What is "Dampness" in the Body?

The term “Dampness” is used in Chinese medicine and can be the underlying cause of many conditions such as achy joints and limbs, headaches, many digestive issues, sluggishness and depression, and skin conditions such as acne. The Chinese believe that both the external environment and your body‘s internal environment can combine to cause too much “dampness.” If you are experiencing all the rain that the Midwest has been getting, you may feel the dampness in your body when you wake up. You are slower to move, your hands and other areas are achy and you may have foggy thinking.

What to do? Here are some suggestions.

Diet

Avoid iced food and beverages, and also heavy, greasy food, especially during damp weather or if you live in a damp climate. (Hint: You can tell that the food is Damp by its texture; soft and sticky for instance cheese, bananas, pastries, fried food after it cools.) Foods to improve the condition include cooked :  asparagus, barley, red beans, oat, brown rice, roasted meats, carrot and green tea. Eat more onions, ginger, garlic and other aromatic spices to promote the movement of digestive Qi.

Sauna

Sauna. Visit a low heat sauna to gently promote a light sweat. High temperature saunas, which encourage heavy sweating, can be damaging to the body’s yin. Use caution.

Chinese Medicine and Cupping

Chinese Medicine to clear dampness; Cupping therapy can be used to: remove cold and dampness, open the meridians, eliminate stasis, help promote qi and blood circulation, reduce swelling and pain, promote detoxification, bring balance to yin and yang, relieve fatigue, and enhance the body’s function.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture can help us eliminate the dampness in the body by helping promote circulation as well as supporting the body’s digestion center (spleen and stomach in Chinese medicine). The heat from moxibustion can also help to dry dampness.

Lifestyle

Many people who suffer from heavy dampness in the body lack exercise. Some may feel heavy and weak most of the time with low energy and find it difficult to exercise and move the body. Exercising moderately will help.

Enjoy the weather while supporting your body. And if you’re going to puddle jump, don’t wear wet clothing or keep hair wet for very long. 🙂 I’m confident these suggestions from Chinese Medicine on managing Dampness will improve you and your families health.