What is Dry Cough?

Dry cough, commonly referred to as a nonproductive or hacking cough, is a type of cough where no phlegm or mucus is produced. It's characterized by irritation in the throat and respiratory tract, leading to a persistent and often uncomfortable coughing sensation. Unlike a wet cough, a dry cough does not clear any substances from the respiratory tract and can be particularly bothersome due to its unrelenting nature.

How does TCM view Dry Cough?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives dry cough as an imbalance within the body’s energy system. TCM theory suggests that a dry cough results from disruptions in the flow of Qi (vital energy) and Yin (nourishing fluids), often involving the lungs.

According to TCM, treating a dry cough involves more than just addressing the symptom; it requires identifying and correcting the underlying pattern of disharmony causing the cough.

Root Causes of Dry Cough in TCM

In TCM, dry cough is often attributed to a few key patterns. One such pattern is Dry-Heat or Dry-Fire, where excessive heat in the lungs leads to a dry cough, often accompanied by symptoms like fever, thirst, and a sore throat.

Another common cause is Lung Yin Deficiency, characterized by a dry cough with symptoms like a hoarse voice and itchy throat. Identifying the correct pattern is crucial for effective treatment, as it guides the choice of herbs and acupuncture points.

Explore below more details about what might cause Dry cough according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Dryness
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Phlegm
Detailed description of the cause

Dryness

"Dryness" in TCM refers to a state where there is a lack of moisture in the body, much like how the land feels during a drought. It's a pattern of disharmony that can arise from external factors like dry weather or internal issues, such as insufficient fluid intake or certain lifestyle habits. When your body experiences this dryness, you might notice symptoms like dry skin, a scratchy throat, dry eyes, or even constipation. It's similar to the feeling of being parched or having dry, chapped lips in a very dry climate. TCM views this as an imbalance where the body's yin - often associated with moisture and cooling - is depleted.... see more

Dryness Patterns That Can Lead to Dry Cough

Common Symptoms: Dry Throat Thirst Skin Dryness Fever Excessive Sweating Sore Throat Dry Nose Aversion To Cold

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Dry-Heat or Dry-Fire Dry cough, Fever, Thirst, Excessive sweating, Sore throat, Skin dryness, Dry nose, Dry throat, Aversion to cold, Dry mouth... see more Xing Su San | Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang | Sang Xing Tang
Dry-Phlegm in the Lungs Dry cough, Scanty sputum, Shortness of breath, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness, Dizziness, Dry throat, Wheezing, Pale face... see more Bei Mu Gua Lou San
Dry-Wind Dry cough, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Skin dryness, Dry nose, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Sore throat, Dry tongue... see more Sang Xing Tang
Lung Dryness Dry cough, Dry throat, Skin dryness, Hoarse voice, Thirst Bai He Gu Jin Tang
Stomach and Lung Yin Deficiency Hacking cough, Dry throat, Thirst, Fever, Scanty sputum, Dry cough, Red tongue Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang
Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs Dry cough, Headaches, Chills without sweating, Congested nose, Dry throat, Sputum, Common cold, Bronchitis, Emphysema, Upper respiratory tract infections... see more Xing Su San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Dry Cough

TCM recommends various formulas and herbs for treating dry cough, tailored to the individual's specific pattern. For Dry-Heat or Dry-Fire conditions, Xing Su San, containing Apricot Seeds, is often used to moisten and relieve the cough.

For Lung Yin Deficiency, Bai He Gu Jin Tang, with Lily Bulbs, is a common choice for its nourishing properties. Each formula is selected based on its ability to address the specific type of imbalance causing the dry cough.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address dry cough, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Dryness
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Phlegm

All Formulas Recommended for Dry Cough Caused by Dryness

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Xing Su San Dry-Heat or Dry-Fire, Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs
Sang Xing Tang Dry-Heat or Dry-Fire, Dry-Wind
Bai He Gu Jin Tang Lung Dryness
Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang Dry-Heat or Dry-Fire
Bei Mu Gua Lou San Dry-Phlegm in the Lungs
Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang Stomach and Lung Yin Deficiency

Acupoints for Dry Cough

TCM also incorporates acupuncture as part of its treatment approach. Key acupoints for dry cough include Gaohuangshu BL-43 and Pohu BL-42, located on the Bladder Channel and known for nourishing Lung Yin and Qi.

Additionally, Zhaohai KID-6 on the Kidney Channel can be effective, especially for cases involving Yin Deficiency, as it helps nourish Kidney Yin and clear Empty-Heat, providing relief from the dry cough.

Explore below some acupoints used to address dry cough, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
  • Kidney Channel
Pohu BL-42

Pohu BL-42

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3).

Gaohuangshu BL-43

Gaohuangshu BL-43

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th thoracic vertebra (T4).

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