Dampness is the word Chinese medicine uses for mucus/phlegm, & can also be loosely translated to include inflammation & histamine reaction, depending on the context.
Dampness is heavy, sticky, difficult to expectorate. It can settle in various places in the body, but will often manifest as upper respiratory issues.
We know that COVID-19 is a pathogen that causes severe dampness & fluid accumulation that can invade the lungs and obstruct breathing. It is important to remember that we are not powerless to this process. The more we learn, the better we can protect ourselves now and always.
Dampness can come from internal and external factors. Internal dampness is a by-product of deficient, overburdened digestive organs (in TCM, the Spleen is the digestive workhorse). External dampness is a result of living in damp conditions or being out in damp weather regularly or without proper clothing.
From a preventative standpoint, we can eat and live in a way that is less taxing & even nourishing to the Spleen, which will in turn transform dampness and lessen future dampness production.
Start your day with a warm meal & a hot beverage to encourage optimal digestion all day long.
Avoid cold foods and beverages, which are a shock to the digestive organs and actually can immobilize immune cells in the walls of the digestive tract.
Eat lots of foods that “drain” or clear out dampness: onions, garlic, clove, cinnamon, ginger, scallions, leeks, sage, parsley, raw honey, rosemary, dill, basil, chives, celery, lettuce, & turnips. Choose your favorites and incorporate them daily.
Be mindful of your mindset. Excessive worry and stress weakens the digestive organs.
Avoid foods that promote dampness: dairy, white flour, processed sugar, greasy/fried foods, alcohol, cold foods & drinks (yep, saying it again…it’s THAT important).
Dress appropriately for cold, damp, or windy weather. Protect your head and the back of your neck (wind gate), as this is where external dampness can easily invade the body.
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I'm a licensed acupuncturist and holistic health practitioner specializing in functional fertility, women's health and Chinese medicine. I help women get to the root cause of hormonal imbalances, cycle issues, and unexplained infertility challenges so they can feel empowered in their bodies again.
At Connected Healing, we blend the ancient wisdom of Chinese Medicine with the modern science of functional medicine to create personalized, whole-person care through acupuncture, functional lab testing, integrative care, nutrition, lifestyle shifts and more! If you’re feeling frustrated, confused, or overlooked in your journey, we're here to help you find answers, hope, and healing.
Connected Healing is a leading integrative therapy, Chinese medicine, and functional medicine practice based in the Franklin, Wisconsin that specializes in fertility, women’s health and whole body, integrative care.
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7441 S. 27th Street, Suite 102, Franklin, WI 53132
contact@connectedhealingllc.com