Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes syndrome differentiation and treatment. When examining a patient, it uses the "Four Examinations and Eight Guiding Principles" (inspection, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry, and palpation; and yin-yang, exterior-interior, cold-heat, deficiency-excess) to analyze and summarize. If speaking simply in terms of body constitutions, they are divided into two types: cold and heat. The following focuses on how women with a "dry-heat" constitution can maintain their health in the winter!
Dry-Heat & Deficiency-Cold
So how can one simply distinguish between a "dry-heat" constitution and a "deficiency-cold" constitution? A TCM practitioner explains that individuals with a "dry-heat" constitution are more prone to acne on their face. They also have a tendency for "internal heat," leading to mouth sores, dandruff, irritability, and constipation. In contrast, those with a "deficiency-cold" constitution have poor blood circulation, making them prone to cold hands and feet, loose stools, and a pale complexion.
Recommended Foods for Women with a "Dry-Heat" Constitution
In terms of diet, those with a "dry-heat" constitution should opt for light meals. They can eat more light foods such as sesame seeds, honey, fruits (persimmons, pears, water chestnuts, loquats, etc.), vegetables (tomatoes, winter melon, radish, lotus root, etc.), fish, and bean products. They can also consume congee made with lily bulb, goji berries, or Chinese yam. On the other hand, they should avoid greasy, rich, spicy, and "heaty" foods such as mutton. It is also advisable to consume less of the pungent "warming" foods like green onions, ginger, garlic, chives, and Sichuan pepper. They should also eat more dried fruits and green leafy vegetables, which are excellent sources of magnesium and folic acid. A deficiency of magnesium and folic acid can lead to anxiety. Magnesium is an important substance that strengthens the heart, ensuring it has sufficient energy during the dry season. Folic acid, in turn, ensures blood quality, thereby improving the nutritional absorption of the nervous system. You can moderately eat more lotus root, sea fish, bananas, walnuts, melon seeds, hazelnuts, spinach, celery, and lettuce.
Winter Health Tip for "Dry-Heat" Constitutions: Eating Squash to Relieve Dryness
Squash can prevent chapped lips, nosebleeds, and dry skin. It can also boost the body's immunity and alleviate symptoms of autumn dryness. Squash is rich in trace elements cobalt and pectin. Its high cobalt content is unparalleled by any other vegetable and is an essential trace element for pancreatic cells to synthesize insulin. Regular consumption of squash helps prevent and manage diabetes. Pectin can slow down the absorption of sugar and lipids in the intestines. According to reports, "squash fever" is currently popular in Japan. It is not only suitable for young and middle-aged people who do not want to gain weight but is also widely acclaimed by women as the "best beauty food," due to its vitamin A content surpassing that of green vegetables. However, squash should be consumed in moderation; a day's intake should not exceed one serving of staple food, nor should it be too little. Below, I will introduce two healthy squash recipes for you!
"Purple Rice and Squash Congee"
Method: Slice the squash. Wash the rice and jujubes, then place them in a pot with the squash slices and add water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a low simmer and cook until the rice is soft.
Squash and Raisin Salad
Ingredients: 400g (net weight) squash, 1 tablespoon salad dressing, 30g raisins, a small section of cucumber, half a red bell pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Method: Peel the squash, remove the seeds, and cut into large pieces. Steam in a steamer until soft (about 20 minutes). It's best to cover the steamer to prevent moisture from condensing in the pan. Soak the raisins in hot water until soft, then drain. Slice the cucumber and dice the red bell pepper (removing seeds and ribs). Mash the steamed squash into a puree and let it cool. Mix in the salad dressing and salt. Add the raisins, cucumber slices, and diced red bell pepper, toss well, and serve.
TCM theory has always emphasized "diet therapy," especially using diet for nourishment and conditioning to regulate the body's balance and achieve the goal of preventing and treating diseases. Therefore, all women with a "dry-heat" constitution can choose appropriate health and wellness methods based on their specific conditions during the winter.