As autumn arrives in Lymington and the New Forest, the shift to cooler, damp weather can leave many of us feeling heavy, tired, or congested. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this is known as the effect of “Damp” — a condition where moisture accumulates in the body, disrupting balance and energy flow. Acupuncturist Amanda Caspari at The Lymington Chiropractic Clinic explains how Damp can affect your health and shares simple lifestyle and dietary tips to help you stay well through the changing seasons.
Lymington and the New Forest are glorious in the autumn months. However, following this year’s long warm summer the change in atmosphere is coming as quite a shock to those of us who live here. If you sail, row, wild swim or take part in any of the other water activities available throughout the year you may be used to feeling damp, and probably cold. But in the Autumn and Winter the effects of damp can be worse, and for others this sudden change can negatively impact how we feel.
Fortunately, at The Lymington Chiropractic Clinic we have acupuncturist Amanda Caspari to help with our symptoms and give sage advice. For this blog, Amanda explains how Chinese Medicine views damp and how it can adversely affect your body.
The affects of damp weather on the body from a Chinese Medicine Perspective
The effect of different weather on the body and health has been described in Chinese Medicine for centuries. In Autumn “The heavenly energy cools, as does the weather. The wind begins to stir. This is the changing pivoting point when the yang, or active, phase turns into its opposite, the yin, or passive, phase.” Neijing Suwen.
As the weather turns towards autumn and cooler, damp, or rainy weather this reminds acupuncturists that in Chinese medicine Damp is considered a cause of disease and refers to the build-up of fluid, mucus, or phlegm in the body. It is heavy, sticky and obstructs.
Damp in the body generally comes from three things – it could be one of these or it could be all:
- Your lifestyle – activities in a damp environment, for example, on or in water, especially in Autumn and Winter;
- Your diet – consumption of foods that are said to be “damp forming”;
- Your constitution – some people are more susceptible to damp settling in the body.
Common signs of damp in the body
Some of the more common signs of excess damp include sinus congestion, some types of arthritis, respiratory problems, urinary tract infections, skin conditions such as acne and eczema, loose stools and other digestive issues and some types of headaches.
Chinese Medicine Tips: Foods to Reduce Damp in Your Body
Acupuncture can be effective in removing damp but you can also make changes yourself to counteract damp in the body particularly by considering your diet. In colder, wet months swap salads and raw foods for soups and cooked foods. If you consume a lot of dairy products then reduce these. Sugary foods, fatty foods, bananas, and concentrated juices can also contribute to damp. There is no need to cut everything out just eat less of these foods and swap cold foods for warm foods. Foods that help counteract damp include pulses and grains and oily fish. Interestingly, spices that we typically use in our winter cooking such as ginger, cinnamon and cloves also help counteract Damp and Phlegm.
Acupuncture with Amanda Caspari at The Lymington Chiropractic Clinic
If you’re noticing the effects of autumn damp — from tiredness or sinus congestion to digestive or joint issues — acupuncture can help restore balance and relieve discomfort. At The Lymington Chiropractic Clinic, acupuncturist Amanda Caspari combines Traditional Chinese Medicine wisdom with a modern, gentle approach to support your health through every season.
To find out more or book an appointment, call Amanda directly on 07876 343821 or pop into reception to learn about our full range of treatments and complementary therapies.
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