The human body is an incredible creation with many millions of processes going on every hour. It also has several autonomic systems designed to balance and regulate various functions like sleep and digestion while protecting it from infection and injury.
If we treat our body right by providing it with proper nutrition and adequate rest, it will serve us well. However, when we push our bodies too hard, pressing on even when we’re exhausted and stressed, health issues may arise. If left unattended, these issues can eventually turn into diseases.
To recognize when a basic wellness issue arises that requires self-care, we need to look at our bodies for evidence of telling signs. Though there are many signs our bodies provide us daily, here are a few that you should pay particular attention to, in terms of both modern Western and traditional Chinese understandings.
The tongue tells all
An essential organ that shows many signs relating to the state of our health is the tongue. In Chinese medicine, examining the tongue is one of the most useful and basic diagnostic tools as its color is related to the state of the blood.
For instance, a pale-colored tongue may indicate a basic blood deficiency or anemia, often caused by a dietary issue. Consuming more red meat or liver, taking iron supplementation, and eating fresh vegetables can help correct the issue.
A tongue with scalloped sides is related to spleen qi deficiency, which translates to poor digestion or dietary issues preventing proper nutrient building in the blood. Dentists may mistakenly attribute this to pushing your tongue against your teeth. Food allergies could also result in this sign, so getting yourself tested is a good idea if you suspect it could be a cause.
Rosy or red eyes, face, and cheeks
Red cheeks and eyes are usually a result of food and stress. Modern medicine associates rosy cheeks with stomach issues, mainly a decrease in the amount of hydrochloric acid and pepsin. Age and diet both contribute to this.
Interestingly, acid reflux is a symptom of too little stomach acid. Taking antacids to quell acid reflux only worsens the cause. Instead, try a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar daily, as well as eating less acidic and processed foods in favor of alkaline foods like cucumbers, melons, and fruits.
Chinese medicine links red eyes to “liver yang rising.” Various factors such as stress and alcohol cause the liver to get too hot, sending blood upward instead of downward, thus flushing the face and eyes. Address this issue by reducing alcohol consumption and practicing stress relief methods like meditation, yoga, or biofeedback.
Fingernail issues
Fingernails protect the fingers from day-to-day activities and are often overlooked by most people. Traditional Chinese medicine connects the liver to the fingernails.
The liver is responsible for many blood-related processes, and good blood quality is crucial for vibrant health. Healthy nails are strong, smooth, pinkish, with a whiter half circle at the base, a sign of overall good health.
On the other hand, chipped, white-spotted, cracked, lackluster, or ridged nails are signs your health is waning. Some of these symptoms may indicate a fungal infection or immune deficiencies. Having them checked by a healthcare provider is advised. Split nails or those with vertical ridges could be due to poor nutrition, digestion, low levels of stomach hydrochloric acid and pepsin, and sugar or gluten allergies.
Supplementing with probiotics, zinc, and calcium can help, as does improving your diet with calcium-rich, organic, fresh vegetables high in live active cultures. If dietary changes are insufficient, it could signal a compromised thyroid that requires checking.
The body overall
Your body speaks to you in many ways. Paying attention to more obvious signs is a good place to start. The condition of your hair, skin, eyes, nails, tongue, joints, organs, breath, and other areas can offer insights into the state of your overall health.
By using your body’s signs as a guide, you can live a life of disease prevention, tackling issues in the most natural ways while they are simple and easy to handle. This approach is far better than ignoring symptoms and allowing them to develop into serious chronic health concerns.
