Nippon Ishigaku Zasshi. 1993 Sep; 39(3): 333-44.

[History of the term "tan" (phlegm) (I) - Studies of the term "tan" described in classical Chinese translations of Buddhist literature]

Endo J, Nakamura T, Yamaki H, Miyamoto H.

We traced the origin of the term "tan" (phlegm) in Chinese traditional medicine. This term itself is not found in early works but is represented by the terms of tuo (saliva) and xian (drivel). However, in the theory of tri-dosa of Indian traditional medicine, phlegm is an important element. Our studies of classical Chinese translations of Buddhist literature showed that the concept of tan in Buddhist medicine was introduced into China through Buddhism.