Posted by Hombre on June 12, 2010, at 5:12:06
In reply to Re: Temperature/Humidity Energy Levels, posted by Lao Tzu on June 11, 2010, at 10:07:27
It certainly makes sense that your environment will affect your mood. Your mood is a reflection of your internal environment as well.
There are 6 "pernicious evils" according to Chinese medicine: wind, cold, heat, dampness, dryness and fire.
An existing damp condition (weak digestion) + heat can lead to damp heat with symptoms of fatigue, lethargy, cold sweat, rheumatic pains and bloating. Internal dampness usually arises as a consequence of excessive consumption of alcohol, coffee, tea, soft drinks, ice cold fruits, ice cold beverages, junk food, greasy, fried food and sweets. These can damage the pancreas, spleen and adrenal glands. (mostly taken from Daniel Reid's "A Handbook of Chinese Healing Herbs". Unfortunately the herbs and formulas are not organized by their actions so I cannot jump to the relevant sections.
Damp heat is when heat causes the dampness to thicken, causing "phlegm" which can rise and cause foggy headedness. I know it sounds too simplistic and is largely a metaphor, but again we take advantage of many years of observation as to how these conditions come about and how they are treated.
Dampness caused by weak digestion is pretty common and takes a while to get rid of since it requires careful diet and herbs that help dry out the body without causing excess heat. The modern diet is no friend to a sensitive digestive system.
I don't have my reference in front of me but I will try to look up some single herbs that can be used to help with the underlying dampness. In the meantime, maybe you can moderate the above mentioned foods and drinks and try to get as much rest as possible. The kidneys are also involved with the body's water balance, obviously, and getting them (and their associated systems) back up to speed will also help with overall energy.
I suffer from dampness and get bloated a lot after eating or drinking too much. I will then feel fatigued, weak, and slow in thought and action. Herbal attention to the kidneys has helped me to eliminate some of the excess water, but it is a constant battle as I am congenitally weak in the spleen and kidneys. The meds I take also seem to encourage weight gain, edema, hypo-endocrine function. My depression tends to feature overthinking, worrying, lack of will and energy, qualities associated with the spleen and kidneys. The spleen is so important because it is how we transform food and water into the vital energy the rest of our body needs to function.
I hope that helps for now. I will try to get back to you with herb suggestions.
poster:Hombre
thread:948628
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20100516/msgs/950780.html