Hindu Medicine c8.97

c8.97

Originating in the stomach, phlegm spreads throughout the body and maintains it through its moistening effect. Its energy is particularly active at five minor centers, supplied from the main center in the stomach. Phlegm, residing in the chest, "holds together the trunk between the shoulders (trika)"; phlegm supports the heart, the central organ of mental, emotional and vital processes, through the energy contained in chyle, proceeding from food; phlegm has its place also in the tip of the tongue and in the throat and makes possible the perception of tastes; residing in the head, phlegm lubricates and refreshes the sense-organs, activating them with its energy. In the joints all over the body, phlegm serves through its adhesive quality to hold them together. "As a wheel, when its axle is lubricated with oil, turns smoothly, so the sinews work smoothly when combined with phlegm" (Su. III, 4).