Coughing Up Watery Fluid? Understanding Phlegm-Fluids.

What are "Phlegm-Fluids"?

While we often talk about "Phlegm," this pattern involves a specific type called Phlegm-Fluids (or Tan Yin). This is not the thick, sticky phlegm of an infection, but rather a very thin, watery, and frothy fluid.

The root cause of this pattern lies not just in the Lungs, but in a weakness of the body's core "fire" or Yang energy, which resides in the Spleen and Kidneys.

  • The Spleen is supposed to transform the fluids you drink.
  • The Kidneys are supposed to provide the "fire" to "steam" and move these fluids.

When this core fire is weak, the body can't process water properly. The fluids fail to transform and, like a flood in a faulty drainage system, they back up and pool in the Lungs.

This is a Cold and Deficient pattern at its root. The defining characteristic is a cough that brings up a huge amount of watery fluid. You might experience:

  • The Cough: A cough that produces copious, white, watery, and frothy phlegm. It can feel like you can't stop coughing up this thin fluid.
  • Breathlessness: This is a key symptom, and it is characteristically worse when you lie down, as the fluids then pool across your entire lung field. You may need to sleep propped up on pillows.
  • Chest Sensation: A feeling of oppression or a "splashing" sensation in the chest.
  • Dizziness: The excess fluids can disrupt your sense of balance.
  • General Cold Signs: You may feel cold, have cold limbs, and feel worse in cold, damp weather.

Your acupressure treatment was designed to warm your body's core (your Spleen and Kidney Yang), transform these excess fluids, and drain them from the Lungs.

Lifestyle Advice: Warm the Core, Drain the Flood

Your entire focus must be on warming your body from the inside out and supporting its ability to process water.

1. A WARMING and DRYING Diet is Crucial:
You must stop pouring more cold water into a system that is already flooded.

  • Strictly AVOID All Cold & Damp-Producing Foods: This is non-negotiable.
    • Absolutely NO iced drinks, cold water, smoothies, or raw foods (salads/raw fruit).
    • Eliminate Dairy Products and Sugar. These create more phlegm and dampness.
  • Eat Warming, Simple Foods:
    • Your diet should be based on warm, cooked meals. Soups and stews are good, but not overly watery ones. Think of thick, hearty stews.
    • Warming Spices: Ginger, cinnamon, fennel, cloves, and cardamom are essential for rekindling your core fire.
    • Diuretic Vegetables: Onions, garlic, and aduki beans can help the body excrete excess water.

2. Manage Your Fluids Wisely:

  • While you need to stay hydrated, do not gulp down large amounts of water.
  • Sip warm water or warming herbal teas (like ginger tea) throughout the day.

3. Protect Yourself and Stay Warm:

  • Keep Warm: Dress in layers and always wear a scarf to protect your chest. Keep your lower back (the area of the Kidneys) and your feet warm.
  • Use a Hot Water Bottle: Placing a hot water bottle on your lower back or abdomen can be very comforting and helps to warm your core Yang.
  • Sleep Propped Up: Use extra pillows to elevate your head and chest at night to make breathing easier.

4. Acupressure at Home:
This combination is designed to address both the fluid in the Lungs and its root cause.

  • Stomach 40 (Fenglong - "Abundant Bulge"): The single most important point for resolving Phlegm of any kind.
    • Location: On the outside of your lower leg, about halfway between your knee and your ankle, and two finger-widths out from the crest of your shin bone.
  • Conception Vessel 9 (Shuifen - "Water Separation"): A classic point for promoting the transformation of fluids and reducing edema.
    • Location: On the midline of your abdomen, one of your own thumb-widths directly above your navel.
    • How to: Gently but firmly press this point for 1-2 minutes.
  • Lung 7 (Lieque - "Broken Sequence"): Helps the Lungs to descend energy and fluids, assisting in clearing the chest.
    • Location: With palms facing, interlock your thumb and index finger. The point is in the depression on your forearm directly under the tip of your top index finger.

Resolving this deep pattern takes time and a strong commitment to a warm lifestyle. By supporting your core fire, you can help your body regain control of its fluids and find lasting relief.