The Mystery of Phlegm in Traditional Chinese Medicine: Causes, Types, and Healing
- Dr. Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez
- Aug 20
- 6 min read
Introduction: What Is Phlegm
in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
In Western medicine, phlegm is often thought of as mucus. But in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), phlegm is much broader—it’s a pathological accumulation of body fluids that can cause visible and invisible illnesses. From arthritis to kidney stones, TCM explains phlegm as one of the most important factors in chronic disease.
Understanding phlegm—and how it forms—offers valuable insight into maintaining health, preventing illness, and supporting recovery with natural methods like acupuncture, herbs, and diet.
Organs Responsible for Phlegm in the Body
According to TCM theory, phlegm does not arise randomly. It has roots in the body’s internal organs:
Stomach – the “origin of fluids.” If digestion is weak, fluids stagnate and transform into phlegm.
Spleen – responsible for transformation and transportation. A weak Spleen fails to move fluids, creating dampness and phlegm.
Lungs – the storehouse of phlegm. When blocked, they cause cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
Kidneys – regulate water metabolism. Weak Kidney Yang leads to improper fluid transformation, creating phlegm and dampness.
Substantial vs. Non-Substantial Phlegm
Phlegm is classified into two categories:
Substantial Phlegm – visible, like mucus or sputum.
Non-Substantial Phlegm – invisible but harmful, leading to chronic disease. Examples include:
Arthritis and stiff joints
Kidney stones
Tumors, nodules, and cancer
Neurological issues such as seizures or stroke
The Six Types of Phlegm
TCM describes phlegm in various forms, each with unique symptoms and treatment approaches:
Damp Phlegm – heavy, sticky, causing chest oppression and nausea.
Phlegm-Heat – yellow, thick, linked to fever, restlessness, and cough.
Cold Phlegm – watery, white, often with chills and digestive sluggishness.
Wind Phlegm – causes dizziness, tremors, and in severe cases, stroke.
Qi Phlegm – a “lump in the throat” sensation, often related to stress or emotional stagnation.
Phlegm-Fluids – watery accumulation in the chest or abdomen, leading to edema and bloating.
Phlegm and the Role of Body Fluids
Phlegm arises from body fluids gone wrong. Normally, fluids nourish and moisten the body, but when disrupted, they turn into dampness and phlegm.
Dryness – lack of fluids, leading to dehydration.
Edema – fluid retention and swelling.
Phlegm/Dampness – stagnation of fluids transformed into pathology.
Jin and Ye: The Two Types of Body Fluids
TCM divides body fluids into two categories:
Jin (thin fluids) – clear and light, circulating with Defensive Qi to moisten skin and muscles.
Ye (thick fluids) – heavy and nourishing, circulating with Nutritive Qi to moisten the brain, spine, bone marrow, and sensory organs.
When Jin and Ye are unbalanced, phlegm is the natural result.
Phlegm and Kidney Essence
Phlegm formation is linked to the Kidney Essence (Jing), which combines:
Pre-Heaven Qi – inherited from parents, stored in the Kidneys.
Post-Heaven Qi – generated by the Spleen and Stomach from food and diet.
When diet, digestion, and Kidney Essence are strong, fluids are managed properly. But when these weaken, phlegm accumulates.
Illnesses Caused by Phlegm
Phlegm contributes to a wide range of illnesses:
Respiratory issues – asthma, bronchitis, chronic cough.
Digestive issues – nausea, bloating, poor appetite.
Neurological issues – seizures, stroke, dizziness.
Musculoskeletal issues – arthritis, joint deformities.
Systemic illnesses – kidney stones, tumors, cancer.
This is why TCM says: “Many strange diseases are due to phlegm.”
Natural Ways to Manage Phlegm
TCM offers practical ways to resolve phlegm:
Dietary choices – avoid greasy, raw, and cold foods that weaken the Spleen. Eat warm, cooked meals.
Movement – gentle exercises like Qi Gong and Tai Chi help circulate Qi and transform fluids.
Acupuncture & herbs – points like ST40 (Fenglong) and formulas like Er Chen Tang are classic remedies.
Emotional health – manage stress, grief, and worry, as these weaken the Lungs and Spleen.
Step- by-Step: Reduce Phlegm through Diet
1) Set your baseline (Day 0)
Note daily symptoms for 3 days: morning throat mucus, nasal congestion, cough, chest heaviness, brain fog, bloating.
Quick “phlegm score” (0–5) each morning and evening.
Take a tongue photo (natural light) and track changes weekly.
2) Keep a 14-day “Damp Detective” food log
Record: what/when/how (temperature and cooking method) + symptoms within 3 hours and next morning.
Circle common phlegm builders: iced drinks, dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream), sugar, refined flour, fried/greasy foods, excess oils, ultra-processed snacks, beer/alcohol, large raw salads, fruit juices/smoothies, bananas/very sweet fruit.
3) Switch your beverages to warm
Replace iced/very cold drinks with warm water, ginger or roasted barley tea, or hot lemon water.
Aim for 6–8 cups/day. Tiny sips often > big gulps.
4) Eat warm, cooked breakfasts (daily)
Choose 1:
Rice congee (add ginger, scallion, shiitake, a little chicken or tofu).
Oatmeal cooked soft with grated ginger + cinnamon; top with chopped apple/pear (lightly stewed).
Eggs + lightly sautéed greens (bok choy, spinach) and a small bowl of miso soup.
