When undergoing dampness elimination therapy, it is essential to understand the following eight truths.
1. When eliminating dampness, it is important to warm and tonify Yang Qi.
This is because dampness is a Yin pathogen, and it cannot be transformed without warmth.
If you have repeatedly tried to strengthen the spleen without success in eliminating dampness, check if your abdomen feels cool and if your tongue coating is white.
If both of these conditions are present, no amount of spleen tonification will help; warming Yang is the best approach.
This requires the use of formulas such as Fu Zi Li Zhong Tang (Aconite Decoction to Regulate the Middle) and Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet) for therapeutic adjustment.
2. Eliminating dampness does not equate to sweating; excessive sweating can damage body fluids.
Some people believe that sweating in summer through steam baths will reduce dampness.
However, after a while, you may find yourself increasingly fatigued, lacking energy, and even experiencing palpitations. This is due to the loss of Qi with sweat, leading to a deficiency of both Qi and Yin.
3. Aromatic substances can transform dampness.
In ancient times, people often used incense, as its fragrance can awaken the spleen and promote the transformation of the spleen and stomach, facilitating the smooth flow of Qi and blood, and enhancing mental clarity.
The principle behind Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San (Agastache Powder to Rectify Qi) is based on this.
In our daily lives, we can also consume ingredients like coriander, perilla, and Huo Xiang (Agastache) to aid in dampness transformation and awaken the spleen.
4. Why is it so difficult to eliminate dampness? Ultimately, it is due to unchangeable lifestyle habits.
Regular consumption of greasy, spicy, and stimulating foods can damage the spleen and stomach, leading to poor transformation and accumulation of dampness over time.
Prolonged sitting and lack of movement can cause stagnation of the spleen, preventing normal transformation and leading to dampness.
Excessive consumption of cold and icy foods can damage spleen Yang, easily resulting in the generation of cold dampness over time.
Frequent consumption of sweet foods and blindly taking tonics can also lead to dampness if the spleen and stomach cannot process them.
Living in a room that is not well-ventilated and lacks sunlight can also contribute to dampness.
5. Individuals with excessive dampness often have blocked meridians.
Such individuals often find it difficult to absorb medications; in this case, we can use foot baths to address the issue.
For those with heavy cold dampness, adding Ai Ye (Mugwort), ginger, and Sichuan pepper to the foot bath can help warm and transform the cold dampness.
For those with heavy damp-heat, we can use Wen Dan Tang (Warm the Gallbladder Decoction) for foot baths until the head begins to sweat slightly, indicating that Qi and blood are flowing.
With consistent practice, dampness can be expelled.
6. Many people find that Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginseng, Poria, and Atractylodes Powder) is ineffective for dampness elimination and may even lead to heat symptoms.
This is because dampness is sticky, and Shen Ling Bai Zhu San contains ingredients like ginseng and Atractylodes that are more drying and warming.
If the tongue coating is thick and greasy, we can first use Ping Wei San (Calm the Stomach Powder) to eliminate dampness, and then use Shen Ling Bai Zhu San to tonify the spleen, making it easier to remove residual dampness.
7. Eliminating dampness does not equal diuresis.
Drinking excessive amounts of corn silk tea or red bean and coix seed water may increase urination, but excessive diuresis can also damage Yin fluids, leading to symptoms like dry mouth, irritability, and restlessness.
8. Dampness can be actively expelled through the pores of the body.
Many people who use air conditioning for extended periods have their pores closed, making it difficult to expel dampness.
However, if you spend some time in the sun and engage in physical activity, allowing your pores to open naturally, it will be more beneficial for expelling damp pathogens.
If you have any questions, please feel free to consult, learn, and communicate.
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Previous Highlights
1. Five Clever Combinations of Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
2. Three Effective Methods to Raise Yang, Specifically for Spleen and Stomach Cold Dampness
3. The Fastest Way to Supplement – One Clear, Two Tonify, Three Supplement
4. The Four Different Stages of Phlegm-Dampness and How to Adjust Treatment Accordingly
5. To Clear Liver and Gallbladder Damp-Heat, There is a Better Formula than Long Dan Cao (Gentian)
6. Using Xiao Yao Wan (Free and Easy Wanderer Pill) to Treat Liver Qi Stagnation, but Why Does It Cause Heat Symptoms?