What is the Root / Branch diagnosis for an elderly patient with a productive cough and slippery pulse?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concept of Root and Branch diagnoses helps to identify the underlying cause (Root) and the associated symptoms (Branch) of a patient's condition. In this scenario, the elderly patient presents with a productive cough and a slippery pulse.

The Root diagnosis of Spleen Yang Deficiency is appropriate in this context because the Spleen is responsible for producing Qi (energy) and transforming fluids. When Spleen Yang is deficient, it leads to insufficient transformation and transportation of fluids, causing dampness to accumulate in the body. This can result in phlegm production, which manifests as a productive cough, as the body attempts to expel the excess phlegm.

The Branch diagnosis of Phlegm in the Lungs accurately reflects the symptom of the productive cough. Phlegm can obstruct the Lung's ability to function properly, leading to coughing to eliminate the stagnation. The slippery pulse signifies the presence of phlegm and dampness, as it indicates an abundance of fluid within the body.

Thus, identifying Spleen Yang Deficiency as the Root helps to explain why there is an underlying issue that allows phlegm to accumulate, while recognizing Phlegm in the Lungs as the Branch diagnosis