Secrets to Enduring the Heat with traditional Korean medicine Insights
For the original Korean text, visit here.
If you’re curious about the basics of traditional Korean medicine and health, read the following article:
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Learn Why Studying JangSang Medicine is Important.
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Why Full, Thick Hair Is Considered Beautiful: The Fascinating Reasons Behind It (Hair Loss Story #1)
Let’s explore why we feel the heat from the perspective of traditional Korean medicine (traditional Korean medicine) and consider methods to reduce it. This article focuses on universal advice that applies beyond individual constitutions. While I often write about tailored approaches based on body types, I aim to make this content helpful for understanding the body in general, even if it doesn’t perfectly match your constitution.
Which Organ Dislikes Heat the Most in traditional Korean medicine Insights?
The answer is the heart. In traditional Korean medicine, the heart is referred to as “Goonhwa” (the monarch’s fire). This represents a steady and moderate fire that beats rhythmically and distributes blood throughout the body. The heart’s fire must remain stable. If it extinguishes or flares up suddenly, the body becomes vulnerable. Its stability is akin to maintaining a consistent body temperature. Thus, when external heat increases, the heart is the first organ to be affected, as seen in traditional medicine.
Traditional Korean medicine Insights on Feeling Less Heat
The heart’s fire is relatively steady, but certain organs and situations can add to this fire, even without external heat. By reducing this internal heat slightly, summer can become much more manageable.
Liver and Gallbladder
- Anger or frustration, when things don’t go as planned, or when starting new projects, generates heat in the liver and gallbladder.
- Cooling herbs like dandelion or chamomile can help soothe these organs.
Stomach
- Digesting large quantities of food or excessively spicy dishes causes the stomach to produce heat.
- Opt for cooling foods such as cucumber, watermelon, or barley tea to offset the heat generated by digestion.
Rushed Habits and Anxiety
- A hurried lifestyle or persistent worries create heat, sometimes causing cold sweat even in winter.
- Practicing mindfulness or breathing exercises can significantly reduce this heat.
Alcohol and Unsuitable Foods
- Alcohol inherently carries heat, and processing it generates even more. Similarly, eating foods that don’t suit your body type can lead to heat production during the elimination process.
- Limiting alcohol and eating seasonal, body-friendly foods can help.
traditional Korean medicine Insights: Why Does Heat Feel Less Intense on Vacation?
Even in places more humid or hotter than where you live, you might notice that the heat feels less overwhelming. This is often because your mind is at ease. When feeling the heat, it’s essential to not only cool your body with a refreshing environment and chilled foods but also to calm your mind.
Additional traditional Korean medicine Tips for Staying Cool
Hydration
- Drinking plenty of water is fundamental for regulating body temperature. Add a pinch of salt or a slice of lemon to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat.
Light Clothing
- Wear breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen to stay cool. Light-colored clothing also reflects heat better.
Herbal Remedies
- traditional Korean medicine suggests herbal teas such as lotus leaf or mint tea to cool the body and calm the heart’s fire.
Rest and Sleep
- Proper rest is crucial in preventing heat buildup. Create a comfortable sleeping environment with fans or air conditioning to ensure a restful night.
By incorporating these practices, you can enjoy a more comfortable summer while respecting the principles of traditional Korean medicine.
