Lodged rheum

A form of phlegm-rheum. Persistent rheum evil that fails to transform. Lodged rheum may occur in different parts of the body.

• Rheum lodged in the back affecting the upbearing of yáng qì in the governing dū vessel gives rise to cold back.
• Rheum lodged in the rib-side affects liver-gallbladder qì dynamic and manifests in pain radiating into the empty basin (supraclavicular fossa).
• Rheum lodged in the chest hampers chest yáng and gives rise to shortness of breath and panting.
• Rheum lodged in the channels and network vessels gives rise to joint-running pain in the limbs.
• Rheum lodged in the spleen causes swelling of the abdomen and generalized heaviness.
• Rheum lodged in the kidney causes swelling of the scrotum and lower legs.

If center yáng is not restored, although old rheum may be temporarily eliminated, new rheum can accumulate again so that the condition persists. For this reason, treatment should first be to expel rheum and then to fortify the spleen and warm the kidney and to support the right and transform rheum.