As the saying goes, “With dampness comes a hundred ailments; without it, diseases are none.” People with heavy dampness are easily troubled by various diseases. To effectively remove dampness, one should first unblock the pathways of liquid metabolism and strengthen the functioning of the spleen and stomach.
In the human body, the term “human body’s water tap” refers to two key acupoints that play important roles in regulating water pathways and strengthening the spleen to dispel dampness, which should not be overlooked in the process of dampness removal. The function of the Shuifen acupoint is to regulate the circulation of water. It is located a thumb’s width above the navel. When massaging this acupoint, one should place four fingers together on the Shuifen acupoint and use a shaking method to massage, with a recommended duration of 30 to 60 seconds. This action helps intestinal motility, thereby restoring the intestinal function of separating the clear from the turbid.
The Yinlingquan acupoint, on the other hand, works to strengthen the spleen and remove dampness. It is located in the depression on the inner side of the tibia below the knee on the leg’s inner side. Use a pressing and rubbing method, following the meridian pathway from Sanyinjiao to Yinlingquan, repeating 10 to 20 times daily. If you feel a cord-like bundle in this area, it suggests a metabolic problem. At this point, you can especially strengthen the massage with a plucking method, recommended 50 times a day.
There’s a folk saying: “Soaking feet in hot water competes with consuming ginseng; while the rich take tonic medicine, the poor soak their feet.” For those who are reluctant to massage and feel particularly plagued by dampness, appropriate foot soaking can enhance bodily functions and expel dampness. When soaking feet, ensure sufficient water quantity, appropriate temperature, and adequate duration. It is recommended to use a wooden bucket for foot soaking, as it not only allows the lower legs to be fully immersed in the water but also provides better heat retention.
Adding some old ginger to the hot water can enhance the dampness removal effect. The water temperature for foot soaking should be maintained between 38 to 43 degrees Celsius, as different people have different heat tolerances, and temperature should be adjusted according to personal circumstances. Start with lower temperatures during the initial phase of foot soaking and gradually increase the temperature until the whole body feels warm. The correct duration of foot soaking is not the longer the better, as too rapid removal of dampness may be harmful to the body; it is suggested to soak for 15 to 20 minutes each time.
When the back and forehead start to show a light sweat, it indicates that the meridians are unblocked, and dampness will be expelled from the body with sweat. However, one should not soak until soaked in sweat, as excessive sweating may harm the heart qi. Reasonably manage the duration and frequency of foot soaking to achieve the optimal effect of removing dampness.
