èr chén tāng is used for patterns with
phlegm-damp obstructing the lungs, spleen-damp disturbing the lungs, damp-phlegm retention (shi tan), internal phlegm-damp with qi deficiency, wind-phlegm (feng tan).
symptoms indicating the use of èr chén tāng
cough with copious, dilute, white frothy or lumpy sputum, chest and epigastric congestion, palpitations, headache, pain and feeling of fullness in the chest, dyspnea the is worse when lying down, asthma, rattling sound in the throat, possible anorexia, assitude.
western interpretation of èr chén tāng
upper respiratory tract infection, chronic bronchitis, goiter, chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, ménière’s disease.
explanation of the mechanism
this is damp-phlegm from the spleen failing to properly transport the fluids, which thereupon accumulate and form phlegm. the accumulation of damp-phlegm in turn encumbers the spleen, which further impedes the transportation of fluids.
phlegm obstructs the qi mechanisms of the middle burner, which manifests as focal distention and a stifling sensation in the chest and diaphragm, and palpitations. phlegm follows the flow of qi upward to the lungs where it interferes with its qi mechanisms and produces coughing.
because the process that generates the phlegm is one caused by dampness and deficiency, the sputum is copious, white, and easily expectorated. phlegm also interferes with the normal descent of the stomach qi, which leads to nausea or vomiting. the presence of phlegm in the middle burner obstructs the ascent of the clear yang and causes dizziness.
the slippery pulse and the white, thick, greasy tongue coating are indicative of damp-phlegm. the root or cause of this disorder is deficient qi which predisposes the person to the development of damp-phlegm. in turn the damp-phlegm disrupts and weakens the qi mechanisms. this is manifested by the swollen tongue body.
(bensky & barolet)
important note: if you experience symptoms that resemble the ones presented in the tcm pocketguide please consult a medical doctor or tcm therapist. these prescriptions are not meant for self-medication and should only be prescribed by a licensed tcm practitioner. of course you can also book a consultation with me. i would be pleased to welcome you.
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