Based on literature review

clinical practice and theoretical research

it is concluded that “湿胜则濡” (literally

excessive dampness causing sluggishness) is more likely to be the original text in

Huangdi Neijing (Huangdi’s Internal Classic)

than “湿胜则濡泻” (literally

excessive dampness causing diarrhea). At the same time

since both “湿” and “濡” can mean literally sluggishness and slowness

dampness is soggy and stagnant in nature

and it’s treated by promoting the flow of qi

it is concluded that “湿胜则濡” means “pathogenic stagnation leads to the pattern of stagnation”. By analogy

it is explained that “湿” (literally

dampness) denotes the concept of pattern while qi stagnation is its root cause. Therefore

dampness cannot be regarded as the pathological product of abnormal metabolism of body fluid because it may easily lead to misunderstandings like “dampness is yin in nature and moves downward”

“dampness is often treated with warming method” and “dampness must be treated by promoting urination”

which may cause excessive use of medicinal herbs warm in nature or diuretics

leading to consumption of qi and damage to fluid. It is proposed that “dampness should not be treated with unjustifiably nourishing yin”. Therefore

it is of great clinical significance to understand the underlying meaning of “湿胜则濡”.