What Are Signs & Symptoms of Dampness + Phlegm?

DAMPNESS

• abdominal distention

• candida / thrush

• diarrhea (with undigested food)

• dull, frontal headache

• fatigue

• feeling of heaviness in body

• mucus discharges

• nausea

• heavy vaginal discharge

• lack of thirst

• lethargy

• loose, sticky stools

• poor digestion

• swollen, puffy face & limbs

• weight gain / obesity

PHLEGM

• aphasia / incoherent speech

• brain fog

• confusion

• cough with sputum

• dizziness / vertigo

• dulling of the senses

• feeling of oppression of the chest

• feeling of something stuck in the throat

• fibroids

• forgetfulness

• lack of smell & taste

• lipomas, lumps & nodules

• phlegm / mucus discharge

• runny nose / post-nasal drip

• stones in the bladder, kidneys or gallbladder

What Causes Dampness + Phlegm?

• having a long-term qi deficiency (poor gut health)

• poor diet / consuming too much dairy, sugar or fat

• living in a damp or humid environment

• working in a water-y or damp environment

• excessive worry or fear

• long-standing sadness, grief or resentment

• sedentary lifestyle

• toxic overload in the body (chemicals, EDCs, mold, etc)

Types of Dampness + Phlegm:

The Stomach, Spleen, Lungs & Large Intestines can develop patterns of dampness which then have the capacity to affect all the other organ systems. From there, the Lungs, Heart, Kidneys, Bladder, Liver, and Gallbladder can all be affected by phlegm. A licensed acupuncturist can help you to pinpoint your specific diagnosis and offer care for treating those particular organs systems.

How to Treat Dampness + Phlegm?

LIFESTYLE ADJUSTMENTS:

→ Exercise & Movement: Movement activates the lymphatic system, which is important for helping the body to transform and "drain" dampness. Starting with more gentle, low-impact cardio like walking or hiking can help the body to feel more motivated physically.

→ Sweating: Breaking a sweat is actually a centuries-old treatment protocol to help shed fluid more quickly and easily. It activates the lymphatic system and helps the body to release stored toxins. Both exercise and using a sauna are beneficial.

→ Healing the Gut: Gut health is a major factor in both qi deficiency and dampness & phlegm. Taking steps to heal the gut may include incorporating a daily probiotic (we like this Douglas Laboratories Probiotic), eating more fermented foods regularly (like kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir and kombucha), managing stress, and fully eliminating dairy & sugar for 6 weeks while incorporating plenty of fresh vegetables, whole grains and plant-based proteins.

DIET + NUTRITION

→ Dietary Adjustments: It's important to avoid cold and raw foods and iced beverages. This includes salads, smoothies, and foods taken from the fridge or freezer, all of which can be harder on the body to digest. Stick to room temperature or warmer, including water. Also avoid foods and beverages that are heavy, oily, or may disrupt digestion, like refined sugars, fried foods and excessive dairy. Instead opt for warm and nourishing foods and spices, like those listed below. Eat small to moderate-sized meals and avoid over eating or eating until you're full.

What Foods are Best for Treating Dampness + Phlegm?

Vegetables:
alfalfa sprouts, bell peppers, button mushrooms, capers, celery, corn, daikon/radishes, garlic, kelp & seaweed, kohlrabi, lettuce, olives, onions, pumpkin, shiitake mushrooms, turnips, watercress

Fruit:
grapefruit, grapes, lemons, papaya, pears, persimmons, umeposhi plums

Grains:
amaranth, barley, basmati rice, buckwheat/buckwheat noodles, millet, teff
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Nuts & Seeds:
almonds, walnuts

Beans & Legumes:
adzuki beans, kidney beans, lentils

Herbs & Spices:
cardamom, fenugreek, horseradish, licorice, mustard seeds, parsley, (black/white) pepper, peppermint, thyme

Beverages & More:
almond milk, green tea, jasmine tea

Animal Protein*:
eel, lobster, tuna

*Meat is not used in any of our recipes, however, these animal products can be added to any recipe.