The first time my practitioner said I had “dampness,” I thought she meant humidity. She meant my entire fluid metabolism had become sluggish, producing a heavy, sticky pathological substance that clogs the body.
Dampness is one of TCM most important pathological concepts, and it explains many modern health issues that Western medicine struggles to address.
What Dampness Actually Is
Dampness is impaired fluid metabolism. Fluids that should be transformed and transported by the Spleen accumulate and become heavy, turbid, and sticky.
Dampness characteristics:
- Heavy: Makes you feel weighted down
- Sticky: Difficult to eliminate
- Settling: Tends to accumulate in lower body
- Clouding: Causes mental fog
Sources of Dampness
External dampness: Living in humid climates, wearing damp clothes, sweating excessively
Internal dampness: Poor diet (especially dairy, sugar, processed foods), weak Spleen function, excessive fluid intake with meals
Signs of Dampness Accumulation
- Feeling of heaviness in body or head
- Brain fog, difficulty concentrating
- Bloating, especially after eating
- Fullness in chest or abdomen
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Sinus congestion
- Overweight, especially in midsection
Foods to Resolve Dampness
- Barley
- Job tears (Yi Yi Ren)
- Radish
- Turnip
- Celery
- Asparagus
- Green tea
- Ginger (in small amounts)
Foods That Create Dampness
- Dairy products
- Sugar and sweets
- Fried foods
- Processed foods
- Excessive alcohol
- Cold drinks and foods
Quick reference:
- Key symptom: Feeling heavy or foggy
- Worst food: Dairy
- Best food: Barley or job tears tea