Damp-Heat Constitution
A constitution characterized by the accumulation of Dampness combined with Heat inside the body. Damp-Heat mainly affects the Liver, Gallbladder, Spleen, and Stomach, producing inflammatory manifestations and yellowish secretions.
Description
A constitution characterized by the accumulation of Dampness combined with Heat inside the body. Damp-Heat mainly affects the Liver, Gallbladder, Spleen, and Stomach, producing inflammatory manifestations and yellowish secretions.
Physical and emotional traits
Physical
- Oily skin with a greasy shine
- Frequent acne and breakouts
- Oily hair
- Yellowish or reddish complexion
- Tendency toward facial redness and rashes
- Sticky, strong-smelling sweat
- Heaviness in the lower back and joints
Emotional
- Irritability and mood swings
- Impatience
- Mental agitation
- Tendency toward conflict
- Nervousness and restlessness
- Difficulty relaxing
Common symptoms
- Bitter taste in the mouth
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Dark, yellow or strong-smelling urine
- Sticky or foul-smelling stools
- Itching in the genital area
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Hepatitis or jaundice in severe cases
- Inflammatory eczema and dermatitis
- Feeling of heaviness and internal heat
- Tongue
- Red or reddish-yellow, yellow and greasy coating (黄腻苔, huáng nì tái), moist
- Pulse
- Slippery (滑脉, huá mài) and rapid (数脉, shuò mài), forceful
Tendencies and vulnerabilities
- Urinary tract infections
- Hepatitis and liver diseases
- Skin diseases (acne, eczema)
- Fungal infections and inflammations
- Gout and hyperuricemia
- Sexually transmitted diseases
Diet
Prioritize foods that drain Dampness and clear Heat. Cook lightly, steamed or boiled. Completely avoid foods that generate Damp-Heat: fatty foods, alcohol, spicy foods, fried foods. Drink plenty of water and cold teas.
Favor
- Cucumber (清热利湿, cools and drains Dampness)
- Watermelon (seedless, clears Summer Heat)
- Pearl barley (薏苡仁)
- Tofu and soy products
- Bitter greens (endive, escarole, arugula)
- Green tea and chrysanthemum (without sugar)
- Mung bean - powerful for clearing Heat
- Lotus (seeds and root)
- Pear and kiwi
- Steamed white fish
Moderate
- Alcohol (especially wine and beer)
- Very hot and heavily spiced foods
- Fried and very fatty foods
- Excess red meat
- Excess shellfish
- Sugar and sweets
- Whole dairy
- Spicy food (chili, hot peppers, strong curry)
Lifestyle, exercise and emotions
Strict hygiene habits. Cool, breathable clothing. Avoid hot, humid environments. Eliminate alcohol entirely. Sleep before 11 pm to prevent the Liver from overheating.
- Swimming (the best for this constitution: cools and drains)
- Outdoor Tai Chi in cool areas
- Walking at dawn in natural settings
- Moderate yoga
- Avoid strenuous exercise in excessive heat
Anger and resentment aggravate Liver Heat. Practice forgiveness and compassion. Mental cooling techniques: meditation, deep breathing. Avoid conflictive situations.
Seasonal advice
- Spring
- Drain accumulated Damp-Heat. Bitter and green foods. Dandelion juice. Activate liver cleansing.
- Summer
- Highest risk. Hydrate with cool water and chrysanthemum teas. Watermelon and cucumber. Avoid excessive heat and alcohol.
- Autumn
- Time for cleansing. Take the opportunity to eliminate waste. White, clean foods. Reduce calorie intake.
- Winter
- Although the climate helps moderate Heat, maintain healthy habits. Avoid excesses in the holiday diet.
Associated herbs and formulas
Herbs that tradition associates
Herbs usually avoided
Formulas
Herbs and formulas must be prescribed by qualified professionals: they can interact with medications.
Acupressure points
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
