TCM Basics 101: What is the Difference between Phlegm and Mucus

Phlegm and mucus are two concepts and conditions found in both Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

In Western Medicine, phlegm and mucus are related conditions when there is an excess of fluid in the body and can arise due to colds, allergies, acid reflux.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, phlegm and mucus are closely linked concepts related to that of dampness. As mentioned in the previous post about Phlegm, it is a form of imbalance in which there is too much water or moisture confined in the body.

So are phlegm and mucus the same?

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Western Medicine Perspective of Phlegm and Mucus

Mucus: A protective, jelly-like substance lining body passages (nose, throat, lungs) to keep the passages moist and trap germs.

Phlegm: Mucus that is specifically coughed up from the lungs and lower respiratory tract, often signaling irritation or infection.

In summary for Western Medicine, there is a slight difference between mucus and phlegm. Mucus is a physiological substance required by the body to function normally while phlegm refers to a pathological by product of the body in which excessive production signals inflammation, infection (like colds/flu), or allergies, with color changes (white to yellow/green) indicating increasing severity or infection. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective of Phlegm and Mucus

Generally, phlegm and mucus fall under the category of Dampness in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Read more about Dampness here.

In summary, dampness in TCM refers to an excess of moisture in the body, which can be external (humidity) or internal (weak digestion).

Phlegm and mucus can both lead to symptoms of feeling heavy, fatigue and poor appetite.

The only slight specificity with regards to phlegm is that in accordance with TCM theories, phlegm can be divided into tangible phlegm located in any part of the physical body and invisible phlegm found in the meridians. For mucus, there is no such differentiation.

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Basics of TCM, TCM(Traditional Chin Med), TCM WellnessXiang Jun LimDr (TCM) Xiang Junacupuncture, healing, tcm, meditation, digestion, phlegm, dampness, difference