Cough is a symptom that occurs when Lung-Qi fails in its descending movement and a rebellious Qi or Rebellious Qi of Lung is produced. It is primarily related to the Lung, but it may be related to other Zang Fu.

The characteristics of cough reveal information about its cause, very important in the diagnosis and in choosing the appropriate treatment.

Causes

External origin

• Attack of cold Wind
• Attack of heat Wind.

Internal origin

• Accumulation of Phlegm and Dampness in Lung. Due to improper diet.
• Liver-Fire insults the Lung. Emotional. See also: the seven passions
• deficiency of Lung-Yin. Weak constitution or chronic disease.
• deficiency of Lung-Yang. Weak constitution or chronic disease.

Types of cough

• Cough due to cold Wind
• Cough due to heat Wind
• Cough due to excess of Phlegm and Dampness
• Cough due to Liver-Fire
• Cough due to deficiency of Lung-Yin
• Cough due to deficiency of Lung-Yang,