Dreaded Dampness

If you’re like most people, that headline hopefully caught your attention! It’s probably the first time you’ve heard someone talk about dampness when it comes to our bodies. But if you’ve ever suffered from dull, achy pain when it rains or if you’ve suddenly gained weight, it may be related to dampness.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, dampness is considered an “evil”—or pathogen—that invades the body, much like how cold germs invade. Dampness can cause dull aches that are worse during damp weather, and can be responsible for weight gain, Bell’s palsy, fibromyalgia, arthritis, headaches and fatigue.

OK, you’re probably thinking … but why? Dampness is a sign of an imbalance in our bodies, similar to water retention. It can invade when you spend a lot of time outdoors and unprotected from the rain or if you live in a damp environment, like a basement. I’ve treated soccer players who play in rainy conditions, boaters who spend a lot of time around water, and a lifeguard. But dampness also can be caused by diet, and the typical American diet is full of dampening foods, like sugar, dairy, pork, bananas, avocados, cold raw foods, fruit juice, nuts and cold drinks.

The good news is, dampness can be resolved with dietary changes, acupuncture and foods that help the body eliminate dampness—like steamed vegetables, pumpkin seeds, spices like turmeric and ginger, and warm drinks and meals. I also use specific acupuncture points and point combinations that have the same effect.

If you think you’re suffering from dampness, schedule your appointment today!