Starting in Your 40s: The Little-Known Kampo Health Method: Secrets to Balancing Mind and Body

For women in their 40s and beyond, this is a time when it is easy to feel many changes in physical condition and lifestyle, such as hormonal imbalances, a decline in metabolism, and increased stress. From the perspective of Kampo health, in addition to general advice, I will share some lesser-known methods and ways of thinking.

1. "Seasonal Health" with an Emphasis on Harmonizing Qi and Blood

Women in their 40s and beyond are particularly prone to feeling a deficiency or stagnation of "Qi and Blood." Since the body's balance changes with each season, it is important to incorporate health practices tailored to each season. For example, try to nourish "Qi" in the spring and summer, and replenish "Blood" in the autumn and winter.

Spring/Summer: Regulating the Flow of Qi

- Women in their 40s are easily affected by liver Qi (control of stress and emotions), so in early spring, it is good to drink tea using "chrysanthemum" or "hawthorn" to support the liver. This promotes the circulation of Qi and alleviates irritability and anxiety.

Autumn/Winter: Replenishing Blood and Warming the Body

- From autumn to winter, the tendency toward blood deficiency (kekkyo) easily increases, making it easier to feel dry skin and coldness. For this, incorporate decoctions containing "Angelica sinensis" or "Rehmannia glutinosa," and actively consume foods that replenish blood and warm the body, such as adding yam or goji berries to your meals.

2. Preventing Illness Before It Starts with "Meridian Stretching"

"Meridians" are the pathways for the body's energy; when these become blocked, the flow of Qi and Blood worsens, and various ailments appear. By incorporating stretches that focus on meridians into your daily routine, you can keep the flow of blood and Qi smooth and prevent illness before it manifests (the stage before becoming sick).

Example: Liver Meridian Stretch

For women in their 40s, stretching the liver meridian (the meridian that runs from the inside of the leg to the side of the body) is especially recommended. Perform it as follows:

- Sit on the floor, extend your legs, and spread them apart.

- Extend both arms, lean your body toward the toes of one foot, and do the same for the other foot.

- With this movement, you can stretch the inner part where the liver meridian passes, resolving stagnation of liver Qi.

3. A Self-Check Method to Listen to the "Voices of the Five Organs"

For women in their 40s and beyond, the balance of the five internal organs (Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lung, and Kidney) can easily become disrupted in daily life. Since the functions of these organs are deeply connected to emotions, you can use your emotional state as a clue to identify which organ is weakened. It is important to listen to these 'voices of the five organs' and address them early.

Liver (Irritability/Stress): If you feel irritable or emotionally unstable, it is a sign that your Liver is stagnant. Consuming chrysanthemum tea or sour fruits is beneficial.

Heart (Anxiety/Worry): If your sleep is shallow or you experience heart palpitations, your Heart balance may be disturbed. Consuming lotus seeds or lily bulbs can help stabilize the heart.

Spleen (Fatigue/Indigestion): If you feel bloated or easily fatigued, your Spleen is weakened. Add Chinese yam or jujubes (dates) to your diet to regulate digestive function.

Lung (Skin/Respiration): If you suffer from dry skin or a persistent cough, Lung care is necessary.
White foods (such as white wood ear mushrooms and pears) will help moisturize the lungs.

Kidney (Fatigue/Coldness): If you have lower back pain, cold feet, or difficulty recovering from fatigue, your Kidney is weakened. Black foods such as black sesame seeds, goji berries, and black beans help strengthen the Kidney.

4. Kampo Oil Massage utilizing 'Transdermal Absorption'

In addition to drinking Kampo medicine, transdermal absorption using Kampo oil is also effective. Allowing Kampo ingredients to be absorbed through the skin helps promote blood circulation and balance the autonomic nervous system. Especially since women's skin tends to become drier after their 40s, oil massage serves as a form of health maintenance along with moisturizing.

'Cinnamon Oil' with warming properties

This oil is effective for promoting blood circulation and relieving coldness. Applying it to the soles of your feet or palms and massaging slowly will help alleviate coldness and fatigue.

5. 'Eye-Closing Health Method': Eye health and internal organ care

The eyes are deeply connected to the 'Liver,' and women in their 40s and beyond tend to feel eye strain more easily. In modern times, with frequent use of digital devices, eye care is particularly important. Resting your eyes leads to caring for your Liver.

Make time to close your eyes for 5 minutes a day

Closing your eyes and relaxing while taking deep breaths helps reduce the burden on the Liver and regulates the flow of Qi. Try to consciously incorporate this, especially before bed or during your lunch break.

Summary

Women in their 40s and beyond experience significant changes in both body and mind, but by utilizing the Kampo approach to health, these changes can be managed effectively. Incorporating lesser-known health practices such as "seasonal nourishment," "meridian stretching," and "listening to the voice of the five organs" helps to naturally regulate physical condition in daily life, which is essential for maintaining health.