Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
At a glance
Preliminary reading: What is a pattern? The concept of Phlegm The concept of Fluids
Key attributes
Chinese name: 悬饮 Pinyin name: Xuán Yǐn
Pattern nature: Full
Pattern hierarchy: Specific pattern under Phlegm-Fluids
Diagnosis
Common symptoms: Shortness of breath HypochondriaI distension Hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing
Pulse type(s): Deep (Chen), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue description: Swollen tongue with sticky coating
Treatment
Treatment principle: Drain Dampness, Phlegm and Fluids
Common formulas: Shi Zao Tang
Pathology
When Phlegm-Fluids (a type of Phlegm characterized by white, very watery and thin mucus) clogs up the chest and hypochondriac regions, the Qi rebels, producing cough and shortness of breath.
Obstruction of the flow of Qi also produces chest and hypochondriac pain that, in severe cases, may extend to the back.
Diagnosing Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium
Diagnosing a pattern in Chinese Medicine is no easy feat and should be left to professional practitioners. In particular one has to know how to differentiate between different types of pulses and tongue coatings, shapes and colors as well as learn to read from a long list of seemingly unrelated symptoms.
Pulse type(s): Deep (Chen) or wiry (Xian)
Tongue description: Swollen tongue with sticky coating
Main symptoms: Shortness of breath HypochondriaI distension Hypochondrial pain that is worse on coughing and breathing
Diagnosis commentary: Key characteristic symptoms of this pattern are the hypochondrial pain and distension that gets worse on coughing and breathing.
Treating Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium
Treatment principle
Drain Dampness, Phlegm and Fluids
Herbal formulas used to treat Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium
Shi Zao Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 4 herbs
Key actions: Purges and drives out Phlegm-Fluids.
Formula summary
Shi Zao Tang is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula. Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that drive out excess water.
Besides Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium, Shi Zao Tang is also used to treat Phlegm-Fluids in the chest and hypochondrium.
Related conditions
Please keep in mind that a Western Medicine condition can be caused by several Chinese Medicine patterns of disharmony and vice versa. As such a patient suffering from one of the conditions below will not necessarily be suffering from Phlegm-Fluids in the hypochondrium, it is just one pattern that's commonly associated with the condition. Click on a condition to learn what other patterns it's associated with.
Chronic gastritis Peptic ulcers Hypertension Gastroptosis Bronchitis Asthma Meniere's disease Myocarditis Pertussis Pleurisy Basilar insufficiency Optic nerve atrophy Coronary heart disease Hypotension Cor pulmonare Mitral valve prolapse Pericardial effusion Functional stomach disorders Cataracts Viral conjunctivitis Central serous retinopathy