Nowadays, many people suffer from weakened spleen and stomach function due to poor diet and lifestyle habits. This leads to a condition known as spleen and stomach deficiency cold (脾胃虚寒). If this condition is not properly managed and one continues to consume cold and cooling foods, it can exacerbate the deficiency. So, what are the consequences?
1. Spleen and stomach deficiency cold can cause bloating and stomach pain.
If the spleen and stomach exhibit signs of deficiency cold, consuming cold foods will lead to discomfort in the stomach. For example, cold drinks, watermelon, apples, and even some vegetables can cause stomach discomfort, bloating, and pain.
2. Spleen and stomach deficiency cold can lead to a yellowish complexion.
When one experiences spleen and stomach deficiency cold, the food and water consumed cannot be properly transformed, failing to provide nourishment to the internal organs. This results in reduced blood flow, leading to symptoms such as a yellowish complexion.
3. Spleen and stomach deficiency cold can cause diarrhea.
If the spleen and stomach are invaded by cold, consuming cold foods can lead to diarrhea.
4. Cold extremities.
The extremities of the body are part of the peripheral nervous system. Although they are far from the spleen and stomach, they still require the spleen and stomach to transform food and essence to maintain normal physiological functions. If the extremities are cold, with cold hands and feet, it may indicate that the spleen and stomach deficiency cold is the cause.
So, where does the cold in the spleen and stomach come from?
1. From the abdomen.
The abdomen has a higher fat content, which can help resist cold. However, if a specific area is not kept warm, it can allow cold to invade the body. This area is the Shenque point (神阙穴), also known as the navel, which is a relatively weak area and susceptible to cold invasion. If the navel is exposed to cold, it can easily lead to spleen and stomach deficiency cold, affecting their health.
2. From the feet.
As the saying goes, “cold starts from the feet.” The feet are also prone to cold, especially the ankles. Some people like to wear cropped pants and short socks, leaving the ankles exposed. In winter, if the ankles are not kept warm, it can lead to cold invasion, resulting in spleen and stomach deficiency cold.
Four lifestyle habits to eliminate cold and warm the spleen and stomach:
1. Foot baths.
Take appropriate amounts of Hua Jiao (花椒, Sichuan pepper), Ai Ye (艾叶, mugwort), Sheng Jiang (生姜, ginger), Dang Gui (当归, angelica), and Hong Hua (红花, safflower), boil them in water for 30 minutes, and soak your feet in the water at a suitable temperature. The dosage of the herbs for foot baths is also important. If you prefer not to prepare them yourself, it is recommended to use a professional foot bath package made with these materials. Simply place a package in the foot bath basin, add hot water, and soak your feet. This method ensures precise dosage and gentle efficacy. Soaking your feet every night can promote blood circulation, warm the body, and improve spleen and stomach deficiency cold.
Using herbal foot baths can improve spleen and stomach deficiency cold, as well as alleviate insomnia, joint pain, and symptoms of menstrual pain and cold uterus in women.
2. Warm compress on the abdomen.
Individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency cold can create a homemade warm compress using a mugwort and coarse salt pack. Heat 200 grams of coarse salt and 300 grams of mugwort in an iron pot until slightly yellow or until the mugwort emits a strong aroma. While still warm, place it in a cotton cloth bag and apply it to the abdomen. The abdomen contains the Zhongwan point (中脘穴), Tianshu point (天枢穴), and Shenque point (神阙穴). Once the temperature cools down, it can be reused.
3. Moxibustion.
Ai Ye (艾叶, mugwort) is a pure Yang substance, and the heat and medicinal properties of moxibustion can warm the body. Moxibustion can be applied to the Shenque point (神阙穴), Zhongwan point (中脘穴), Tianshu point (天枢穴), Zusanli point (足三里), and Yinlingquan point (阴陵泉). Each acupoint should be treated for about 15 minutes. If using suspended moxibustion, maintain a distance of 3 to 4 centimeters from the skin, ensuring a warm sensation without burning the skin. This can be done every other day.
Note: Images are sourced from the internet.