Dampness constitution, also known as delayed cold constitution, is usually caused by poor dietary habits or health issues. The characteristics of this constitution include overweight, preference for greasy food, easy fatigue, laziness, and tendency to sleep. So, how to effectively adjust the dampness constitution?
Adjusting the dampness constitution can be approached from several aspects:
1. Traditional Chinese medicine nourishment: Dampness formation is closely related to the lungs, spleen, and kidneys, so enhancing the functions of these three organs is crucial. For instance, for dampness caused by lung dysfunction, you can take Erchen Tang; for damp phlegm accumulation due to spleen deficiency, Liu Jun Zi Tang or Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang is recommended; if it is water-damp phlegm caused by kidney deficiency, Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan is a good choice.
2. Acupuncture and moxibustion assistance: According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, dampness constitution can be divided into various types such as spleen deficiency damp stagnation, stomach heat damp stagnation, liver qi stagnation, and spleen-kidney deficiency. Using methods like acupuncture, gua sha, or ear acupoints application can effectively improve these conditions.
3. Dietary adjustments: Reduce intake of high-fat, high-sugar foods, avoid excessive alcohol consumption and overeating. Increase consumption of vegetables, fruits, and choose foods with spleen-invigorating and dampness-dispelling effects, such as white radish, water chestnut, seaweed, jellyfish, onion, loquat, ginkgo nut, jujube, coix seed, and red bean.
4. Exercise: People with dampness constitution tend to be overweight and easily fatigued, so regular physical activities like walking, jogging, sports, or martial arts are recommended. Moderate exercise can help tighten the body and boost energy.
The typical manifestations of dampness constitution include obesity, soft abdomen, oily face, easy fatigue, pale and lackluster complexion. In addition, individuals with this constitution may also have an enlarged tongue, greasy coating on the tongue, pale lips, excessive sweating, loose stools, clear urine in large volume, mood swings, etc. They have poor tolerance to cold environment, and are prone to cardiovascular and joint pain diseases.
The formation of dampness constitution is related to various factors such as external damp and cold environment, poor dietary habits, genetic factors, aging and weakness, and lack of exercise. To prevent and improve dampness constitution, lifestyle habits should be taken into account, including enhancing physical exercise, avoiding damp environments, controlling weight, ensuring adequate sunlight exposure, wearing loose clothing and keeping warm, adjusting dietary structure by reducing intake of high-calorie foods and consuming more foods that benefit spleen and dispel dampness. Through comprehensive measures, gradually improve the constitution and enhance the quality of life.
