Theoretical Research Of Phlegm In Traditional Chinese Medicine

The theory of phlegm is an important part of the basic theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) . It has a long history and rich content. Many doctors have paid much attention to the phlegm theory. So this research summarizes the theory of phlegm based on historical doctrines.There are different characters about the theory of phlegm in different periods.The period of Qin Dynasty and Han Dynasty: People recognized "phlegm", and medicinal herbs were also used to treat phlegm. But there wasn't the name of "phlegm" at that time. The names of "phlegm", in the period, were such as spittle, saliva and so on. Yellow Emperor's Internal Classics and Treatise on Cold-Attack and Miscellaneous Diseases described the phenomenon of "phlegm". And, there were several formulas for phlegm illnesses in Treatise on Cold-Attack and Miscellaneous Diseases too.The period of Three Kingdoms, Wei Dynasty and Jin Dynasty: Formulas for phlegm illnesses continued to be accumulated. These formulas greatly contributed to the academic progress. The word "phlegm" emerged in medical books. But, in the period, "phlegm" and "fluid" had not the vague concept.The period of Sui Dynasty, Tang Dynasty and Five Dynasties: Researches on phlegm illnesses were gradually paid attention.The differences between "phlegm" and "fluid" were found. Doctors indicated the pathogenesis of Phlegm Syndrome, which guided the treatment of phlegm illnesses. The accumulation of useful formulas was far beyond the past. Other therapy, such as Qigong, moxibustion and food therapy for phlegm syndrome also had greater development.The period of Song Dynasty: the theory of diagnosis, therapy and formula about Phlegm Syndrome were greatly improved. They discussed the relationship between Qi and phlegm, observed and described phlegm symptoms, summerized some rules for them.The period of Jin and Yuan Dynasty: There were rich and various phlegm doctrines. Highlighted innovation of phlegm doctrines were in both theory and clinic practice. Phlegm academic development showed growing trend. It influenced pediatrics, surgery and other fields.The period of Ming Dynasty: Classical theory of TCM was deepening. Clinical experience accumulated for a long time and unique theoretical system of the Ming Dynasty medicine was formed. They paid attention to discriminate the views of their predecessors, focused on the relationship among the contents of Qi, Blood, Fluid and Phlegm, the relationship between phlegm and viscera, the symptoms of phlegm illnesses. Many theories formed a system of phlegm doctrine.The period of Qing Dynasty: The theory of TCM improved and matured after a long-term accumulation. In addition, under the influence of exegesis and textology, the development of phlegm study went in some new directions. They summarized the doctrines of their predecessors, analysed the naming of phlegm illnesses, discussed the similarities and differences between phlegm and fluid. The Connotation of phlegm concept got clear, which brought a significant effect on the phlegm theory and clinical practice.Nowadays, as western culture, science and technology coming, a collision with Chinese traditional culture generated new ideas. The apprehension about phlegm are mainly concentrated on the experimental study, the researchers pay much attention to the chemical and biological material basis. They have raised related hypotheses. On the right combination of ancient and modern medical theory, the level of modern phlegm theory has enhanced.Proved by the analysis of origins and status, phlegm theory has rich ideological content and practical value. However, so far this theory hasn't yet been thoroughly studied and systematically illuminated.Guided by the theoretical thoughts, in order to make full use of the method of philology, this article is going to summarize the phlegm theory as followed:1. Concept: Narrow concept of phlegm is sticky and turbid pathological production due to metabolic disorders of water and food. Based on this, its broad concept refers to abstract summary of its relative syndrome, symptom, etiology and pathogenesis.2. Source and causes of phlegm illnesses: Phlegm illnesses may caused by genetic factors, or by diet-induced. Within the body, the sperm and blood, fluid, and other substances may be transformed into phlegm. Its pathogenesis will be also affected by the physical constitution, eating and living habits, clothing protections, emotion, seasonal climate, and so many kinds of internal and external factors.3. Formation mechanism: The Generation of phlegm include three ways, that is viscera dysfunction, abnormal changes in Qi, Blood and body fluid. Among the five internal organs, the formation of phlegm most closely related to spleen and kidney, also the lung and liver effects. Furthermore, stomach is the main participator in the formation of phlegm. The functions of bladder, Sanjiao and gallbladder are also related to that process. There are four cases in Qi abnormal changes: First, Qi deficiency. The materials from diet can not be normally used by human body, then phlegm forms. Second, Qi stagnation leads to poor blood and body fluid circulation, which provide conditions for the formation of phlegm. Third, the Qi-reverse chaos have the sperm, blood and body fluid stagnated. Fourth, the gasification of six Qi lose balance in the human body, including excessive cold, hot or wet, which changes the eaten food into a large quantity of phlegm, endangering human health. On the one hand, sperm, Blood, body fluid and phlegm have the same source. On the other hand, if the conditions exist, they may be converted into phlegm. Therefore, excessive use of medicinals are easy to damage the sperm, blood and body fluid.4. Pathogenesis features: Widely distributed, diverse symptoms; gradual accumulation, firmly cemented; blocking Qi and Blood circulation; provoking the agents in vitro, repeated incidence; relying on feng and heat, causing refractory diseases; generating tumor or Cancer.5. Development and prognosis: It depends on whether personal health concerns are active, and whether treatments are appropriate, and whether a variety of complex internal and external cause exists, and whether Qi and Blood of the body are running smoothly. And many other factors have great relationship with the prognosis. A reasonable diet, moderate labor, cheerful mood and correct treatments play a positive role in reducing phlegm production, eliminating the accumulation of local phlegm, as well as the rehabilitation of phlegm illnesses.6. Diagnosis, treatment and nursing: Finally, by the comprehensive theory of ancient and modern medicine, the article introduce the consultation of phlegm illnesses from inspecing shape, eyes and tongue, identifying phlegm, listening voices, smelling, feeling pulse and so on. The article analyses the treatments of phlegm illnesses as the following four levels: cleaning phlegm, smoothing Qi and Blood circulation, reconciling viscera functions and balancing Yin-Yang. It also introduces therapeutic diet, acupuncture, Daoyin, external treatments, etc.In short, through the choice of medical history, the phlegm theory of TCM has been innovated and improved, which plays an important role in clinical practice to overcome many incurable diseases, and to provide sophisticated diagnosis ideas, valid therapies, formulas and medicinals. This article is going to illuminate the phlegm theory systematically, expose the connotation of phlegm theory in depth, promote the development of clinical practice in phlegm illnesses.