Phlegm-Dampness combined with Yin Deficiency Constitution

Manifestation Characteristics

• Physical Signs: The primary manifestation is the accumulation of phlegm and dampness, characterized by a sticky sensation in the mouth and a greasy tongue coating. A minority of individuals may also exhibit signs of Yin deficiency, such as deficiency heat in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, and a dry mouth and throat.

• Body Shape: Medium build or slightly overweight.

• Common Manifestations: Oily facial skin, excessive phlegm, and a sticky or sweet taste in the mouth. Some individuals may also experience heat in the palms and soles, a slightly dry nose, dry mouth and throat, a preference for cold drinks, and dry stools.

• Psychological Characteristics: Generally, the personality is mild-mannered and steady, often possessing good endurance. However, a small minority may have an impatient temperament and be extroverted, active, and lively.

• Disease Tendencies: Susceptible to wasting-thirst disorder (diabetes), stroke, chest impediment (cardiac issues), consumptive disease, seminal emission, and insomnia.

• Adaptability: Poor adaptability to the plum rain season and environments with heavy dampness. Tolerates winter better than summer; intolerant of summer heat, heat, and dryness pathogens.

Conditioning Methods

• Environmental and Lifestyle Adjustments: Stay away from damp environments and take precautions against the invasion of damp pathogens during rainy seasons. Engage in more outdoor activities and sunbathe often. Wear breathable cotton clothing that helps dissipate moisture. Avoid heat in the summer, and focus on nourishing Yin during autumn and winter. Do not stay up late, avoid strenuous exercise, and do not work in high-temperature environments.

• Physical Exercise: As the body tends to feel heavy and tires easily, long-term persistence in exercise is necessary. Choose activities that combine movement and stillness, such as running, Tai Chi, and Ba Duan Jin. Control the amount of sweating and rehydrate promptly.

• Mental Adjustment: Prone to mental fatigue and lethargy. Participate in various activities and listen to relaxing music to nourish the spirit through activity. Cultivate a habit of calmness and composure.

• Dietary Conditioning: Consume less sweet, sticky, and greasy foods; limit alcohol intake and do not overeat. Eat more bland foods that strengthen the spleen, drain dampness, and resolve phlegm, as well as sweet, cool, and moistening foods. Examples include lotus leaf, white radish, green onion, ginger, ginkgo, adzuki bean, pear, lily bulb, white wood ear (tremella), spinach, fig, rock sugar, and crown daisy chrysanthemum.

• Medicinal Conditioning: Focus on regulating and tonifying the lungs, spleen, and kidneys, combined with products that nourish Yin, clear heat, and nourish the liver and kidneys. Herbs that are warm and drying to resolve dampness can also be used. Examples of herbs include Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel), Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome), Fu Ling (Poria), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome), Che Qian Zi (Plantain Seed), Nu Zhen Zi (Glossy Privet Fruit), Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus Fruit), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Berry), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Root), Sha Shen (Glehnia Root), and Yu Zhu (Solomon’s Seal Rhizome).

• Common Formulas: Liu Wei Di Huang Wan or Wu Ling San.