Night Dry Coughingaccording to TCM

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.

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

Kidney

In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more

Kidney 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

Lung

In TCM the Lungs are seen as the organ responsible for controlling Qi and respiration, as well as being a key part of the body's defensive system. They are thought to maintain the balance and flow of air and moisture, and are closely linked to the skin and hair. When the Lungs are imbalanced or malfunctioning in TCM, it can lead to respiratory issues like coughing or asthma, a weakened immune system, dry skin, and emotional disturbances such as sadness or grief. These symptoms are believed to arise from disruptions in the Lungs' ability to regulate Qi and protect the body, highlighting their central role in maintaining overall health and well-being.... see more

Lung 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.

Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Ba Xian Chang Shou Wan

Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause night dry coughing, such as Kidney and Lung Yin Deficiency

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TCM Herbs for Night Dry Coughing

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