The manifestation of a damp-heat constitution is multifaceted, including persistent acne after puberty, dark and scanty urination, and sticky stools. How can one regulate this?
Common Symptoms of Damp-Heat
Why does damp-heat cause “acne”?
In general perception, acne seems to be a privilege of adolescents; however, many individuals continue to experience acne well into their 30s, which is not merely a sign of youth but rather a constitution characterized by damp-heat in the body. Acne, known as cuo zhuang (痤疮) in TCM, fundamentally arises from damp-heat leading to phlegm and blood stasis, resulting in the formation of pimples. If not addressed promptly, these can become pus-filled, leading to cystic acne. The reason individuals with a damp-heat constitution are prone to such conditions is due to the excessive presence of both dampness and heat in the body, signaling an internal imbalance that manifests as acne or pus formation. This is akin to how fruits rot easily in the damp heat of summer, while nuts, like walnuts, can last longer if kept dry. The internal cause is damp-heat, while the external manifestation is acne; thus, merely applying topical medications or skincare products cannot fundamentally resolve the acne issue.
Why does damp-heat cause “bitter mouth, dry mouth, and bad breath” as well as “dark and scanty urination, sticky stools”?
Some individuals experience bitter mouth, dry mouth, bad breath, and are prone to bloating and body odor, which is also due to damp-heat in the body. Those with a damp-heat constitution often have dark and scanty urination (deep-colored urine) and sticky stools that are difficult to flush away. In TCM terms, dampness is associated with yin, while heat is associated with yang; their combination creates an inherent contradiction that leads to conflict. The body of a damp-heat individual becomes a battlefield between dampness and heat, where whichever force is stronger results in significant depletion of vital energy. Since dampness and heat primarily harm the spleen and stomach, symptoms such as poor appetite, bad breath, and dry mouth arise. Poor spleen function inevitably affects excretory functions, leading to symptoms of yellow and scanty urination and dry or sticky stools.
Why does damp-heat cause “scrotal dampness”?
Modern urban dwellers often have irregular lifestyles, enjoy staying up late, frequent bars, drink alcohol, and are prone to exacerbating their damp-heat constitution. If lifestyle habits are not changed, the damp-heat constitution can lead to serious conditions such as cholecystitis and prostatitis in men, and vaginitis in women, which are difficult to heal. Additionally, factors such as prolonged mental stress, living in a humid environment, and frequent alcohol consumption contribute to this condition, with the root cause still being the damp-heat constitution.
Why does damp-heat lead to “liver and gallbladder diseases”?
Patients with cholecystitis often experience chest tightness, abdominal bloating, bitter taste in the mouth, and nausea. In TCM terms, this is due to emotional stagnation, disharmony of liver qi, and poor spleen function, compounded by the strong presence of damp-heat. Simply put, the excessive dampness and heat in the body invade the liver and gallbladder. The liver and gallbladder are responsible for the body’s drainage functions; if surrounded by damp and heat evils, this can lead to obstruction of drainage and constipation. If this condition continues to develop, it may result in dark and scanty urination, prostatitis, and gynecological diseases.
Why does alcohol consumption lead to damp-heat?
Alcohol is something many men consume frequently, whether at social gatherings or work-related dinners. Alcohol, being a liquid, naturally contains dampness, but it is also a product of fermented grains, making it a substance with high heat. Therefore, alcohol itself contains a mixture of dampness and heat. When consumed in large quantities, it introduces excess dampness and heat into the body, leading to a damp-heat constitution that exceeds the body’s threshold.
Methods for Regulating Damp-Heat Constitution
Basic Principles of TCM Regulation for Damp-Heat Constitution
The dietary principle for those with a damp-heat constitution is to consume light foods. It is advisable to eat more chi xiao dou (赤小豆, adzuki beans), lü dou (绿豆, mung beans), kong xin cai (空心菜, water spinach), xian cai (苋菜, amaranth), qing cai (芹菜, celery), huang gua (黄瓜, cucumber), si gua (丝瓜, loofah), hu lu (葫芦, gourd), dōng guā (冬瓜, winter melon), ou (藕, lotus root), xī guā (西瓜, watermelon), and bi qie (荸荠, water chestnut), which are all sweet and cool foods. It is best to avoid foods such as lamb, dog meat, eel, leeks, ginger, coriander, chili, alcohol, maltose, pepper, Sichuan pepper, honey, and other sweet, sour, and greasy items, as well as hot pot, fried, and barbecued foods that are spicy and warming. Additionally, one should abstain from smoking and drinking.
Engaging in high-intensity and high-volume exercises, such as middle-distance running, swimming, hiking, various ball sports, and martial arts, is recommended. In summer, due to high temperatures and humidity, it is best to exercise in the early morning or cool evenings. It is important to control excessive emotions, arrange work and study reasonably, and cultivate a wide range of interests and hobbies. Avoid living in low-lying, damp areas; the living environment should be dry and well-ventilated. Avoid staying up late and overexertion. During the summer months when heat and humidity are heavy, reduce outdoor activity time. Maintain sufficient and regular sleep.