Avoid cold cereal, smoothies, iced coffee.
5) Use the “50–25–25 warm plate”
50% cooked vegetables (mix of bitter + sweet: broccoli, bok choy, carrots, leeks).
25% protein (fish, chicken, eggs, tempeh, tofu).
25% warm whole grains/legumes (brown rice, millet, barley, quinoa, adzuki/mung beans).
Cook by steaming, stewing, braising, sautéing; avoid deep frying.
6) Lean on anti-phlegm culinary allies
Fresh ginger, scallion, garlic, leeks
Citrus peel (use strips of organic tangerine/orange peel in teas/stews)
Daikon/radish, turnip, bitter greens (mustard/dandelion—small amounts with meals)
Shiitake/maitake mushrooms
Barley, millet, adzuki or mung beans
Light spices: white pepper, cinnamon, star anise (as tolerated)
7) Crowd out dairy and sugar (don’t just “cut” them)
Swap milk/yogurt for warm, unsweetened almond/oat milks.
Choose fruit stewed (pear/apple with ginger) over cold fruit/juices.
Cap added sugar at ≤25 g/day (≈6 tsp). Read labels; “evaporated cane juice” is sugar.
8) Smart snacks that don’t feed damp
Miso soup, bone/veg broth, roasted chickpeas, a small handful of pumpkin seeds or walnuts, rice cakes with tahini + honey drizzle, baked sweet potato with a pinch of cinnamon.
Skip ice cream, cold smoothies, candy, greasy chips.
9) Time your meals
Eat at regular times; avoid heavy late dinners.
Finish eating 3 hours before bed.
Chew thoroughly; aim for gentle satiety (80% full).
10) Sample “anti-phlegm” day
Breakfast: Ginger–pear oatmeal, hot tea.
Lunch: Barley + shiitake stew with carrots/daikon; side of sautéed greens.
Snack: Warm broth + pumpkin seeds.
Dinner: Steamed fish (or tofu) with ginger–scallion sauce; brown rice; broccoli.
Evening: Warm lemon water.
11) Simple kitchen recipes
Ginger–Pear Compote: Simmer 1 diced pear, ½ tsp grated ginger, splash of water, pinch cinnamon 8–10 min. Spoon over oatmeal or congee.
Tangerine-Peel Tea: Dry organic tangerine peel; steep a strip with fresh ginger 10 min; sip warm after meals.
Daikon & Miso Soup: Simmer daikon/carrot rounds until tender; remove from heat; whisk in miso; finish with sliced scallion.
12) Build a smart shopping list
Grains/legumes: brown rice, barley, millet, quinoa, adzuki/mung beans
Produce: ginger, scallion, garlic, daikon, carrots, bok choy, broccoli, mushrooms, pears/apples, leafy greens, lemons
Proteins: eggs, fish or chicken, tofu/tempeh
Pantry: miso, low-sodium broth, cinnamon, white pepper, star anise, unsweetened almond/oat milk.
13) Track results and adjust (end of Week 1 & 2)
Re-score symptoms; compare with Day 0.
If mornings are still phlegmy, tighten sugars/dairy more, add an extra cup of ginger or barley tea, and increase cooked veg.
If you feel chilled or fatigued, ensure enough protein and warm grains; don’t under-eat.
14) Common pitfalls to avoid
“Healthy” but cold: big smoothie bowls, raw salads, iced tea.
“Natural” but phlegm-forming: lots of cheese, creamy soups, heavy oils, nut butters in excess.
Weekend “cheat meals” that undo a week of work (fried foods + beer = classic damp combo).
15) When to get personalized guidance
If you have diabetes, kidney disease, gallbladder issues, or are pregnant, tailor these steps with a professional.
Persistent cough with fever, severe shortness of breath, or unexplained weight loss warrants medical evaluation.
Conclusion: Restoring Balance by Clearing Phlegm
Phlegm in TCM is more than mucus—it is a sign of disharmony in digestion, fluid transformation, and organ balance. By supporting the Spleen, Lungs, Kidneys, and Stomach, you can prevent phlegm from becoming a long-term health issue.
The wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches us that when fluids are transformed properly, the body thrives. When they stagnate, phlegm forms—and with it, illness.
If you are struggling with symptoms of phlegm—whether it’s respiratory problems, arthritis, or hidden illnesses—consider working with a licensed acupuncturist to restore balance naturally.
If you’re ready to take control of your wellness and experience how acupuncture can support your body’s natural healing, we invite you to connect with us today.
Book your session at Kicotan Acupuncture and discover how TCM can help you clear phlegm, restore balance, and improve your health from the inside out.
About the Author:
Dr. Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez, D.Ac., L.Ac. is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Reiki Master Teacher with more than 16 years of clinical experience helping individuals restore balance and improve their health naturally.
She is the founder of Kicotan Acupuncture, where she integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine, Indigenous healing practices, and modern holistic approaches to support physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Rodriguez is an author, educator, and life coach, passionate about teaching others how to take charge of their health through self-awareness, nutrition, acupuncture, and daily wellness routines. Her work blends deep cultural wisdom with modern healing techniques, making her a trusted guide for those seeking natural solutions to complex health challenges.
When she’s not working with patients or creating educational content, Dr. Rodriguez writes extensively about genealogy, Indigenous heritage, and holistic wellness, helping others reconnect with their roots while finding healing in the present.
Learn more or book a consultation at www.kicotanacupuncture.com.
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