Your body is an intricate and finely tuned machine, with each organ crucial in maintaining overall health. As you age, your heart, kidneys, lungs, liver, and spleen become more susceptible to various issues. This article explores traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) methods to protect these vital organs and improve your health from the inside out.
Heart care and emergency tips
Heart disease is a significant health threat, especially as you get older. Environmental factors like extreme temperatures can also impact heart health, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events. Here are two TCM methods to help maintain heart health and prevent heart disease:
- Press the emergency acupoint: If you suddenly feel short of breath or your heart starts racing, pressing the Yangxi acupoint can be a lifesaver. This point is on the back of your hand, below the thumb. Pressing it for 3 to 10 minutes can stabilize your heartbeat and blood pressure, making breathing easier. Regularly pressing this point can also help those with irregular heartbeats.
- Drink warm water before bed: Clinical studies have shown that the highest incidence of heart attacks occurs between 8 and 9 a.m., which is 3.8 times higher than between midnight and 1 a.m. Drinking a small cup of warm water before bed can reduce blood viscosity in the morning, helping to prevent heart attacks. However, avoid drinking cold water or beverages after exercise, as this can cause blood vessels to constrict and increase the risk of a heart attack.
Kidney care: Avoid salt and stay hydrated
Your kidneys are particularly vulnerable to high salt intake and dehydration. Consuming overly salty foods can lead to high blood pressure and kidney stones, potentially resulting in the need for dialysis. A study published in the JAMA Network Open found that frequent salt addition to food increases the risk of chronic kidney disease. Here are some signs you might be consuming too much salt:
- Swelling or edema
- Persistent thirst despite drinking lots of water
- Elevated blood pressure
Staying hydrated is equally important. Dehydration can impair kidney function, leading to long-term damage. You can monitor your hydration levels by checking the color of your urine:
- Pale yellow indicates proper hydration
- Dark yellow suggests dehydration
- Very light color might mean you’re drinking too much water
Tips to prevent lung damage
The lungs are your first line of defense against external threats, making them one of the most delicate organs. To keep your lungs healthy, follow these tips:
- Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
- Use an exhaust fan while cooking to avoid inhaling oil fumes.
- According to TCM, white foods nourish the lungs. Incorporate foods like Chinese yam, lotus root, white fungus, and pears into your diet.
Research has shown that Chinese yam contains glycoproteins with anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating properties, significantly improving the survival rate of mice with acute lung injuries.
Liver health: Manage your emotions
The liver is susceptible to emotional stress. TCM texts such as the Huangdi Neijing state that anger can disrupt liver function, leading to symptoms like eye pain, insomnia, and bloating. Severe emotional stress can cause liver damage, affecting both men and women differently. Modern studies also confirm that psychological stress increases the mortality rate from liver diseases. Try deep breathing for about 10 seconds to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and calm your emotions when angry.
Strengthen your spleen and stomach
The spleen and stomach are responsible for digestion, nutrient absorption, and metabolism. Irregular eating habits, overeating, or skipping meals can harm these organs. A weakened spleen and stomach can lead to poor digestion, toxin accumulation, and diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Avoid cold foods and drinks and overly salty, sour, bitter, sweet, or spicy foods. Maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding overly stimulating foods can help protect your spleen and stomach.
Conclusion
These traditional Chinese medicine methods offer natural ways to protect your vital organs and enhance your overall health. Incorporating these practices into your daily routine can improve your well-being from the inside out.
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