Review on Phlegm in Hyungsang medicine

담음에 관한 형상의학적 고찰

Phlegm is defined as the static fluid in excess in one or more parts of the body. It is not only a pathologic product but also a pathogen itself. However, as it says Phlegm is another title for the body fluid. phlegm can be physiological. In Hyungsang medicine. since the Hyungsang which an individual shows determines his or her illness. the principle to treat phlegm also varies according to the individual's Hyungsang. Thus, the author reviewed ‘Jisan’s Special Lectures for Clinicians’ and summarized the concepts and diagnostics of phlegm, and treatment and regimens by Hyungsang medicine. The concepts of phlegm : Phlegm is not only a pathologic product of disharmony of Jung(精), Ki(氣), Shin(神) and Hyul(血) but also a driving force to mature and transform these constituents. Phlegm is another designation for the Fluid. Phlegm can act as an alternative substance or buffering agent. If we describe our body as the habitat of worms. phlegm could be the inhabitant. Diagnostics of phlegm : The infraorbital areas have a dark-gray or blackish coloring. A man who is feminine or a woman who is masculine tends to develop phlegm. One of the major signs of phlegm is pain in Chungwan(中脘). The color of the skin does not change. Treatment of phlegm by Hyungsang medicine. For the Jung type(精科) and the Hyul type(血科), phlegm treatment is to supply Jung and Blood or eliminate Damp-phlegm. The man needs tonifying herbs and the woman needs herbs which promote the flow of Ki(氣). Children and the aged are. tegardless of the nature of disease, to be warmed and supplemented. For the heavy man. treatment is to supplement Ki and eliminate Damp; for the slim man. treatment is to supplement Yin(陰) and purge Heat.