Not all coughs are alike, and their symptoms tend to vary. But regardless of the type of cough, one thing’s for sure: A bout of cough often leaves one feeling drained and miserable.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is believed that coughs can occur due to external pathogens or internal imbalances in the organ systems, said Ms Lin Jiayi, a TCM physician at Eu Yan Sang (EYS) TCM Clinic at Serangoon Nex Mall.

“TCM practitioners believe that the lungs are delicate organs,” said Ms Lin, who also practises at EYS TCM Wellness Clinic at Plaza Singapura. 

External pathogens, or external factors that can cause disease, can easily invade the lungs through the skin, mouth and nose, said Ms Lin.

“This impairs the function of the lung, causing adverse rise of lung qi (energy) and resulting in cough,” she said.

Climate changes can also trigger such coughs, which are categorised into three types: Wind-cold, wind-heat or wind-dryness types. These coughs tend to occur suddenly, for a short duration of time and are accompanied by symptoms like fever, headaches and an aversion to cold, said Ms Lin.

Internal causes, such as functional imbalances in the lungs or other related organ systems, like the liver, spleen and stomach, can lead to a persistent cough. This type of cough tends to develop slowly, last longer and have a higher risk of becoming chronic, said Ms Lin.

There are various types of persistent coughs – the lung-yin deficiency cough, liver-fire cough, phlegm-dampness cough and phlegm-heat cough, said Ms Lin.

Left untreated, a prolonged cough can harm one’s qi, which in TCM refers to a healthy flow of energy crucial for maintaining good health.

RESTORING BALANCE, THE TCM WAY

As every individual’s physique and symptoms differ, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment and it is advisable to consult a trained TCM physician.

During the consultation, the physician will consider the main characteristics of the cough, such as its sound, the part of the day it is most frequent, and the colour and texture of the sputum, said Ms Lin.

“A diagnosis is made on a case-by-case basis, and prescriptions are tailored to the individual’s symptoms and body constitution,” she added.

In general, the TCM rule of thumb is to restore balance in the body. This is done by removing any excessive elements while nourishing areas of deficiencies, said Ms Lin.

For instance, those suffering from wind-heat cough may be prescribed herbs like mulberry leaf and chrysanthemum, as well as TCM therapy like acupuncture, which can help dispel “wind” and remove “heat”.

Acupoint massages may also be effective in treating coughs, said Ms Lin.

To relieve stuffiness in the chest and promote circulation of qi, for example, massaging the tan zhong, the acupoint found around the the midpoint of the nipples, may help, she said.

However, patients should exercise caution for certain acupoints such as he gu, which can cause contraction of the uterus, and is thus unsuitable for pregnant women, added Ms Lin.

BUILD UP YOUR NATURAL DEFENCES

In addition to treatment, it is important for cough patients to improve their diet and lifestyle habits.

“It helps shorten recovery time and prevent the disease from prolonging,” said Ms Lin.

For patients suffering from chronic cough, increasing exercise levels may help strengthen their immunity and ability to adapt to climate changes, she said. At the same time, it boosts the body’s natural defence system against environmental factors.

Cough patients should also opt for light and digestible food, and refrain from taking oily food to reduce the burden on the spleen. In TCM, the spleen is thought to be the source of phlegm, and an improper diet can cause a dysfunction in this organ, said Ms Lin.

To manage the different types of coughs, Ms Lin shares some dietary tips here.  

• If you have the “cold” type of cough, with symptoms such as an itchy throat and white and thin phlegm, avoid raw and cold food such as banana, white cabbage and fruit. Choose foods such as ginger, Welsh onion stalk and apricot kernels, which have warming properties.

• If you have the “hot” type of cough, which is typically accompanied by a sore throat and yellow and thick phlegm, avoid alcohol and fried, spicy and heaty foods such as chili and lychee. Consume food that can help to dissolve phlegm, such as raw lotus root, tofu, Chinese barley, green beans, Asian pear and chrysanthemum.

• If you have a dry or prolonged cough due to yin deficiency, which typically manifests as a dry cough with no or little phlegm that is difficult to expel, avoid alcohol and spicy, dry and strongly-flavoured food. Consume food that helps moisten the lungs and increase body fluids, such as lily bulb, honey, sugar cane, snow fungus, black fungus, birds’ nest and Asian pear. Steam or boil your food.

From now till June 30, 2019, quote “TD-Cough” at participating Eu Yan Sang TCM Clinics and Wellness Clinics and enjoy a session of consultation (not applicable for senior physicians) with three days of herbal medication for S$42.

This promotion is valid for new and existing patients whose last visit to Eu Yan Sang Clinic was more than 12 months ago. Other terms and conditions apply. Visit sg.euyansangclinic.com/td-cough for details or call 1800 225 1887.