Ten out of ten women are affected by cold. Being cold can lead to poor blood circulation, resulting in inadequate qi and blood supply to the face, causing spots. When the body’s energy fails to nourish the skin, the skin looks lifeless, rough, and dry. The most serious consequence is that being cold can directly cause uterine coldness, resulting in infertility or affecting fetal development. Many women only realize they have uterine coldness after experiencing problems such as dysmenorrhea, cold hands and feet, decreased libido, infertility, and other issues.
During late spring and early summer, the weather remains damp. Many girls prioritize style over warmth, exposing shoulders, backs, thighs daily and consuming cold drinks frequently, leading to the invasion of cold evil in the uterus and stagnation of blood and qi. Some women lack physical activity. Generally, those with uterine coldness tend to be calm and quiet, often feeling fatigued with excessive exercise. However, “movement generates yang,” thus individuals with a cold constitution particularly need exercise to improve their physical condition. Uterine coldness is primarily caused by irregularities in women’s diet, lifestyle, and many bad habits. Here are some tips to prevent coldness:
1. Avoid consuming cold food. According to Chinese medicine, it is best to eat cold foods only during the hottest summer months. Let food items rest a bit after taking them out of the refrigerator before consuming them. Those with dry bodies and excessive internal heat can eat a little more cold food, but not excessively. For example, consuming no more than two ice creams a day.
2. Keep warm regularly. Women should focus on keeping essential body parts warm throughout the year, such as the waist, shoulders, abdomen, and knees. It’s advisable for women not to wear low-rise pants, crop tops, super short skirts, or boots with short skirts. Even during summer, cover your body with a light blanket while sleeping.
3. Maintain good blood circulation. Include some hot-natured foods in your diet, like fox nuts, poria cocos, Chinese yam, and schisandra berries. These Chinese herbs are a bit challenging to prepare, so you can opt for a poria cocos black rice paste that aids digestion, dissolves accumulated “cold qi” in the body, suitable for individuals with poor blood circulation and who often feel cold and fear coldness.
4. Take walks regularly. People who tend to be calm may feel fatigued with excessive exercise. However, “movement generates yang,” and individuals with a cold constitution particularly need exercise to improve their physical condition. Brisk walking is the simplest method, especially walking on pebble paths can stimulate the feet’s meridians and acupoints, promoting energy flow, regulating blood circulation, and warming the body.
5. Moxibustion therapy. Warm moxibustion is a straightforward home remedy where two specific acupoints are targeted: Qihai point, 1.5 inches below the belly button, and Guanyuan point, 3 inches below the belly button. Apply moxibustion for 30 minutes daily with moxibustion sticks. Consistent practice can effectively alleviate uterine coldness. Additionally, herbal supplements can also help relieve uterine coldness.
