Dampness is a common physical condition we often discuss. When symptoms such as dizziness, heaviness in the limbs, loss of appetite, and a thick, greasy tongue coating appear, we usually conclude that the individual has excessive dampness in the body and start recommending various damp-dispelling products.
However, did you know that in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dampness is categorized into two types: 湿热 (shī rè) (damp-heat) and 湿寒 (shī hán) (damp-cold)? The causes and symptoms of these two conditions differ significantly. Therefore, it is essential to distinguish between them during the damp-dispelling process to achieve effective results. So, what are the differences between damp-heat and damp-cold, and how can we differentiate them?
Differences Between Damp-Heat and Damp-Cold
湿热 (shī rè) (damp-heat) refers to the simultaneous presence of dampness and heat, which can occur due to hot and humid weather in summer and autumn, or due to prolonged dampness transforming into heat, or due to a “yang-heat constitution” causing dampness to transform into heat. Therefore, the coexistence of dampness and heat is quite common.
湿寒 (shī hán) (damp-cold), according to TCM theory, suggests that the human body is a balanced organic whole, and the root of weakness lies in the imbalance of yin and yang. The cold nature is characterized by an excess of internal yin energy, leading to a disturbance in the balance of yin and yang. Specific manifestations include: organ prolapse, weakened digestive and absorption functions, resulting in reduced heat absorption by the body, leading to a cold condition.
Three Ways to Distinguish Between Damp-Heat and Damp-Cold
1. Check Urine Condition
Individuals with a damp-heat constitution tend to have yellow urine with a strong odor, which is a symptom caused by damp-heat issues; while those with a damp-cold constitution have urine that is clear like natural water.
2. Observe Tongue Coating
People with a damp-heat constitution typically have a yellow, thick tongue coating and a noticeably red tongue; whereas those with a damp-cold constitution have a white tongue coating with tooth marks.
3. Assess Physical Sensation
Individuals with a damp-heat constitution often feel very stuffy and may frequently experience oral ulcers and acne due to damp-heat; while those with a damp-cold constitution tend to be sensitive to cold, often experiencing cold hands and feet even in the heat of summer.
Additionally, dampness does not act alone; it can transform into damp-heat when exposed to heat and into damp-cold when exposed to cold… Over time, this can have adverse effects on the body.
Differences Between Damp-Heat and Damp-Cold:
① Mouth
Damp-Heat: Red tongue body, thick yellow greasy coating, dry mouth with a bitter taste.
Damp-Cold: Pale tongue body, white coating.
② Constitution
Damp-Heat: Sensitive to heat, palms and soles easily sweat and feel hot.
Damp-Cold: Sensitive to cold, hands and feet are often cold year-round.
③ Complexion
Damp-Heat: Oily complexion, prone to acne and pimples, red face and ears.
Damp-Cold: Pale or bluish complexion, lacking color.
Methods to Eliminate Dampness
Whether you have damp-heat or damp-cold, you can try the following methods to eliminate dampness, which are very effective!
Method 1: Get More Sunlight
Getting more sunlight not only warms the body but also helps dispel internal dampness. Absorbing ultraviolet rays and replenishing sufficient yang energy can naturally combat excessive dampness in the body.
Method 2: Massage Acupoints
1. Yin Ling Quan (阴陵泉) (Yin Mound Spring)
Location: Located on the inner side of the lower leg, in the depression below the tibia.
Function: Strengthens the spleen and benefits the stomach, enhancing the spleen’s ability to transform and transport dampness, promoting diuresis and reducing edema.
2. Di Ji (地机) (Earth’s Mechanism)
Location: Located on the inner side of the lower leg, at the posterior edge of the tibia.
Function: Effectively dispels internal dampness and also has a good effect on regulating qi and blood.
3. Ji Quan (极泉) (Extreme Spring)
Location: Located at the center of the armpit.
Function: Effectively unblocks the meridians of the heart, thus playing a role in dispelling dampness and detoxifying.
Method 3: Exercise More
Regular exercise and sweating can help expel accumulated waste and toxins from the body. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, whether it’s jogging, brisk walking, cycling, or yoga; as long as you sweat appropriately, the body’s dampness can be eliminated.
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Source: Zheyan Looks at TCM
