Cold Foods & Digestive Trouble: A Chinese Medicine Perspective

Cold Foods & Digestive Trouble: A Chinese Medicine Perspective生冷食物傷脾胃：中醫的觀點In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Spleen and Stomach are key to digestion. They prefer warmth to function properly. Cold foods and drinks—especially in early summer—can damage the Spleen’s ability to transform and transport nutrients, leading to symptoms like bloating, loose stools, fatigue after meals, and a heavy sensation in the body.在中醫理論中，脾胃為後天之本，喜溫惡寒。當人們在春夏天氣轉熱時經常食用冰品、生冷沙律或冷飲，會損傷脾胃的運化功能。常見症狀包括腹脹、便溏、飯後疲倦、身體沉重等。Many people crave iced drinks or cold salads in warmer weather, and occasional intake is understandable. However, when consumed excessively or over a long period, cold foods weaken digestion and dampen the body’s internal warmth. Over time, this can cause chronic fatigue, weakened immunity, or even fluid retention and digestive disorders.雖然炎熱天氣讓人難以抗拒冰飲，但若經常過量食用，會使脾陽受損、氣機阻滯，長遠而言可導致慢性消化不良、免疫力下降，甚至水腫、代謝問題。To prevent this, it’s best to enjoy cold items in moderation—e.g. one small iced drink a day, not on an empty stomach, and balanced with warming foods like ginger or soups.建議即使要喝冷飲，也應控制份量（每日一次為宜），避免空腹飲用，並搭配溫熱食物如薑茶、熱湯等。TCM can help restore digestive strength. Moxibustion applied to the abdomen or Spleen meridian warms the digestive system, improves circulation, and relieves bloating. Herbal formulas can further support and tonify the Spleen.中醫治療上，艾灸可直接溫暖脾胃、促進氣血流通，改善腹脹和寒濕體質。中藥亦可調補脾氣，提升消化力。A typical case: A young woman who regularly drank iced milk tea experienced constant bloating and post-meal tiredness. After three sessions of moxibustion and mild herbal tonics, her digestion became noticeably more comfortable.臨床常見案例：一位年輕女子長期喝冰奶茶，出現持續腹脹與飯後倦怠。經三次腹部艾灸及中藥調理後，腸胃功能明顯改善，精神也更加輕鬆。

The epidemic broke out, and hay fever came with it!

As temperatures rise, pollen levels are also increasing!氣溫升高，花粉症也跟著來了！ As the weather warms up, many people with hay fever are experiencing sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and other allergy symptoms.近期氣溫回暖，花粉濃度隨之上升，許多花粉症患者開始出現打噴嚏、流鼻水、眼睛癢等症狀。 Tips to manage hay fever:請注意以下防護措施： Wear a mask and sunglasses when outdoors 外出時配戴口罩與太陽眼鏡，減少花粉接觸 Wash your face and hands, and change clothes after going out 回家後立即洗臉洗手，更換外衣 Monitor pollen forecasts and avoid peak times 留意花粉指數，避開高峰時段 Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms worsen 若症狀加劇，請及早尋求醫療協助 TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) can help balance the body and reduce hay fever symptoms over time.中醫調理有助改善花粉過敏體質 Let’s stay healthy and comfortable this spring!讓我們一起平安舒適地度過這個春天！

Understanding and Treating Bell’s Palsy (面癱) with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Bell’s Palsy, known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as 面癱 or 口眼歪斜, is a sudden weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face. It is often triggered by exposure to wind-cold, stress, or immune imbalance. The affected person may experience facial drooping, inability to close one eye, crooked smile, and loss of facial expression.This condition can have a strong emotional and social impact, making eating, speaking, or even blinking difficult. If not treated properly in the early stage, long-term facial asymmetry or nerve damage can result.TCM views Bell’s Palsy as an external invasion of wind, especially wind-cold, disrupting the normal flow of Qi and blood in the facial channels. Treatments like moxibustion and acupuncture are commonly used to warm the meridians, dispel wind, and restore muscle movement. Herbal formulas may also be prescribed to support recovery and nourish the nerves.For example, a patient who developed Bell’s Palsy after sleeping with a fan directly on their face responded well to a combined treatment of facial moxibustion and warming herbs. Over a few weeks, muscle tone improved and normal movement returned.

Relieving Nasal Congestion and Sinus Issues with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Nasal congestion and sinus problems are common in colder seasons and can result from exposure to wind-cold, wind-heat, or internal imbalances like dampness and Qi stagnation. Symptoms include stuffy or runny nose, sinus pressure, sneezing, and loss of smell. Some also suffer from nasal allergies (鼻敏感), especially when the weather is dry and cold.These conditions are often confused with the flu. However, flu typically includes systemic symptoms like fever, body aches, and fatigue, while nasal issues are more localized and may recur frequently or seasonally. If not properly treated, chronic sinus issues can lead to headaches, poor sleep, and even infections that affect the lungs or ears.Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) addresses nasal problems holistically. Moxibustion is especially effective in warming the meridians, dispelling cold, and improving circulation around the nose and sinuses. Herbal therapies, steam inhalation with Chinese herbs like magnolia flower (辛夷花), xanthium (蒼耳子), and peppermint (薄荷) can open the nasal passages and reduce inflammation.For example, a patient with chronic nasal blockage and cold sensitivity may benefit from facial acupuncture combined with moxibustion to restore nasal flow and improve immunity. Herbal support further enhances recovery.

Understanding and Treating Influenza with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose, mouth, or eyes. Symptoms of influenza include fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, and cough. Unlike a common cold, influenza often comes on suddenly with severe fatigue and body aches. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or exacerbation of chronic illnesses.To prevent influenza, it is important to maintain good hygiene, wash hands regularly, avoid crowded places during peak flu seasons, and strengthen the immune system. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides effective treatments by addressing the root causes and symptoms of influenza. Moxibustion is particularly beneficial in boosting immunity, warming the body, and expelling cold pathogens. Herbal medicine, such as ginger, licorice root, and cinnamon, can help relieve symptoms and accelerate recovery.For instance, a patient experiencing chills, fever, and muscle aches may benefit from moxibustion on key acupuncture points to expel cold and boost circulation. A personalized herbal formula can further enhance the body’s defense mechanisms.