Feeling a Lump in Your Throat, Excess Phlegm? Traditional Chinese Medicine: It May Be Related to the Spleen, Stomach, and Dampness A Detailed Explanation of Treatment MethodsWang Auntie had been deeply troubled recently. Every morning upon waking, she felt as though something was stuck in her throat, unable to be coughed up or swallowed
Feeling a Lump in Your Throat, Excess Phlegm? Traditional Chinese Medicine: It May Be Related to the Spleen, Stomach, and Dampness A Detailed Explanation of Treatment Methods
Wang Auntie had been deeply troubled recently. Every morning upon waking, she felt as though something was stuck in her throat, unable to be coughed up or swallowed. Persistent coughing and throat clearing offered no relief. This discomfort was particularly severe at night, hindering her sleep and increasing her irritability. She sought help from Dr. Liu, an experienced TCM practitioner, at her local community clinic. After carefully inquiring about her symptoms, Dr. Liu smiled gently and said, "Wang Auntie, this is actually a very common problem. Excess phlegm or the feeling of a foreign body in the throat isn't necessarily a lung disease; it may be related to the spleen, stomach, dampness, or even your lifestyle habits."
Wang Auntie was surprised. "Isn't phlegm produced by the lungs? How can it be related to the spleen and stomach, and dampness?"
Dr. Liu patiently explained, "Don't worry, let me explain."
Where Does Phlegm Come From? It's More Complex Than You Think
Many people believe that phlegm is mucus secreted by the lungs and is solely related to the respiratory system. However, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) holds that the production of phlegm is closely related to the spleen, lung, and kidney. Under normal circumstances, the spleen is responsible for transporting and transforming the essence of food and water, delivering the useful components to the body and eliminating excess water and dampness. But if the spleen is weak or its transport and transformation function is impaired, excess water and dampness accumulate in the body, easily transforming into phlegm.
Dr. Liu used a simple analogy: "A weak spleen is like a broken dehumidifier; dampness cannot be expelled and accumulates in the body, gradually solidifying into phlegm. This phlegm not only affects the lungs but can also stagnate in the stomach and even spread throughout the body. The feeling of something in your throat is precisely this phlegm at work."
The Manifestations and Causes of Excess Phlegm are More Complex Than You Think
Modern medical research shows that excess phlegm may be related to chronic pharyngitis, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux, and other diseases. However, TCM emphasizes a holistic perspective. Dr. Liu told Wang Auntie that phlegm is not only divided into tangible and intangible forms but also into various types such as cold phlegm, hot phlegm, damp phlegm, and dry phlegm. "The mucus we can see and cough up is tangible phlegm; while the 'phlegm' that causes dizziness, chest tightness, and heaviness in the limbs is intangible phlegm," Dr. Liu explained.
As for Wang Auntie's description of "feeling like something is in her throat," it is likely caused by a damp-phlegm constitution. People with a damp-phlegm constitution usually have a thick and greasy tongue coating, are easily fatigued, and may even experience a feeling of heaviness in the head. Dr. Liu added, "Based on your situation, you may also have upward reversal of stomach qi, requiring the regulation of the spleen and stomach."
Managing Excess Phlegm Cannot Rely Solely on Drinking Water
In daily life, many people consider excess phlegm a minor problem, believing that drinking water and consuming cool, throat-soothing things can alleviate it. However, Dr. Liu cautioned that this method only provides temporary relief. For a thorough improvement, it's necessary to address the root cause. For those with a damp-phlegm constitution, diet and lifestyle habits are particularly important.
Dr. Liu suggested Wang Auntie drink a bowl of barley and red bean porridge every morning. This simple dietary remedy has the effect of strengthening the spleen and removing dampness. She could also incorporate more winter melon, yam, and lotus seeds into her diet, which are known for their heat-clearing and dampness-removing properties, while reducing spicy, oily, and sweet foods. Furthermore, Dr. Liu emphasized, "Don't eat too late at night, nor too much. If the stomach is not harmonious, sleep will be restless. Food refluxing from the stomach to the throat will worsen the feeling of excess phlegm."
Simple Massage and Exercise Can Also Help Eliminate Damp Phlegm
In addition to dietary adjustments, Dr. Liu taught Wang Auntie several simple massage techniques. For example, massaging the Neiguan (Pericardium 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) acupoints daily can help regulate spleen and stomach function and reduce damp-phlegm symptoms. He also advised Wang Auntie to walk briskly for 30 minutes daily to accelerate the body's metabolism and help eliminate excess dampness. "Damp-phlegm isn't formed in a day or two, and treatment also requires a gradual process," Dr. Liu advised earnestly.
Wang Auntie carefully followed Dr. Liu's advice, adjusting her diet and consistently performing massage and exercise upon returning home. After a few weeks, she was pleasantly surprised to find the sticky feeling in her throat significantly reduced, and she felt much lighter overall.
Relief from Phlegm Brings Peace of Mind; A Healthy Life Starts with Change
Dr. Liu's advice made Wang Auntie realize that her physical discomfort wasn't accidental but a result of accumulated long-term lifestyle habits. People with a damp-phlegm constitution need to address diet, exercise, and rest, and also learn to regulate their emotions. TCM believes that emotional imbalances can damage the internal organs, especially the spleen and stomach, thus exacerbating damp-phlegm symptoms.
After recovering her health, Wang Auntie recommended Dr. Liu's methods to her friends. She said with a smile, "That 'stubborn phlegm' in my throat was actually a reminder from life. Now that the phlegm is gone, I've also learned how to take better care of myself."
Managing damp-phlegm isn't difficult; the key is to find the right methods and stick with them. TCM emphasizes holistic treatment; excess phlegm is not the "exclusive problem" of a single organ but a manifestation of an overall imbalance in the body. Through diet, exercise, and emotional management, we can restore bodily balance and avoid the troubles brought on by damp-phlegm.
References
- The Chinese Materia Medica, Textbook of Traditional Chinese Internal Medicine, Fundamentals of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhang Zhongjings Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases, Synopsis of the Golden Chamber
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