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In TCM theory, dampness is an important factor affecting human health, it is hidden in the body, making people feel heavy, easily tired, and even cause various diseases.
Especially for adults over the age of 35, the problem of dampness is more common as the metabolism begins to slow down gradually. So, what are the types of moisture, and how to effectively control it? Let's explore it together.
Health effects of moisture
Dampness, a word often mentioned in Chinese medicine, is different from "humidity" in our usual sense, but refers to an abnormal state of water in the body. When the moisture is too heavy, the human body will appear particularly "lazy", moving like a heavy shot put, and the whole person is neither listless nor easy to feel sleepy.
In the long term, dampness can lead to a decrease in the function of the digestive system, which can manifest as symptoms such as loss of appetite and abdominal distention. In more severe cases, it can also cause joint pain or obesity.
Classification and identification of moisture
Moisture can be broadly divided into two types: damp heat and cold dampness. These two types of moisture manifest in slightly different ways, and only after the correct identification can we take a more targeted approach to treatment.
Damp and hot type: This type of person often feels like a small stove is hidden in the body, and the heavy moisture in the body makes people feel hot and stuffy.
The specific manifestations are thirst and cold drinks, easy to produce oil on the face, yellow urine and constipation. This is especially true in the summer, when the heat makes it harder to get rid of the heat and humidity in the body.
Cold and damp type: People with cold and damp type feel like their body is surrounded by a clammy and cold mist, and they feel heavy, chilly, and joint discomfort when they are active. This type of humidity is commonly found in winter and spring, or in people who live in humid environments. They often have symptoms such as long urine and unformed stools.
Lifestyle changes to reduce moisture
Once you understand the types of dampness and how it manifests, lifestyle changes are the first step to reducing it. First and foremost, getting enough sleep is crucial. Between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. is the prime time for liver detoxification, and ensuring sleep during this time can help the body better detoxify and detoxify.
Proper exercise is also crucial. Exercise can speed up blood circulation, boost metabolism, and help the body flush out excess water and toxins. However, it is necessary to pay attention to choosing moderately intensive exercises, such as brisk walking, yoga, etc., to avoid excessive physical exertion due to strenuous exercise, which will increase the moisture in the body.
Finally, it is also important to regulate the humidity of the living environment. Dehumidifiers can be used during wet seasons, such as during the rainy season or in wet areas. At the same time, keeping your home ventilated and letting in as much sunlight as possible will not only reduce the humidity in the house, but also improve the comfort of the living environment and contribute to your health.
Traditional Chinese medicine treatment of dampness
In the treasure trove of Chinese medicine, there are many ways to combat dampness, including herbal treatments, acupuncture, and cupping, among others. For the damp-heat type, herbs commonly used in Chinese medicine, such as Poria cocos, Ze Epsom and Coptis chinensis, can clear away heat and dampness and adjust the internal environment.
Huoxiang Zhengqi Water is a common Chinese patent medicine that can effectively solve the gastrointestinal discomfort caused by damp heat in summer. For cold and damp types, commonly used herbs include dried ginger, mugwort leaves, and cinnamon, which can warm the yang and dispel cold, enhance the body's yang energy, and expel cold and dampness.
As an important part of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture can effectively regulate the body's qi and blood and accelerate the discharge of dampness by stimulating specific acupuncture points, such as Sanyinjiao and Zusanli. Cupping, on the other hand, promotes blood circulation and metabolism by creating negative pressure locally, further helping moisture to drain out.
Advice on diet
For the problem of moisture, dietary therapy is also an aspect that cannot be ignored. For people with a damp and heat constitution, it is recommended to consume foods that have the effect of clearing away heat and dampness, such as mung beans, winter melon and bitter gourd, which can not only clear away heat and detoxify, but also help the body restore its natural balance. For example, mung bean soup not only quenches thirst, but also effectively reduces the body's feeling of dampness and heat.
For people with a cold and damp constitution, you can choose warm ingredients, such as ginger, lamb and pepper, which can warm away the cold and enhance the body's ability to resist cold. Ginger brown sugar water is a simple yet effective option to both ward off the cold and replenish energy and reduce fatigue caused by cold and dampness.
Adjustment of lifestyle habits
In addition to the above treatments, it is also important to adjust daily habits to control and prevent dampness. For people who are constantly in a humid environment, keeping the living and working environment dry is fundamental. The use of dehumidification equipment and regular ventilation of windows can effectively reduce indoor humidity, thereby reducing the impact of moisture on the body.
Maintaining moderate levels of physical activity is also key. Proper physical activity not only improves blood circulation and accelerates metabolism, but also strengthens the overall functioning of the body and improves resistance to moisture. The type and intensity of activities should be adjusted according to the individual's health and physique to avoid overexertion and other discomforts in the body.
Although dampness is a seemingly common problem that cannot be ignored, its impact on health can be completely controlled and mitigated through reasonable TCM treatment, scientific dietary conditioning and lifestyle improvement. Everyone's constitution is different, so choosing a method that suits you and sticking to it is an effective way to get rid of dampness.
Remember, a healthy lifestyle is the key to fighting dampness in the long run. Through these integrated approaches, we are not only able to effectively cope with moisture, but also promote good health and improve quality of life.
Finally, do you have any experiences and opinions that you would like to share?