Night Dry Coughingaccording to TCM

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Symptom family: Cough Related Symptoms

What is Night Dry Coughing?

Night dry coughing is a condition characterized by a persistent, non-productive cough that worsens or becomes more pronounced during the evening or at night. This type of cough can disrupt sleep and is often more irritating than a productive cough because it does not bring up any mucus. Night dry coughing can be a symptom of various underlying health issues, ranging from allergic reactions to respiratory infections, and is particularly noted for its tendency to intensify when the individual is lying down.

How does TCM view Night Dry Coughing?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches night dry coughing as a symptom reflecting underlying imbalances within the body's Yin and Yang, and the flow of Qi. According to TCM, a cough that becomes worse at night can be indicative of a Yin Deficiency, where the cooling, moistening aspects of the body's energy are insufficient, leading to Dryness and irritation.

TCM emphasizes the importance of diagnosing the specific pattern of disharmony responsible for the symptom, as treatments are tailored to restore balance between Yin and Yang, and ensure the smooth flow of Qi through the body's meridians.

Root Causes of Night Dry Coughing in TCM

In TCM, night dry coughing is often associated with patterns of Yin Deficiency, particularly within the Kidney and Lung systems. This condition is characterized by a lack of the body's nourishing and moisturizing elements, leading to symptoms such as a dry cough that worsens in the evening, accompanied by dry throat, dizziness, and even lower back pain.

These signs reflect the interconnectedness of the Kidney and Lung Channels in TCM theory, where a deficiency in one can affect the health and function of the other, illustrating the holistic approach TCM takes in diagnosing and treating symptoms.

Explore below more details about what might cause Night dry coughing according to TCM.

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  • Yin Deficiency
Detailed description of the cause

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Night Dry Coughing

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Lung Yin Deficiency Dry cough which is worse in the evening, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Night dry coughing, Dry throat, Dry mouth, Emaciation, Exertional dyspnea, Lower back pain, Night sweats, Hearing loss, Oliguria... see more Ba Xian Chang Shou Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Night Dry Coughing

To address night dry coughing, TCM prescribes formulas that nourish Yin and moisten the Lung, counteracting the underlying deficiency. Ba Xian Chang Shou Wan, which includes Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang) among its key ingredients, is commonly recommended for treating Kidney and Lung Yin Deficiency.

This formula aims to replenish the body's essential fluids, reduce the dryness causing the cough, and restore balance to the internal systems. Such treatments highlight TCM's focus on using natural herbs to gently correct imbalances and support the body's innate healing capabilities.

See more details below about Ba Xian Chang Shou Wan, a herbal formula used to address night dry coughing.

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  • By Formula Type
  • Yin Deficiency

TCM Herbs for Night Dry Coughing

See more details below about Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a herb used to address night dry coughing.

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  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency

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