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。
