How to Remove Dampness, What Are the Most Effective Methods
Sep 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Consuming more ingredients that strengthen the spleen and resolve dampness, such as coix seed, red beans, poria, winter melon, and Chinese yam, can be beneficial. These ingredients can be prepared as porridge or soup. At the same time, avoid raw, cold, sweet, greasy, and fatty foods to reduce the burden on the spleen and stomach, thus addressing the root cause of dampness formation internally. Consistently engage in moderate-intensity exercises, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, and rope skipping.
Generally speaking, there is no single most effective method for removing dampness from the body. Dampness can usually be addressed through dietary therapy, physical activity, environmental moisture control, moxibustion treatments, and maintaining regular作息 patterns. The appropriate method should be selected based on individual conditions and consistently implemented. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Dietary Therapy for Dampness Removal: Consume more foods that strengthen the spleen and help eliminate dampness, such as coix seed, red beans, poria, winter melon, and Chinese yam. These ingredients can be cooked into porridge or soups. At the same time, avoid raw, cold, sweet, greasy, and oily foods to reduce the burden on the spleen and stomach, addressing the internal root causes of dampness formation.
2. Exercise for Dampness Removal: Consistently engage in moderate-intensity physical activities such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or rope jumping, 3–5 times per week for about 30 minutes each session. Exercise promotes blood circulation and metabolism, helping to expel excess dampness through perspiration and enhancing the spleen's transformation and transportation functions.
3. Environmental Moisture Control: Keep living and working environments well-ventilated and dry. Close windows and doors during rainy weather, and use dehumidifiers or desiccants to absorb indoor moisture. Frequently air out clothes and bedding to avoid prolonged exposure to damp environments and reduce external dampness infiltration into the body.
4. Moxibustion Therapy: Apply moxibustion to acupoints such as Guanyuan (CV4), Zusanli (ST36), and Yinlingquan (SP9), 2–3 times per week. Moxibustion warms the meridians, dispels cold, and removes dampness. The thermal stimulation enhances organ function and promotes the transformation and elimination of dampness in the body, particularly suitable for individuals with cold-damp constitutions.
5. Regular作息 Habits: Cultivate the habit of going to bed early and waking up early, avoid staying up late, and ensure 7–8 hours of sleep each night. Nighttime is a critical period for internal organ repair and metabolism. Maintaining a regular作息 pattern supports normal functions of organs such as the spleen, stomach, and kidneys, facilitating the transformation and elimination of dampness.
Additionally, adjust your dampness-removal strategies according to seasonal changes—for example, avoid excessive cooling in summer and prioritize warmth in winter—to enhance the effectiveness of dampness management.
