Understanding “Damp Heat” in Summer: A TCM Perspective

Sydney summers offer perfect beach days and beautiful weather, but the combination of high temperatures and humidity can challenge the body’s balance. Prolonged exposure to extreme weather can affect the body’s internal energy, creating imbalances. One common imbalance in summer is “Damp Heat,” a condition caused by an excess of moisture and heat in the body.

Signs of Damp Heat

Damp Heat can disrupt the body’s balance, leading to symptoms such as:

• Physical fatigue and sluggishness
• Dizziness or chest congestion
• A sensation of heat or fever without a rise in temperature
• A thick, white tongue coating with red coloration
• Sticky stools and difficulty with bowel movements
• Reduced urination with a yellowish tint
• A burning sensation during bowel movements

What Causes Damp Heat in the body?

Although both Dampness and Heat contribute to the body’s energy imbalance, Dampness often plays a more dominant role. It is commonly seen as a sign of obstructed Qi flow, which traps Heat within the body. By clearing Dampness, Qi can then move freely, allowing Heat to disperse and restoring balance.

What is Dampness?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Dampness is a pathogenic factor that hinders the flow of Qi and blood, resulting in sensations of heaviness, sluggishness, and stickiness in the body. A common analogy compares Dampness to walking in the rain without an umbrella—your clothes become soaked and cling to you. Similarly, when energy flows within you but lacks smoothness, that is what Dampness feels like.

The primary causes of Dampness include:

• Internal factors: Dysfunction in the Spleen and Stomach, which are responsible for digestion and energy conversion. When these organs don’t function optimally, Dampness can accumulate.
• External factors: Living in a humid environment can exacerbate Dampness, particularly during the hot and humid summer months.

Remedies for Damp Heat

To prevent or alleviate Damp Heat, consider the following:

1. Adjust Your Diet: Avoid greasy, fried, spicy, and overly sweet foods that can exacerbate Damp Heat. Opt for cooling foods like cucumbers, watermelon, mung bean and other hydrating options to cool the body.
2. Manage Stress: Emotional disturbances can block the flow of Qi, worsening imbalances in the body.
3. Avoid Heat and Humidity: Minimize exposure to excessive heat and damp environments to maintain your body’s balance.

When Self-Management Isn’t Enough

Sometimes, lifestyle changes aren’t sufficient to completely address Damp Heat. In such cases, TCM therapies like cupping and acupuncture can help:

• Cupping: Improves local circulation and releases stagnation.
• Acupuncture: Regulates Qi flow and enhances the body’s metabolism.

At David Lee Acupuncture, we integrate these techniques into a holistic approach to support both physical and mental well-being. By addressing the root causes of Damp Heat, we help you restore balance and vitality.