also be observed.

• Psychological Characteristics: Prone to irritability and forgetfulness.

• Disease Tendencies: Susceptible to wasting-thirst disorder (similar to diabetes), stroke, chest impediment (related to heart conditions like angina), abdominal masses, and various pain syndromes.

• Adaptability: Poor adaptability to the plum rain season and hot, humid environments; intolerant of cold pathogenic factors.

Conditioning Methods

• Environmental and Lifestyle Adjustments: Avoid damp environments. During rainy seasons, protect against the invasion of dampness. Living quarters should be warm, not cool. Take precautions against the cold during winter.

• Physical Exercise: Individuals with this constitution may feel a sense of heaviness and fatigue easily, so they should adhere to a long-term exercise regimen. It is recommended to engage in activities that benefit the heart and blood vessels, such as running, ball sports, martial arts, and dancing.

• Mental Adjustment: Participate in a variety of social activities and listen to relaxing music to nourish the spirit through movement and cultivate an optimistic mood.

• Dietary Conditioning: Consume more foods that strengthen the spleen, promote urination to remove dampness, resolve phlegm, invigorate blood circulation, and dispel stasis. Examples include lotus leaf, white radish, rose flower, Chinese rose flower, alcohol, and peach kernel. A small amount of alcohol can be consumed regularly, and vinegar can be consumed more frequently.

• Medicinal Conditioning: Herbal formulas that eliminate dampness and invigorate the blood can be used. Examples of herbs include Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), Che Qian Zi (Plantain Seed), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Root), Huai Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root), Xu Chang Qing (Paniculate Swallowwort Root), Ji Xue Teng (Spatholobus Stem), and Chong Wei Zi (Motherwort Fruit), which invigorate and nourish the blood. Representative Chinese patent medicine formulas include Wu Ling San or Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang.