Traditional Chinese medicine often saysChronic illness often involves blood stasis, and strange diseases often involve phlegm.Blood stasis occurs due to poor circulation of qi and blood, such as prolonged sitting, unresolved trauma, or chronic illnesses depleting qi and blood, all of which can cause blood to stagnate and form stasis. Phlegm-dampness is related to weakened spleen and stomach function; consuming too much cold, greasy food or long-term exposure to damp environments can impair the spleen and stomach's ability to transport and transform fluids, leading to the accumulation of water and dampness into sticky phlegm-dampness.
Blood stasis and phlegm dampness are both prone to stagnation and blockage in the body, and they influence each other. Once phlegm stasis occursstagnation in the lungsit can cause a feeling of chest tightness and stabbing pain;stagnation in the heartIt can cause palpitations and stabbing pain;stagnation in the liver and gallbladderchest and hypochondriac distending pain, abdominal fullness may occur.
For this condition of phlegm and blood stasis intermingling, we can refer toShuanghe Decoctionfor conditioning, it is composed ofTaohong Siwu Decoction, Erchen Decoction with Semen SinapisComposition, can simultaneouslyResolving Phlegm and Removing Blood Stasis。
Among themTwo-Chen Decoctioncan strengthen the spleen and resolve phlegmTaohong Siwu DecoctionIt can remove stagnant blood and generate new bloodWhite Mustard SeedIt can regulate qi, disperse stagnation, unblock collaterals, and relieve pain. This combination avoids excessive blood stasis removal that may deplete qi and blood, as well as simple phlegm elimination that may harm the spleen and stomach, while also protecting the body's fundamental functions. It not only addresses the symptoms of phlegm and blood stasis intermingling but also takes into account the body's vital qi.
However, it must be reminded that the most important aspect of traditional Chinese medicine is syndrome differentiation and treatment. Each person's constitution is different, and the complexity of syndromes varies. It is crucial not to use medications on your own. Always use them under the guidance of a professional physician based on syndrome differentiation to ensure both safety and effectiveness.
