In my previous blog, Nutrition is Personal, I discussed the life energy Qi, the concepts of Yin and Yang, and the energetic effects of food. I also provided a practical example of how nutrition can help alleviate symptoms. Yang represents energy (Qi), while Yin symbolizes matter. This time, I want to talk about Damp.
What is Damp?
Damp is a concept that is unfamiliar within Western medicine but plays an important role in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Damp arises from an excess of Yin, often as a result of a deficiency in Qi and Yang. The spleen and pancreas are crucial organs in TCM. The spleen, as a Yin organ, works together with its Yang counterpart, the stomach, to extract energy from food. When the spleen lacks sufficient energy, this can lead to the formation of Damp.
Damp obstructs the natural flows of Qi, blood, Yin, and Yang, creating a 'swamp' in the abdomen that can begin to ferment. This can manifest in symptoms such as a bloated stomach, belching, reduced appetite, and poor digestion. Additionally, you may crave foods that only worsen the Damp. Since the spleen is an important source of energy, it is essential to adjust your diet when experiencing symptoms of Damp.
How Does Damp Develop from Food?
The primary causes of Damp are irregular eating habits, such as skipping meals or consuming inappropriate foods. Periodic fasting is not suitable for everyone, and the spleen needs regular warm food. Overeating, insufficient chewing, or hastily consuming meals can further deplete the spleen's energy. Fats, gluten, and sugary foods can lead to blockages, causing undigested food to accumulate in the 'swamp.'
In my previous blog, I emphasized that each organ has an emotional component. For the spleen, these feelings include worry and anxiety—emotions that are nearly inevitable in our society. Intensive mental work can affect the spleen. When the spleen is not functioning optimally, we may notice it in our digestion: sticky stools, frequent trips to the restroom, or even diarrhea in stressful situations like exams. All of this can stem from prolonged concerns about matters such as children, financial problems, or career issues.
How Do I Recognize Damp?
Damp can manifest in various ways, often invisibly, but sometimes clearly through symptoms like migraines, a heavy feeling, depressive moods, confusion, forgetfulness, concentration problems, or even a messy household.
Physical signs of Damp include edema, such as a bloated stomach or swollen ankles, as well as mushy stools, vaginal discharge, mucus buildup, urinary tract infections (Damp can cause cloudy urine), menstrual issues, cysts, and obesity.
One of the diagnostic techniques in TCM is tongue analysis. A thick coating on the tongue is often an indication of Damp. The color of this coating is also relevant: white indicates Damp Cold, while yellow points to Damp Heat. Although Damp may not always be visible on the tongue, the symptoms are usually enough to indicate its presence.
Other Causes of Damp
Damp can have both internal and external causes. Internally, it often concerns a weak Qi energy from the spleen, while external factors relate to climate, living conditions, and contaminated food.
Damp Cold usually has a more acute course and can be caused by external factors, such as wearing a wet swimsuit for too long. An example of this is waking up stiff in a tent on a rainy campsite. It’s not your cheap air mattress, but the cold and damp environment that can be the cause of your stiffness. A humid climate or a cold work environment can also contribute to Damp Cold. Additionally, a uterus approaching menopause that is less filled with blood may also become cooler. Frequent urination or a heavy feeling in the lower abdomen can also be signs of Damp Cold.
Damp Heat can arise from external influences, such as prolonged heat or spoiled food. Internal causes often involve excessive consumption of alcohol or fatty foods. Also, in cases of a strong flu or cold, where you cough up yellow mucus, heat may be present. Symptoms such as thirst, foul-smelling stools, or an increased feeling can indicate Damp Heat.
What to Do?
Movement can help to relieve blockages. Yin yoga, for example, is a good way to stretch the muscles and get energy moving again. Massages and meditation can also be effective in alleviating Damp, especially since emotional burdens such as shame and insecurity put pressure on the spleen. By processing these feelings, you can feel much lighter. And of course, acupuncture!
What Can I Do with Nutrition?
The spleen loves warm, regular meals. Do not skip meals when experiencing symptoms. Good nutrition supports your health and energy levels. Breakfast with yogurt or fruit is cold and not ideal. Instead, opt for breakfast with eggs and vegetables or warm oatmeal with blueberries. Soups with warming spices are also better than a salad for lunch.
Take your time with meals, chew well, and avoid eating at the computer. A cozy lunch with colleagues and light conversation can promote digestion.
If you suspect you have Damp, avoid dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt. If you start feeling better, opt for goat or sheep products. Fried foods, fatty meats, sugar, bread, and beer are also not friends of the spleen. Once symptoms have subsided, you can gradually reintroduce these products.
Peanuts and peanut butter, as well as bananas, are common causes of Damp. A sandwich with peanut butter and banana? Better not! Instead, choose sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, or almonds, or try tahini. Bitter and spicy flavors, such as onion, are also helpful for Damp. For sweet cravings, you can use agave, maple syrup, or dates, and sourdough bread can be a kinder choice.
Although fruit is usually diuretic, pineapple and pear can also help dissolve Damp. With symptoms of Damp Cold, it's best to avoid fruit until you feel better. Mustard with meals can also aid digestion and combat Damp, especially with meat dishes.
Case Study
This time, Maartje's husband comes in. He enjoyed a lavish evening with friends, filled with meat, alcohol, and a lengthy cheese platter. Now he feels nauseous for two days, has no appetite, and experiences a tight feeling in his chest. He has belching, and his stools are sticky and smell strongly.
This indicates Damp Heat in the stomach and spleen, which can arise acutely without prior spleen deficiency. Acupuncture and drinking warm mint tea (a cooling herb) can provide relief. It’s also wise to temporarily avoid alcohol and to steer clear of known Damp-causing foods.
Functional eating is one of the methods within TCM to prevent and combat diseases. Often, a combination of methods is used.
Read my first blog here: Nutrition is Personal.
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