1. Poor gastrointestinal condition during meals
When it's time for a meal, do you lack the feeling of hunger and have no appetite? Do you feel bloated after eating just a little? Do you experience an uncomfortable sensation during meals as if the food is pushing upwards?
Expert advice: According to Traditional Chinese Medicine's Five Elements theory, the spleen has the characteristics of "earth," which easily absorbs water. Therefore, dampness entering the body most easily harms the spleen. By self-checking the function of the spleen and stomach, one can discover if they are affected. The main function of the spleen is to digest and absorb various foods and liquids we consume, converting these substances into nutrients that the body can utilize, providing energy for cellular metabolism. Most people experience a decrease in appetite and digestive function during summer. However, some individuals may still have a strong sense of hunger but feel full immediately after eating, indicating a strong stomach but weak spleen, which is also a sign of spleen dampness.
2. Checking complexion and tongue coating during morning grooming
Do you experience swollen eyelids or under-eye bags in the morning? When looking in the mirror, do you notice a puffy tongue or obvious tooth marks on the edges of the tongue?
Expert advice: The most accurate way to confirm spleen dampness is by examining the shape of the tongue. Healthy individuals can develop the habit of regularly observing their tongues, comparing them with pictures from TCM tongue diagnosis to uncover potential health issues. During summer, those with spleen dampness often feel sticky in the mouth, appear dull, and have a yellowish complexion.
3. Observing stool shape when using the restroom
Is your stool loose and unformed? Does it mostly hold its shape but remain soft, leaving residue stuck in the toilet bowl that is hard to flush away? Do you always feel like you haven't completely emptied your bowels?
Expert advice: One of the most convenient ways to confirm spleen dampness is by observing the stool. Normal stools resemble bananas, being moderately firm. If the stool appears overly soft, mushy, and sticky like an overripe banana, this indicates spleen dampness, showing abnormal digestion. When internal dampness is excessive, urination is often reduced, with minimal urine output or difficulty urinating. Some women may experience increased volume, also indicating dampness.
4. Feeling your body posture
If your diet and sleep schedule remain unchanged but you notice significant weight gain? Stiff joints upon waking? Swollen lower limbs?
Expert advice: Individuals with heavy dampness may experience noticeable weight gain within a short period, characterized by false obesity. In more severe cases, lower limb edema may occur.
5. Observing mental state during work
Do you feel the need to take a deep breath to feel comfortable? Do you experience heaviness or even pain in your limbs or body? Are you extremely fatigued and reluctant to move? Do your joints feel tight and inflexible? Do you have a sensation of mental fog? Do you feel drowsy, sometimes experiencing memory loss?
Expert advice: Ancient wisdom states, "Once the spleen qi is deficient, the lung qi will be exhausted." This shows the interconnection between the functions of the spleen and lungs. When the spleen qi is severely deficient, the lungs lack nourishment, leading to shortness of breath, reluctance to speak, and breathlessness upon movement.
Self-examination tips:
If you experience the following changes during humid weather, it indicates excessive dampness in your body: poor gastrointestinal condition, low spirits, heavy limbs, skin rashes, worsening conditions.
Four methods to remove internal dampness:
First method: The lazier you are, the more you should exercise.
Most people with heavy internal dampness tend to have greasy diets and lack exercise. These individuals often feel bodily heaviness and limb weakness, discouraging physical activity. However, avoiding exercise allows dampness to accumulate internally, eventually affecting the spleen and causing various diseases.
Exercise relieves stress, promotes organ function, and accelerates the expulsion of dampness. Activities such as running, walking, swimming, yoga, and Tai Chi help activate blood circulation and increase water metabolism.
Second method: Maintain a light and moderate diet.
The gastrointestinal system is related to nutrient and water metabolism. The best approach is to eat in moderation and maintain a balanced diet. Alcoholic beverages, milk, fatty foods, and sweet oily foods are difficult to digest, leading to bloating and discomfort. Sweet fried foods produce peroxides, exacerbating inflammatory responses.
Cold foods, ice cream, or cool fruits and vegetables stagnate gastrointestinal absorption and should not be consumed frequently. Foods like raw vegetables, salads, watermelons, cabbage, and bitter gourds are better cooked with green onions and ginger to reduce their cold properties.
Third method: Avoid damp environments.
In addition to our body's metabolic issues, environmental factors significantly contribute to internal dampness. Frequently staying in damp environments makes it easy for dampness to invade the body.
Daily precautions include: 1) Avoid sleeping directly on the floor, as it contains heavy dampness that can invade the body, causing limb soreness. 2) Reduce outings during rainy, humid days. 3) Avoid wearing damp clothes or using damp blankets. After bathing, thoroughly dry your body and hair. 4) If indoor dampness is high, open windows for ventilation. If external dampness is also heavy, use fans or air conditioning to maintain airflow.
Fourth method: Use scallions, ginger, and garlic to expel internal dampness.
Scallions, ginger, and garlic are not only common seasonings but also possess valuable medicinal properties. For example, drinking a hot bowl of ginger soup at home can effectively expel internal dampness through sweating, alleviating symptoms. This method is also applicable after getting caught in the rain for prevention. (Editor-in-Charge: Xu Xiaoyu, Intern Editor: Chen Qiong)
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