A 71-year-old patient came to my clinic with three main complaints that were significantly affecting his quality of life:
A constant sensation of phlegm in the throat that had persisted for a long time and had not improved despite various approaches.
Frequent gastroesophageal reflux.
Extreme fatigue after breakfast, severe enough to limit his activities for much of the morning.
Apart from these symptoms, the patient was in excellent overall health. Multiple blood tests, medical examinations, and diagnostic investigations performed over the years had all produced normal results. No underlying organic disease could be identified to explain the severity of his symptoms.
Assessment According to Traditional Chinese Medicine
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), symptoms are not viewed in isolation but as manifestations of an underlying functional imbalance within the body.
Following a comprehensive assessment, including detailed history taking and evaluation according to TCM principles, the patient's presentation was consistent with a deficiency of Spleen Qi.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Spleen plays a central role in transforming food into energy and nutrients. When Spleen Qi becomes weakened:
Digestion becomes less efficient.
Fatigue may occur after meals.
Internal dampness can accumulate.
Dampness may transform into phlegm.
Phlegm can rise and manifest as persistent mucus or a sensation of phlegm in the throat.
The normal descending function of the Stomach may become impaired, contributing to reflux symptoms.
From this perspective, the throat phlegm was not considered the primary problem but rather a manifestation of a deeper digestive and energetic imbalance.
Treatment Plan
A course of acupuncture was initiated, consisting of one session per week for six consecutive weeks.
The main therapeutic goals were:
Tonify and strengthen Spleen Qi.
Support digestive function.
Reduce the formation of dampness and phlegm.
Restore the normal downward movement of Stomach Qi.
Improve the patient's overall energy and vitality.
Acupuncture points were selected individually at each session according to the patient's presentation and progress.
Nutritional Recommendations Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dietary therapy played a key role in the treatment strategy.
For patients presenting with Spleen Qi deficiency, Traditional Chinese Medicine generally recommends warm, cooked, and easily digestible foods.
Recommended Foods
Cooked Grains
Brown rice
White rice
Millet
Cooked oats
Quinoa
Buckwheat
Cooked Vegetables
Pumpkin
Carrots
Sweet potatoes
Zucchini
Parsnips
Fennel
Green beans
Leeks
Protein Sources
White fish
Oily fish in moderation
Chicken
Turkey
Eggs
Well-cooked legumes
Red lentils
Chickpeas
Soups and Broths
Vegetable broths
Chicken soups
Vegetable soups
Slow-cooked stews
Foods Traditionally Used to Strengthen Spleen Qi
Chinese red dates (jujubes)
Chestnuts
Pumpkin
Sweet potatoes
Oats
Millet
Foods to Reduce or Avoid Temporarily
Cold Foods and Drinks
Iced beverages
Cold soft drinks
Ice cream
Excessive Raw Foods
Large raw salads
Cold smoothies
Chilled fruit juices
Foods That Promote Dampness
Excess dairy products
Pastries and baked sweets
Refined sugar
Processed foods
Highly refined carbohydrates
Foods That May Aggravate Reflux
Alcohol
Excessive coffee consumption
Very spicy foods
Fried foods
Eating Habits
The patient was also advised to:
Eat warm and nourishing breakfasts.
Eat slowly and mindfully.
Chew food thoroughly.
Avoid large evening meals.
Maintain regular meal times.
Outcome
After six weeks of acupuncture treatment combined with dietary modifications:
The persistent sensation of phlegm in the throat completely resolved.
Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms disappeared.
The extreme fatigue experienced after breakfast was no longer present.
The patient reported stable energy levels throughout the morning.
Overall well-being and quality of life improved significantly.
Final Reflections
This case illustrates how symptoms that may appear unrelated can be understood as part of a single functional pattern within the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine. By addressing the underlying imbalance through acupuncture and individualized dietary therapy, it was possible to support the patient's recovery and improve his daily functioning.
As with all case reports, this represents the experience of one individual and should not be interpreted as proof of treatment effectiveness. Nevertheless, it provides an interesting example of how an integrative approach may help address persistent digestive and functional symptoms in selected patients.