On Origin and Development of “Phlegm” Theory / 中华中医药杂志

ABSTRACT

The Chinese character of "phlegm" went though a process of evolution from "涕"、"沫"、"汁"、"饮"、"涎",to "淡",and finally "痰".Studies show that there is no"痰" in Inner Canon of Huangdi,but "淡"、"惔"、"澹" which are not related with phlegm;while mucus coughed up from the body is referred to as "涕"、"沫"、"汁"、"涎",and fluid retention as "饮"、"沫"、"汁".During Han and Jin Dynasty,it was called "涕"、"涎沫"、"淡饮".The character "痰" first appeared in Sui Dynasty and was separated from "饮".Since Tang Dynasty,the definition of phlegm has been established as the mucus excreted from the body or accumulated within the body,diseases and syndrome manifestations caused by fluid retention and the mode of thinking on complicated diseases and syndrome manifestations.