At around the Qingming Festival every year, there is more rainfall and increased air humidity; the temperature rises and the phenomenon of “Hunantian” becomes more serious, resulting in a significant temperature difference indoors and outdoors. Due to factors such as poor rest and strong liver fire, individuals often feel fatigued, with heavy limbs, decreased immunity, and a higher susceptibility to illness.
Especially children, the elderly, and some weak women need to develop good lifestyle habits for better health.
When there is a heavy “dampness” in the body, four sensations may be felt:
Sensation One, “Feeling Trapped”
Despite going to bed early at night and having sufficient sleep, it becomes difficult to get up in the morning. There is a feeling of heavy limbs, fatigue, and reluctance to get out of bed.
During the day, this feeling persists – lacking energy while working, unwilling to exercise, and feeling like the limbs are stuck to the sofa.
Sensation Two, “Decreased Attractiveness”
Especially upon waking up in the morning, looking into the mirror reveals a tired appearance, dull and rough skin texture.
For some women, heavier makeup is often required to feel satisfied.
Sensation Three, “Decreased Appetite”
Breakfast, in particular, may not be appealing, and often a preference for congee or pickles, or a craving for fried foods to stimulate appetite.
Sensation Four, “Difficulty with Bowel Movements”
For those with heavier dampness, difficulty with bowel movements and constipation may arise. Commonly, there is a feeling of incomplete evacuation, discomfort in the anus after bowel movements, as if not being fully clean.
If experiencing the mentioned sensations frequently, it is likely due to excessive dampness and requires proper lifestyle adjustments.
To alleviate dampness, minimize consumption of the following “3 items”:
1. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Avoid alcohol consumption, especially cold beer, strong spirits, wine, as it burdens liver and kidney metabolism, leading to toxin accumulation and lowered immunity which promotes internal dampness.
2. Reduce Intake of Cold Foods
Avoid raw, cold fruits, beverages, salads, etc. Overconsumption hinders digestion, absorbs body heat, inhibits the generation of bodily warmth, and fosters internal dampness.
When eating and drinking, maintain temperatures between 40-60 degrees Celsius to prevent scalding the esophageal mucosa.
3. Limit Intake of Heavy Foods
Steer clear of fatty meats, fried and excessively salty or sweet foods, as well as spicy items like instant noodles, sausages, and ham, which not only strain metabolism but also contribute to obesity and internal dampness.
Recommend a diet that is light, high in fresh fruits and vegetables, with moderate protein intake.
Avoid cooking methods such as frying and grilling. Enjoy meals, chew thoroughly, eat at regular intervals, avoid picky eating or overindulgence.
Minimize two actions when dealing with dampness:
Limit Staying Up Late
Avoid staying up late (sleep before 11 PM) and strike a balance between work and rest.
Avoid prolonged periods of inactivity, lying down. Engage in moderate exercise that incites sweating, aiding in dispersing internal dampness.
Avoid Cold and Damp Environments
In certain coastal cities in the south where air conditioning is introduced, temperature control should be observed.
To combat dampness, delay use of air conditioning, maintain dry and well-ventilated indoor spaces. Also, minimize exposure to excessively damp environments, such as fresh markets, cellars. When renting, avoid living below the 5th floor, particularly in areas prone to severe “Hunantian” conditions.
Lastly, regular exercise is essential, as physical activity generates warmth. Sweating aids in expelling internal dampness.
Adequate exercise promotes blood circulation, enhances metabolic functions, and detoxification, which can bolster immunity. However, excessive exercise can exacerbate dampness, so exercise until slight sweating occurs.
