Do you feel like your hands and feet are cold all the time?
In traditional Eastern medicine, there's a concept known as hie, which refers to a type of internal cold sensation affecting areas like the hands, feet, or even internal organs, often without a noticeable drop in body temperature. This condition is seen as a symptom of imbalance in the body, potentially caused by factors like poor circulation, stress, lifestyle choices, or changes in muscle mass. Statistics show that about 50% of Japanese people experience this cold imbalance, and I am one of them!
Cold imbalance can worsen blood circulation, lead to waste accumulation, and decrease immunity. Indeed, it is believed to be a fundamental cause of various health issues in traditional Eastern medicine.
Here are some effective ways to combat this pesky cold imbalance:
1. Dress Warmly: Layer your clothing, especially during the colder months, to retain body heat. Focus on keeping your extremities warm (hands and feet).
2. Warm Foods and Drinks: Incorporate warming foods into your diet, such as ginger, garlic, cinnamon, and bone broth. Opt for warm or hot beverages instead of cold ones.
Ginger goes in every dish I cook, lol.
3. Regular Exercise: Engage in physical activity to improve blood circulation and generate body heat. Activities like yoga, tai chi, or brisk walking can be beneficial.
4. Warm Baths: Take warm baths or use heat packs to soothe areas affected by coldness.
In the past, I went to extremes, layering four pairs of socks, two leggings, and even taking two-hour baths! š (This was part of the Hie-tori method, or āColdness Removal.ā If youāre interested, you can find more about it on this siteĀ ) I donāt go quite that far anymore, but Iām still very conscious about keeping myself warm.
Hot water bottle is my best friend in cold seasons!
So, letās embrace the warmth together. By adopting these simple practices, you can help restore balance and keep the chill at bay. After all, I strongly believe a warm body leads to a warm heart and a vibrant life :)
Ā 