Can exercising and sweating remove dampness from the body?

Exercising and sweating can help alleviate dampness to some extent, but it cannot completely address the root cause of dampness. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), dampness is considered a manifestation of internal disharmony in water metabolism, which may be related to improper diet, a humid environment, or physical weakness. Exercise can promote blood circulation and metabolism, expel some internal dampness through sweating, strengthen physical constitution, and improve spleen and stomach function, thereby indirectly helping to eliminate dampness. However, if the source of dampness is not removed—for example, if one remains in a humid environment for a prolonged period or maintains unhealthy dietary habits—exercise alone may have limited effectiveness.

To more effectively eliminate dampness, it is recommended to adopt a comprehensive approach to调理 (regulate and nourish) the body. Maintaining moderate physical activity in daily life, such as jogging, yoga, or tai chi, can aid in sweating and enhance bodily functions. Attention should also be given to maintaining a light diet, avoiding excessive consumption of raw, cold, greasy, or sweet foods, and incorporating more spleen-strengthening and dampness-resolving foods such as coix seed, red beans, and Chinese yam. The living environment should be kept dry and well-ventilated, avoiding prolonged exposure to damp areas. If symptoms of dampness are severe, such as persistent fatigue, heavy limbs, or indigestion, it is advisable to seek assistance from a TCM practitioner for targeted treatment using herbal medicine or acupuncture.