In the busy daily life, we often overlook subtle changes in our bodies, and these small signs actually reflect the inner health status. Traditional Chinese medicine wisdom tells us that different tastes in the mouth are closely related to our spleen, stomach, liver, and kidneys: sweetness reflects the spleen, bitterness points to the liver, sourness is related to the stomach, and saltiness is connected to the kidneys. Next, we will explore how to use natural therapies and lifestyle adjustments to maintain the health of these four major organs and promote overall well-being.
If there is a sweet taste in the mouth, it may be a manifestation of spleen deficiency, indicating a decreased digestive function of the spleen. Improvement suggestions include consuming Chinese yam, coix seeds, mung beans, reducing intake of sweets to avoid burdening the spleen.
If there is occasional bitterness in the mouth, it may be related to liver and gallbladder issues, requiring liver cleansing. This can be achieved by drinking chrysanthemum tea, green tea, consuming bitter gourd, dandelion, maintaining a calm mood, avoiding staying up late and emotional agitation, to benefit liver health.
Excessive sourness is often related to stomach discomfort, such as excessive stomach acid or poor digestion. Choosing easily digestible foods like noodles, millet congee, along with hawthorn, tangerine peel to aid digestion, avoiding spicy foods, is beneficial for stomach maintenance.
If there is occasional saltiness in the mouth, it may be a sign of kidney deficiency, especially affecting fluid metabolism due to kidney yin deficiency. In this case, nourishing yin and kidney by consuming black sesame, black beans, mulberries, controlling salt intake, drinking plenty of water to help kidney detoxification.
To maintain organ health, traditional Chinese medicine recommends the following methods: – Balanced diet, harmonizing the five flavors, ensuring comprehensive nutrition. – Regulating emotions, maintaining a peaceful mood, using methods like meditation, yoga to relax. – Moderate exercise, such as Tai Chi, Ba Duan Jin, promoting circulation of qi and blood. – Regular routines, especially ensuring sufficient sleep at night. – Meridian massage, such as Taibai point for spleen health, Taichong point for liver regulation, Zusanli point for strengthening the stomach, Yongquan point for kidney tonification, all help in promoting smooth flow of qi and blood.
Health is the accumulation of daily care, nurturing oneself attentively, discovering personalized health maintenance methods, making health the most precious gift in life.
