That loss of appetite might be a sign of "Spleen-Stomach Cold": How to tell by whether warming up makes you feel better

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Hello everyone. This is Yuyu Kampo.

This week, under the theme of "Summer Cold and the Gastrointestinal Tract," we are continuing our discussion about the "stove" inside your belly.

On Monday, we talked about how if cold drinks—which are like water—keep pouring onto that stove, the fire will get smaller. On Tuesday, we talked about the herbal medicine called Kankyo (dried ginger) that warms that stove. Yesterday, I talked about the formula called Ninjinto (Ginseng Decoction) that utilizes that Kankyo.

Today, I will change the perspective a little.

When that stove is cold, how does the body let us know? Today, let's look at "how to read the signs" together.

Signs are small messages from the stove

When we get sick in the summer, we usually sum it up with the single word "summer fatigue." It is a convenient word, but when you group things together, you lose sight of what is actually happening inside.

Even with the same loss of appetite, what is happening inside the body can be different. Sometimes the function is sluggish due to cold, and sometimes heat is trapped. If the cause is different, the direction of treatment is also opposite.

That is why it is meaningful to read the signs. The stove is sending a small message saying, "This is my current state." It is the task of interpreting that.

The most important clue is "what happens when you warm it up"

There are many signs, but there is one clue I would like you to remember first.

"Does it feel better when you warm it up, or does it feel better when you cool it down?"

In Oriental medicine, it is believed that discomfort caused by cold is relieved by warming, and discomfort caused by heat is relieved by cooling. It is very simple, but this is the fork in the road that determines the direction.

For example, in a situation like this:

When you have no appetite, you feel like you could eat cold noodles. But after eating them, your stomach feels heavy. However, when you take a sip of warm miso soup, for some reason, you feel relieved.

At this time, your body is telling you, "Warming up is better for me." The desire to have something cold and the direction in which the body actually feels better do not always match.

Subtle signs when the stove is cold

Let's look at this in a little more detail. The following are signs that can help you determine if you have a cold stomach and spleen.

Appetite and after meals

• You don't feel much like eating

• You feel full after eating only a little bit

• Your stomach feels heavy and you get sleepy after eating

• Surprisingly, you can eat if it's a warm soup

Stomach sounds and bowel movements

• Your stomach makes gurgling sounds

• Your stool is soft and lacks form

• You consistently get an upset stomach after drinking cold beverages

Sense of temperature

• Even in midsummer, your stomach feels cool to the touch

• Your hands and feet feel cold

• When in an air-conditioned room, you feel a chill rising from your stomach area

Relationship with drinks

• You feel relieved and your shoulders relax when you drink something warm

• If you drink something cold all at once, your stomach feels heavy for a while afterward

You don't need to match all of these. If you repeatedly have the sensation that 'warming up makes me feel better,' that alone is a sufficient clue.

There are also cases where the opposite is true

I want to be honest with you about this point.

Not all loss of appetite in summer is caused by cold. Appetite can also drop when heat is trapped in the body.

In that case, the signs appear in reverse: you feel genuinely better after drinking something cold, you are constantly thirsty, your stools are hard and difficult to pass, or your face feels flushed.

When these symptoms are prominent, continuing to practice warming regimens can actually make you feel worse. This is why it is better not to assume that 'warming up is always the answer for summer fatigue.'

If you are unsure which category you fall into, there is no need to force a decision. Try warming up and see if it makes you feel better. Your body's reaction will give you the most honest answer.

And, the most important thing

We have been practicing how to read the signs of cold, but there is one last thing I would like to share.

If you experience any of the following, please consult a medical institution before considering self-care.

• You are losing weight

• The loss of appetite has continued for several weeks or more

• There is blood in your stool, or you are passing dark-colored stools

• You have severe abdominal pain

• You have a fever

Loss of appetite should not be considered solely within the framework of Eastern medicine. Sometimes, the body is trying to tell you something more important. Not deciding for yourself that it is 'just summer fatigue' is the best form of self-care.

Note: The appropriate herbal medicine varies for each individual depending on their constitution (sho) and symptoms. To choose the right herbal medicine for you, please do not rely on self-judgment and be sure to consult a pharmacist or doctor who is knowledgeable about Kampo medicine.

Today's small act of self-care: Place your hand on your stomach at the end of the day

Today's step requires no tools and no extra time.

At night, when you lie down, try placing your palm on your stomach. Is it cool, or is it slightly warm? That is all.

If you continue this every day, you will gradually begin to understand the condition of your own 'hearth.' If you have a few cold days, have one extra warm drink the next day. That kind of gentle adjustment is enough.

Tomorrow, for those who spend a lot of time in air-conditioned rooms, I will introduce some specific ways to protect just your stomach.

May your daily life be just a little more energetic and comfortable.

Yuyu Kampo

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