In the cold winter wax moon, cold hands and feet have become the norm for many people, especially middle-aged and elderly friends. I once had a patient named Auntie Zhang who complained of cold hands and feet every winter, which affected her quality of life. She told me that even indoors, her hands and feet were always cold, which caused her great discomfort. This distress is not unique, and many people are looking for solutions to get out of this unbearable winter cold.
For this phenomenon, TCM has given unique explanations and solutions. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the body's yang energy decreases during the winter months, resulting in poor flow of qi and blood, which can cause symptoms of cold hands and feet. In the theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine, the yang energy of the human body is responsible for the combustion and heat preservation of life activities, and the yang energy is sufficient to have good blood circulation and natural warmth of hands and feet. Therefore, it is very important to understand the TCM method of warming up the body and warding off the cold to improve the problem of cold hands and feet.
Analysis of TCM theories
TCM theories have a long history of understanding cold hands and feet, rooted in a deep understanding of the balance of yin and yang in the human body. In the view of traditional Chinese medicine, the human body is in a state of dynamic equilibrium, and the imbalance of yin and yang can lead to various health problems. Winter is the season when yin energy prevails, and if the body's yang energy is insufficient, it is easy to cause cold qi to invade, causing symptoms such as cold hands and feet.
The basic principle of TCM is to promote the growth and prosperity of yang qi by regulating the flow of qi and blood in the human body, so as to achieve the purpose of warming the body. In practice, TCM often uses dietary conditioning, acupressure, moxibustion therapy and other methods to enhance the body's yang qi and improve the symptoms of cold hands and feet.
Diet is one of the important means of warming up the body in traditional Chinese medicine. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, choosing warm foods, such as ginger, green onions, mutton, etc., can help enhance yang energy, thereby improving the symptoms of cold hands and feet. In addition, attention should also be paid to the adjustment of dietary habits and avoid raw, cold and greasy foods so as not to harm yang energy.
Acupressure is one of the effective methods of TCM to warm up the body. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the human body has many acupuncture points, and by massaging specific acupuncture points, the flow of qi and blood can be regulated and the growth of yang qi can be promoted. For example, acupuncture points on the palms and soles of the feet are often used to help warm up the body, and massaging these acupuncture points can effectively improve the symptoms of cold hands and feet.
In addition, moxibustion therapy is also medium
One of the common methods used by doctors to warm up the body and ward off the cold. Moxibustion is a therapy that uses the heat generated by the burning of moxa leaves to warm the body's acupuncture points, which can promote the circulation of qi and blood in the meridians and enhance the growth of yang qi. For people with cold hands and feet, moxibustion can choose some specific acupuncture points for warming, such as Zusanli, Guan Yuan, etc., to achieve the effect of improving cold hands and feet.
To sum up, the principle of TCM warming up the body and driving away cold is to promote the growth of yang qi by regulating the flow of qi and blood in the human body, so as to improve the symptoms of cold hands and feet. These methods include dietary conditioning, acupressure, moxibustion therapy, etc., all of which are used in different ways to enhance the body's yang energy and help the body stay warm. In our daily life, we can combine these methods to effectively cope with the problem of cold hands and feet in winter and improve the quality of life.
A practical way to warm up and ward off the cold
Diet
In the cold winter, diet is an important part of warming up the body and driving away the cold. Choosing warm foods can help increase body heat and improve the body's ability to resist cold. For example, you can eat more spicy and warm products such as ginger, green onions, and garlic, as well as warm ingredients such as glutinous rice and red dates. At the same time, it is necessary to mix food reasonably, pay attention to the combination of meat and vegetables, balance nutrition, and improve the body's immunity.
Acupressure
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that there are many acupuncture points in the human body that are closely related to warming the body and driving away cold. By massaging these acupuncture points, blood circulation can be boosted and the body's yang energy can be enhanced. Commonly used acupuncture points include Hegu, Taichong, Zusanli, etc., and the fingers can be used to exert appropriate force during massage to achieve the effect of warming the body.
Moxibustion therapy
Moxibustion is a commonly used method in Chinese medicine to warm up the body and ward off cold. Through the burning of moxa sticks, the heat generated can warm the meridians, promote the flow of qi and blood, and enhance the yang energy in the body. The operation method of moxibustion is simple, you can choose the back, abdomen and other parts for moxibustion, about 15-30 minutes each time, be careful not to overheat the moxibustion, so as not to damage the skin.
Considerations for daily life
Choosing warm clothes and how to wear them
Choosing the right warm clothing is essential to keep you warm in winter. It is recommended to choose clothes with soft texture and good heat retention, such as wool, down and other materials. When dressing, pay attention to layering and avoid being thin or too thick to maintain proper body temperature.
Reasonable work and rest and exercise
Maintaining a reasonable routine and moderate exercise can help strengthen the body's resistance and ability to withstand the cold. Regular schedules and adequate sleep time can help regulate body functions. At the same time, proper exercise can promote blood circulation, improve the body's metabolic capacity, and enhance the ability to resist cold.
Psychological regulation and stress reduction methods
The cold weather in winter can easily lead to low mood and increased stress. Therefore, maintaining a good attitude and a positive mental state is also an important part of keeping warm. You can relieve stress and maintain a good mood through relaxation techniques and appropriate leisure and entertainment activities.
Through the practice of the above methods, I believe that you can effectively warm up your body and keep your body healthy in winter.