How to Remove Dampness from the Body

Generally, dampness accumulation requires targeted regulation and may be related to factors such as long-term late-night activities, wearing damp clothing, internal phlegm-dampness blockage, liver qi stagnation with spleen deficiency, or insufficient kidney yang. It is necessary to adopt corresponding measures based on the specific causes. It is recommended to seek timely medical advice, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a physician's guidance through general regulation or medication. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Long-term late-night activities: Staying up late disrupts the body's metabolic rhythm, damages liver and kidney function, affects fluid excretion, and leads to dampness retention. Adjust your sleep schedule by going to bed before 23:00 daily, ensuring 7–8 hours of sleep. Avoid using electronic devices before bedtime, and restore normal metabolic function through regular sleep patterns to aid in dampness removal.

2. Wearing damp clothing: Frequently wearing clothes that are not fully dried, especially undergarments, allows external dampness to penetrate the body through the skin, worsening internal dampness. Clothes should be fully sun-dried or machine-dried before wearing. During the rainy season, use a dryer if necessary. Change damp clothes promptly after sweating and keep the skin dry and清爽.

3. Internal phlegm-dampness blockage: Often caused by long-term consumption of greasy foods and lack of physical activity, leading to phlegm-dampness accumulation in the body, manifesting as bodily heaviness and excessive phlegm with cough. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as Erchen Wan, Juhong Tanke Granules, or Banxia Zhike Syrup to resolve phlegm and eliminate dampness. Reduce intake of fatty meats and sweet, greasy foods, and consume more qi-regulating and phlegm-resolving ingredients such as white radish and dried tangerine peel.

4. Liver qi stagnation with spleen deficiency: Emotional distress leads to liver qi stagnation, which further affects the spleen's digestive function, causing water-dampness retention, often accompanied by low mood and bloating. Patients should follow medical advice to use Xiaoyao Wan, Chaihu Shugan Wan, or Xiangsha Zhizhu Wan to soothe the liver and strengthen the spleen. In daily life, regulate emotions through listening to music or walking, and avoid prolonged anxiety or depression.

5. Insufficient kidney yang: Weak kidney yang fails to warm and transform dampness, leading to abnormal fluid metabolism, with symptoms such as cold intolerance and lower limb edema. Patients should follow medical advice to use Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan, Gui Fu Di Huang Wan, or You Gui Wan to warm and tonify kidney yang. In daily life, appropriately consume warming foods such as lamb and leeks, avoid raw and cold foods, and ensure warmth for the waist and lower limbs.

In daily life, regular moxibustion on acupoints such as Guanyuan (CV4), Zusanli (ST36), and Yinlingquan (SP9) for 15–20 minutes each time can help promote meridian circulation, dispel dampness, and relieve cold-dampness. Ensure indoor ventilation and avoid keeping doors and windows closed for long periods, which may cause dampness to accumulate. Comprehensive regulation is essential for improving excessive internal dampness.