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Copywriting丨Dr. Li's health protection
Editor丨Dr. Li Health Guard
In this fast-paced modern society, many people are plagued by various chronic diseases, among which constipation is a common problem. However, a 66-year-old uncle used a seemingly simple method to relieve the symptoms of constipation that had plagued him for many years in just 4 months. This method is not an expensive drug, nor a complicated treatment, but a daily insistence on drinking a common drink - barley tea.
This surprising result delighted his family and, even more, his attending doctor. What kind of magic is it that allows barley tea to improve this uncle's constipation symptoms in a short period of time? Let's explore the wisdom of TCM behind this fascinating health miracle.
In TCM theory, constipation is regarded as a manifestation of gastrointestinal dysfunction, which is often related to factors such as weakness of the spleen and stomach, lack of qi and blood, and stagnation of liver and qi. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the health of the human body depends on the flow of qi and blood and the balance of the function of the internal organs. When this balance is disrupted, various symptoms of illness occur, including constipation.
For the 66-year-old uncle, his constipation symptoms are likely due to the weakening of the spleen and stomach function due to aging, coupled with the influence of modern lifestyles, such as lack of exercise, irregular diet and other factors. In the view of traditional Chinese medicine, constipation in this situation is often "constipation", that is, due to the lack of qi and blood, the inability to push the peristalsis of the large intestine, resulting in difficulty in defecation.
Barley tea, as a traditional health drink, has a unique role in the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. Barley is slightly cold, sweet in taste, and returns to the spleen, stomach, and large intestine. It has the effects of strengthening the spleen and stomach, clearing away heat and dampness, and eliminating food and stagnation. These properties happen to be able to improve constipation symptoms in a targeted manner.
First of all, barley tea strengthens the spleen and stomach. The spleen and stomach are the core of the body's digestive system, responsible for transporting water valleys and providing energy to the body. When the spleen and stomach function is healthy, food can be fully digested and the waste products produced can be smoothly excreted from the body. Barley tea can fundamentally improve the function of the digestive system by regulating the spleen and stomach, laying the foundation for solving the problem of constipation.
Secondly, barley tea has the effect of clearing heat and dampness. In TCM theory, dampness and heat in the intestines are an important cause of constipation. Barley tea can clear the dampness and heat in the body, improve the intestinal environment, and facilitate the expulsion of stool.
In addition, barley tea also has the effect of eliminating food and inducing stagnation. "Stagnation" refers to the removal of food residues that have been stagnant in the intestines from the body. This action directly targets the core problem of constipation, which can promote intestinal peristalsis and help with bowel movements.
In addition to these direct effects, barley tea is also rich in dietary fiber. The concept of dietary fiber is not directly mentioned in TCM theory, but from the perspective of modern nutrition, dietary fiber plays an important role in improving the symptoms of constipation. It is able to increase the volume of stool and stimulate intestinal peristalsis, while also absorbing water and keeping the stool at the right level of humidity, making it easier to pass.
It is worth noting that this uncle chooses to drink barley tea every day instead of once in a while, which is very much in line with the concept of "curing diseases before they occur" in traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes that prevention is better than cure, and that daily conditioning is used to maintain the balance of the body and prevent the occurrence of diseases. Drinking barley tea every day is a good health habit, which can continue to nourish the spleen and stomach and regulate the intestines.
And drinking barley tea alone may not be enough to completely solve the problem of constipation. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) emphasizes the holistic concept of the human body, which believes that the human body is an organic whole, and that various systems interact with each other. When it comes to improving constipation symptoms, there are many other ways to do it.
First of all, it is very important to adjust the structure of the diet. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the spleen and stomach prefer a warm and dry environment, so it is recommended to consume warm foods such as sweet potatoes, pumpkin, yams, etc. Excessive consumption of raw, cold, and greasy foods should be avoided, as these foods can easily damage the spleen and stomach. In addition, increasing the intake of vegetables and fruits can not only supplement dietary fiber, but also provide sufficient water for the intestines.
Secondly, it is also important to maintain a regular routine and moderate exercise. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the physiological activities of the human body are closely related to the rhythm of nature. Maintaining a regular routine can keep the body's functions in the best condition. Moderate exercise, especially some exercises that help strengthen the abdominal muscles, such as walking, tai chi, etc., can promote the flow of qi and blood and enhance the function of the internal organs.
In addition, maintaining a good mental state is also an important aspect of improving constipation. Traditional Chinese medicine theory believes that emotions are closely related to the function of the internal organs. Long-term mental stress or depressed mood can affect the excretory function of the liver, which in turn affects the peristalsis of the intestines. Maintaining an optimistic and positive attitude and learning to relax are also important aspects of improving constipation.
Finally, there are some simple TCM remedies that can be considered to help improve the symptoms of constipation. For example, massaging the Tianshu acupoint (2 inches on each side of the navel) and Zusanli acupoint (4 horizontal fingers below the knee and 1 horizontal finger outside the tibia) on the abdomen can play a role in regulating the stomach and intestines and promoting intestinal peristalsis.
Alternatively, you can use mugwort leaf decoction to fumigate the anus, which can warm the meridians, invigorate blood and remove blood stasis, and also has a certain effect on improving constipation symptoms.
Returning to the case of the 66-year-old uncle, he was able to significantly improve his constipation symptoms within 4 months, most likely because he drank barley tea, but under the guidance of a doctor, he took a combination of methods. Barley tea is probably the simplest and easiest method to stick to, so it became a breakthrough for him to improve his health.
The lesson of this case is that health is not out of reach, and sometimes a simple habit can make an unexpected difference. But we also need to recognize that true health requires all-round attention and conditioning. Although barley tea is good, it is not a panacea, and we still need to pay attention to our diet and daily life in our daily life and maintain good living habits.
In addition, this case also embodies the essence of "syndrome differentiation and treatment" in traditional Chinese medicine. Barley tea is effective for this uncle, but it does not mean that all constipation patients are suitable for drinking barley tea.
TCM emphasizes individual differences, believing that each person's constitution and etiology may be different, so the treatment should also be different from person to person. Some people's constipation may be caused by yin deficiency and dryness, in this case, it is not suitable to drink cold barley tea, but should choose some methods to nourish yin and moisturize dryness.
The case of this 66-year-old uncle who improved the symptoms of constipation by drinking barley tea shows us the charm of traditional Chinese medicine health preservation. It tells us that the key to health is often in our daily lives, and that some seemingly simple methods, with perseverance, can bring amazing results.
This case also reminds us that in the pursuit of health, we should respect the holistic concept and syndrome differentiation of TCM, and choose the appropriate health preservation method according to our own situation.
Finally, we would like to emphasize that barley tea and other TCM regimens have a good effect on improving constipation symptoms, but if symptoms persist or worsen, you should still seek medical attention promptly. Traditional Chinese medicine pays attention to "curing diseases before they occur", but also emphasizes "preventing diseases from changing". Prompt medical attention can better address current health problems, as well as prevent possible complications and ensure that our bodies are always in top shape.
In this era of information explosion, we are exposed to a wide variety of health knowledge and regimen methods every day. In the face of complex information, we need to maintain rational and critical thinking, and not blindly follow or deny it entirely. As an ancient and intelligent medical system, TCM contains health concepts and methods that are worthy of our study and practice.
As in the case of the 66-year-old uncle, sometimes, the key to health may be hidden in a mundane cup of tea. Let us explore the mysteries of Chinese medicine with an open mind, verify its effects with a scientific attitude, and believe that in this process, we will definitely find our own way to health.
What do you have to say about this? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section!