In traditional Chinese medicine, dampness is considered as an important factor affecting health, capable of obstructing the body’s vital energy and blood circulation, thus leading to various diseases. Though the saying “excess dampness shortens life” may seem absolute, it cannot be denied that excessive dampness is indeed harmful to health. Next, we will explore how to identify signs of internal dampness through the two body parts, the tongue and the stomach.
Tongue: A window reflecting dampness
Under normal circumstances, the tongue should be pale red and glossy, with a thin white coating. However, in individuals with excess dampness, the tongue’s condition may deviate from the norm: – The tongue appears swollen, related to the stagnation of accumulated fluids within the body. – The tongue coating becomes thick and sticky, with a white or gray color, indicating that dampness obstructs the circulation of vital energy and blood, leading to the evaporation of body fluids. – Teeth marks on the sides of the tongue indicate spleen deficiency, impeding the effective transformation of water dampness and causing tongue swelling. – If the tongue coating turns yellow and greasy, accompanied by a bitter or foul taste in the mouth, it may indicate dampness transforming into internal heat, forming damp-heat retention.
Stomach: Gathering place for dampness
Dampness tends to accumulate in the abdominal area, and its effects manifest as: – Abdominal obesity due to dampness blocking the meridians, affecting the flow of vital energy and blood circulation, leading to fat accumulation. – Frequent feelings of abdominal bloating caused by dampness obstructing vital energy flow, slowing down intestinal peristalsis. – Loose stools indicating that dampness affects the digestion of the spleen and stomach, resulting in undigested food. – Difficulty with urination due to dampness affecting bladder function, leading to urinary difficulty.
Methods to alleviate dampness
To address internal dampness, the following measures may be taken: – Dietary adjustments: Reduce intake of oily, cold, and sugary foods, consume more dampness-clearing foods such as coix seeds, mung beans, and maintain adequate hydration. – Chinese herbal supplements: Consider using traditional Chinese medicine with heat-clearing and dampness-dissipating effects, preferably under the guidance of a professional Chinese medicine practitioner. – Increase exercise: Moderate physical activity promotes circulation and metabolism, such as walking, jogging, helps eliminate dampness. – Lifestyle habits: Maintain regular routines, avoid damp environments, keep a calm mind, have a balanced diet, reduce intake of cold foods, eat more high-fiber vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. – Moderate eating: Maintain a balanced diet, avoid excessive consumption, focus on food diversity.
It is important to consistently improve dampness conditions while considering individual circumstances. If dampness issues are severe or accompanied by other health problems, seek timely medical advice for professional guidance and treatment.
