Dampness in the Body: Health Risks and Treatment Approaches

Traditional Chinese medicine offers effective ways to reduce dampness in the body that causes edema, fatty liver disease and other chronic conditions.

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According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), dampness in the body can contribute to chronic conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), and fatty liver disease. Dietary adjustments and acupoint massage are effective tools for managing dampness.

Dampness and Its Link to Chronic Diseases

When the body’s metabolism is impaired, it cannot effectively process or eliminate fats and waste, leading to fluid imbalance and the buildup of dampness.

Dampness can transform into phlegm, and excessive phlegm can worsen dampness, creating a vicious cycle. In traditional Chinese medicine, phlegm is the buildup of thick, sticky substances in the body, such as excess fat in blood vessels or fluid retention (edema), as well as mucus expelled from the respiratory system.

In TCM, phlegm is regarded as a key pathological factor in the development of illness. Mild phlegm can leave the body feeling tired and heavy, while more severe cases may lead to chronic conditions. When phlegm accumulates in the upper body, it can cause dizziness, while buildup in the lower body may result in swelling of the legs and feet. Phlegm in the bloodstream can disrupt circulation and metabolism, contributing to the “three highs” of cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar. Additionally, accumulation in the liver increases the risk of fatty liver disease.

Foods to Avoid

The ancient Chinese text “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine (Huangdi Neijing)” states that dampness in the body is primarily linked to spleen dysfunction. In TCM, the term “spleen” refers to the physical organ and the entire digestive system. It is often paired with the “stomach” under the term “spleen and stomach,” highlighting their joint role in digesting, absorbing, and transporting nutrients.

Dysfunction of the spleen and stomach can disrupt fluid metabolism, causing edema, bloating, loose stools, and indigestion. Regular consumption of cold, sugary, or greasy foods can weaken the spleen and stomach, making the body more susceptible to dampness. For instance, some people may have slim limbs but struggle with a protruding belly—possibly due to an excessive diet of cold foods, leading to high dampness.

Diet for Reducing Dampness

Job’s tears, a type of seed, helps eliminate excess fluid from the body, making Job’s tears tea a good option for reducing dampness. It is particularly beneficial for those who experience swelling in the legs and feet in the evening. For best results, it is recommended to drink it warm or at room temperature.

Additionally, Job’s tears have been found to promote fat loss. A study on mice indicated that Job’s tears (Coicis Semen) helps prevent obesity caused by a high-fat diet by reducing lipid accumulation and inflammatory factor expression. In the study, mice given a formula containing Job’s tears showed reduced abdominal fat thickness and overall body fat content.

Eating water spinach, loofah, and winter melon can also eliminate dampness from the body, thereby reducing edema. Here are three delicious dish ideas: stir-fried water spinach, sautéed loofah with clams and sliced pork, and winter melon soup. These dishes help remove dampness and dispel heat, leaving the body feeling lighter and refreshed.

Eliminating Dampness with Acupressure

Some people experience numbness in their feet, soreness and swelling in their legs, or deep sock marks around their ankles—all signs of excessive dampness in the body.

Massaging the Zusanli and Sanyinjiao acupoints can strengthen the spleen and stomach and aid in eliminating dampness. A study on rats found that stimulating these acupoints may have therapeutic potential for certain parts of the gastrointestinal system.

Massaging the Sanyinjiao acupoint can help reduce edema and relieve menstrual cramps, promoting better women’s health. A common method is to press the acupoint for 10 seconds, release, and repeat 10 times, stopping when mild soreness is felt. However, pregnant women should avoid stimulating this acupoint, as it is believed to induce labor.

According to TCM, meridians are the channels through which energy flows in the human body. The internal organs are connected to the body’s surface through these meridians. Along the meridians are specific points known as acupoints, which possess unique functions. By stimulating the corresponding acupoints through techniques like acupuncture and massage, it is possible to treat diseases related to specific organs.

Location of the Zusanli acupoint. The Epoch Times

Location of the Sanyinjiao acupoint. The Epoch Times

Benefits of Foot Soaks

In TCM, foot soaks are often used to stimulate the meridians on the soles of the feet, thus enhancing spleen and stomach function and facilitating the elimination of dampness. They are also beneficial for sleep, which is closely connected to obesity, metabolic disorders, and other health issues. A systematic review found that warm foot therapy before bedtime can improve subjective sleep quality in older adults.

It is recommended to soak your feet for about 10 minutes, with the water temperature maintained at around 104 degrees F (40 degrees C). Adding a slice of ginger to the water can help warm cold hands and feet, improve digestion, and relieve fatigue after a long day.

Note: Be sure to dry your feet thoroughly after soaking. Avoid direct exposure to fans or air conditioning to prevent catching a chill.

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