How, then, does modern medicine view the phlegm-fluid described in Donguibogam? This concept of phlegm-fluid is very closely linked to metabolic syndrome, chronic inflammation, and lymphatic circulation disorder in modern medicine.
First, metabolic syndrome refers to a condition where hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and abdominal obesity appear all at once. This is a sign that our body's energy metabolism is not functioning properly. The perspective that phlegm-fluid accumulates in the body and hinders the circulation of qi and blood can be understood in connection with metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, the resulting blood sugar spikes, and fat accumulation. When insulin resistance develops, our body secretes more insulin to lower blood glucose, and this excess insulin promotes fat storage, specifically causing abdominal obesity. This aligns remarkably well with Donguibogam's explanation linking phlegm-fluid to obesity, especially belly fat.
Additionally, phlegm-fluid can be both a cause and a consequence of chronic inflammation within the body. When waste products and toxins accumulate in the body, immune cells become unnecessarily activated, persistently triggering low-grade inflammatory reactions. This chronic inflammation worsens insulin resistance, enlarges adipocytes to exacerbate obesity, and causes diverse systemic symptoms such as brain hypofunction, chronic fatigue, and mood changes. The phlegm-fluid symptom of feeling heavy and sluggish can be viewed as sharing the exact same context as this state of chronic inflammation.
Furthermore, lymphatic circulation disorder cannot be overlooked. Our body's lymphatic system plays an essential role not only in immunity but also in regulating fluid balance and expelling waste. However, when lymphatic circulation becomes sluggish due to lack of exercise, improper dietary habits, and stress, interstitial fluid stagnates and waste accumulates, leaving the body swollen and heavy. Just as phlegm-fluid is described as blocking the body's water pathways, when the flow of lymph stagnates, dampness fills the body and turbid substances build up. This hampers substance exchange at the cellular level, creating problems with nutrient supply and waste excretion, which lowers overall physiological efficiency.
In conclusion, Donguibogam's phlegm-fluid goes beyond merely gaining weight; it is a wise concept from our ancestors that encompasses the complex issues modern medicine calls metabolic syndrome, chronic inflammation, and lymphatic circulation disorder. It reflects a profound insight that only when our body's water pathways are clear and smooth can every single cell function healthily, resulting in a lighter body and restored vitality. Rather than ignoring your body's signals, reclaim a vibrant daily life through healthy habits that manage phlegm-fluid.
