Difficulty: Challenger (Level 2)
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the words “spleen” and “stomach” mean more than just the organs we think of in Western medicine. They refer to a whole system in the body that helps with digestion and taking in nutrients. This system is also about how the body distributes these nutrients. When it’s very humid outside, it can make the body feel damp inside, which affects the spleen and stomach.
“When our spleen and stomach are trapped by a lot of dampness ... they stop functioning,” said Wong, who is also the director of Kwan’s Medical Group.
“Think of your spleen and stomach as a roundabout in ... a busy city. If there’s a traffic jam right in the middle, all other functions will be indirectly affected.”
Wong noted that a dry environment is best for the function of the spleen and stomach.
These systems are responsible for making the body’s essential fluids, such as mucus.
If your system is clogged with moisture, any water you drink passes through without being properly used.
“People with heavy dampness ... keep drinking water but are still thirsty because the water isn’t getting where it needs to go,” Wong said.
Extra dampness reduces your motivation and negatively affects your mood. Wong also said that you might feel tired because the body needs extra energy to deal with the moisture.
What to avoid eating
Wong warned that cold drinks and food could worsen the condition of our spleen and stomach.
While fruit is healthy, some fruits make our internal system even damper when the weather outside is already humid.
“Fruits [that] feel slippery and slimy to the touch ... we consider them damp, [such as] kiwi, peach and mango,” Wong said.
He also noted that fermented foods and dairy are generally damp. That includes miso soup, cheese, yogurt, kimchi and alcohol.
Reducing dampness
Wong suggested a tea recipe to help the body feel better during hot, humid weather.
Combine five grams of chrysanthemum flowers with another five grams of lotus leaves. Steep them in hot water for 10 minutes. Then, it is ready to drink.
This recipe can help clear heat, improve digestion and support your body’s water processing.
Wong also shared two acupressure points to help release heat in the body when it’s humid outside. Hegu is located on the back of the hand, in the web between the thumb and index finger. Quchi is located at the outer end of the elbow crease when the arm is flexed.
To stimulate these points, apply gentle pressure for about 30 seconds.
