Title: Why Does the Navel Area Still Feel Cold After Drinking Ginger and Date Tea All Winter?
Author: Li Mingjiu, Licensed Chinese Medicine Practitioner (Practice License Number: 141330522000349). This article is written by Dr. Li Mingjiu, based on classical Chinese medicine theories and clinical experience, and is intended for general knowledge and educational purposes only. The qualifications can be verified on the official website of the National Health Commission of China.
The feeling of coldness around the navel, a seemingly simple sensation, is in fact a signal that requires careful consideration in clinical Chinese medicine. Many people's first reaction is to attribute it to "coldness" and thus they desperately consume ginger and hot soups, but the results are often unsatisfactory. The reason behind this is precisely the essence of the dialectical thinking in Chinese medicine—the distinction between "external cold" and "internal cold." The adjustment methods for these two types of coldness are quite different.
Title: Understanding the Dialectical Thinking in Chinese Medicine
In Chinese medicine, the concept of coldness is not simply a matter of external temperature. It is a reflection of the body's internal balance. External cold refers to the coldness that comes from the outside environment, while internal cold refers to the body's own deficiency of yang energy. The former can be alleviated by warming the body, while the latter requires the replenishment of yang energy.
Title: The Importance of Correct Diagnosis and Treatment
In the case of the navel area feeling cold, it is crucial to first determine whether it is due to external cold or internal cold. External cold can be treated with methods such as using warm clothing, staying in a warm environment, and consuming warm foods and drinks. However, if the coldness is due to internal cold, simply warming the body externally may not be effective. In this case, it is necessary to strengthen the body's yang energy through proper diet, exercise, and, if necessary, Chinese herbal medicine.