There is a huge Chinese presence and influence in Singapore. So when someone is sick, it’s not uncommon to look to Eastern remedies and causes. Upon arriving in Singapore, I almost immediately acquired a chest cough. To the Chinese, they say my body is too “hot” — not when measured by a thermometer (that would be the western solution), this is a different kind of heat … meaning that my body’s yin/yang is out of whack — probably true since it’s 85 degrees and about 85% humidity all the time.
Plus we’re in the A/C most of the time, foods and spices are different … tons of reasons.
So, seeking eastern answers, I was told 2 things:
1. Avoid “heaty” foods
2. Visit the chinese medicine man
“Heaty foods” are red meats, fried foods, citrus (and probably more than that, I’ve yet to learn).
“Coolie foods” are clear broths, chicken, most vegitables, and some really interesting desserts.
So I’m doing that (or trying to, as much as I can / understand).
The medicine man is another experience. It’s more like a drug store, but instead of being filled with pills and drops and syrups, it’s filled with grains and powders and tonics. After asking about the quantity, color, and frequency of my phlegm (ewwww), they prescribed a tea … it cost about $5 for the package of what looked like ingredients for 5-bean soup. So, I duely put it on the stove in 3 rice bowls of water and boiled for over an hr to reduce the water to 3/4 of a rice bowl. (Well, actually I was talking to Conrad on the phone and almost boiled all the water out, so it was a tad bit more concentrated, but I think the essence of the thing was there.)
Now, I also went to the clinic at work. Dr there gave me 4 medicines and said he thinks my cough may be due to a new alergy.
So, we’ll see. This week, I’m trying to stay eastern — if I can kick it with a tea, why bother with the pills.
Until then, I’m keeping the tissues nearby! 
Still smiling.
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