Damp

How Damp is formed in the body

Dampness is created in a weakened, or impaired digestive system resulting in conditions that can be described as sluggish, swollen, groggy, phlegmy, or cold. Think of a swamp like environment beginning in the digestion and bringing stagnation to the rest of the body. The Spleen is unable to assimilate food properly, creating excess fluids that become trapped with nowhere to go. It's essentially a failure to burn off or transform moisture in the body. Living in a damp or humid climate can add unnecessary moisture within the body. Foods: dairy products, sugar and sweets, white wheat flour, refined starch and highly processed starch products, all cold foods, raw foods (harder to digest, when can't digest it forms dampness), excess mushrooms, cold beverages, which immobilise immune cells on the walls of the digestive tract, an excess of fermented foods, foods containing yeast and an excess of vinegar. Lifestyle habits like skipping breakfast or having a cold breakfast impairs Spleen function which creates dampness overtime. Overworking, not sleeping enough depletes vital energy (Qi) and results in sluggish circulation, which also can create dampness. Emotionally, over worry. overthinking impairs Spleen function, leading to dampness. TICM is all about balance and moderation. A little of something can be good for you, but a lot of it can be harmful.