Small choices that have a big impact on your health
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), clothing is much more than just a fashion choice. What you wear affects your Qi, your immune system and your overall vitality.
By keeping your body properly protected, you prevent the wind, the cold and the dampness from penetrating — three of the main causes of ailments according to TCM.
Here are the fundamental principles of a healthy wardrobe according to TCM.
Protect your neck from the wind
The neck is a vulnerable area through which the wind can easily penetrate the body. This can lead to headaches, muscle stiffness and colds.
A simple scarf or high collar is enough to keep your Qi healthy.
Keep your head safe
The head is one of the few parts of the body that is not usually covered. It is particularly sensitive to the cold and the wind: just think of sinusitis in cold weather or trigeminal neuralgia in windy conditions.
A hat or a scarf can simply prevent this. The head doesn’t get cold as quickly as the hands and feet; so we may feel the cold on our head less quickly than, for example, on our hands.
Keep your lower back and tummy warm
The lower back (MingMen) and lower abdomen are important sources of warmth and vitality.
Wearing jumpers that are too short or leaving the lower back exposed = risk of the kidneys becoming chilled, which can exacerbate fatigue, lower back pain or hormonal imbalances.
The area around the navel should also be kept warm
Warm feet = a warm body
The feet are the anchor points for many meridians, such as those of the kidneys, liver and spleen. Having cold feet cools down your entire body.
Warm socks, sturdy soles and well-covered ankles in cold weather make all the difference.
Work in stages
The layering principle helps your body regulate its temperature more effectively.
This prevents you from sweating excessively (which opens your pores) or getting too cold.
Choose natural materials
Cotton, wool, linen and silk allow your skin and your Qi to breathe.
Synthetic fabrics can trap moisture, leading to a feeling of heaviness, tiredness or stiffness.
Make sure your clothes fit snugly – the Qi must be able to flow freely
Clothing that is too tight restricts the flow of Qi and blood.
This can lead to:
- cold hands or feet
- chest out
- headache
- fatigue
- or even infertility in men
Choose clothes that give you plenty of room: room to breathe, move and let energy flow through your body.
Adapt your wardrobe to the seasons (according to the theory of the five elements)
In traditional Chinese medicine, the body follows the same cycle as nature. Your clothing should do the same:
Spring (Wood):
thin layers; the neck remains protected from the wind.
Summer (Fire):
lightweight, natural, breathable; avoid exposing the back of the neck or stomach to excessively cold air conditioning.
Autumn (Metal):
warmer, water-repellent, protects against the wind and falling temperatures.
Winter (Water):
warm, provides deep protection, particularly for the lower back, stomach and feet