"The kidneys are long and the teeth are long, the spleen is the lips, and the lungs are hairless", these 12 words contain a profound insight into human health.
Perhaps you have come across this phrase in an ancient book, but you have not delved into its meaning. Maybe you've heard your elders mention it, but you haven't been able to understand it in detail.
The kidneys are long
In TCM, the kidney is not only an excretory organ, it is also related to the health of bones and teeth. Because in the view of traditional Chinese medicine, the kidney stores essence, and its essence is the marrow, the bone produces the marrow, and the pith produces teeth, so whether the kidney is good or not is directly related to the health of the teeth.
As we age, kidney qi naturally declines, and at this time the gums may recede, causing the teeth to appear "longer".
This is not only a common problem for the elderly, but in fact, from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, it is a manifestation of kidney qi deficiency. The relationship between kidney qi and dental health has been mentioned many times in classical medical books such as "The Yellow Emperor's Neijing", and it is believed that only when kidney qi is sufficient can teeth be strong.
Modern medicine has also found that patients with renal insufficiency often have oral health problems such as gum disease and tooth loss.
This is because kidney disease can lead to the accumulation of metabolic waste products in the body, affecting the overall blood circulation and nutrient supply, which can affect the health of the gums.
The spleen is reversed
In traditional Chinese medicine, the spleen is not only responsible for digestion and absorption, but also involves the production of blood and the metabolism of water in the body, and the health of these functions is directly reflected in the color and texture of the lips.
"The spleen is the main movement", and the lips are ruddy and shiny, reflecting the abundant qi and blood of the body and good nutritional status.
On the contrary, if the temper is insufficient, it will manifest as dry, pale lips, and even atrophy of the lips, which is called "lip reversal".
This condition is usually caused by a weakened spleen that is unable to efficiently convert and transport nutrients, resulting in an inadequate blood supply.
From the perspective of modern medicine, the function of the spleen is closely related to the digestive system, and digestive problems such as chronic gastritis or irritable bowel syndrome often affect the absorption of nutrients throughout the body, which in turn affects oral health.
Patients with these diseases often suffer from mouth ulcers, bad breath and other problems, which are similar to the changes in the lips caused by the lack of temper in traditional Chinese medicine.
Hair loss in the lungs
The relationship between lung health and hair can be more complex than you might think.
The lungs are dominated by fur, and in simple terms, if the lungs are healthy, your hair will be vigorous and shiny; Conversely, if there is a lack of lung qi, the hair may become dry, brittle, or even fall out.
This statement is documented in the Lingshu · Meridians, and modern medical research seems to confirm this to some extent.
Especially for people with lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), they are more likely to have hair and skin problems.
COPD is mainly caused by long-term smoking, continuous exposure to air pollution or occupational harmful substances, and as the disease progresses, lung function gradually declines, and blood oxygen levels throughout the body are also affected.
An inadequate supply of oxygen and nutrients naturally affects hair growth and health.
According to the MSD Manual, the number of COPD patients worldwide is increasing, and COPD is expected to become the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2030.
With the advent of an aging society, the prevalence of COPD is also increasing year by year, which poses a serious challenge to public health.
In addition to malnutrition, hair problems in COPD patients are also associated with chronic lung inflammation and oxidative stress.
But COPD isn't the only lung disease that affects hair health. For example, pulmonary fibrosis and tuberculosis can also adversely affect hair.
Pulmonary fibrosis replaces lung tissue with fibrotic tissue, severely impairing lung function; Tuberculosis, an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, not only affects the lungs but can also spread throughout the body, causing hair problems.
Of course, there are many factors that affect hair health, such as age, genetics, lifestyle habits, etc. As we age, our body functions gradually decline, and hair is no exception.
Genetics also play an important role in hair health, and some people are born with thinning hair or shedding easily. Bad lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking, and eating an unbalanced diet can also have a negative impact on hair.
in everyday life
To maintain the health of our kidneys, spleen, lungs and other important internal organs, we can start with the small details of our daily life, which not only help us improve our overall health, but also effectively prevent many potential diseases.
It's no secret that a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is especially important for visceral health.
Try to include more fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts in your diet, which are rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for the health of organs like the kidneys, spleen, and lungs.
For example, vitamins C and E are powerful antioxidants that help protect our cells from free radical damage. Vitamin D, on the other hand, has a positive effect on kidney function and promotes bone health.
When it comes to sports, it's really not something that gyms can do. Simple aerobic exercises in your daily life, such as brisk walking, swimming, or yoga, can bring huge benefits.
These activities not only enhance cardiopulmonary function and blood circulation, but also speed up metabolism and help us reduce the risk of chronic diseases. If you can set aside half an hour a day to get active, the health benefits are very considerable.
Exercise is also an excellent way to release stress. Whether it's physical exhaustion or psychological stress, proper physical activity can help us release these negative emotions and make the mood more pleasant.
In fact, when we exercise, our body releases the so-called "happy hormones" – endorphins, which are natural chemicals that are effective in boosting our mood.
Next, let's talk about how to deal with the inevitable stresses in life. Chronic stress can not only make us feel exhausted, but it can also have a serious impact on our physical health.
Especially for internal organs, such as the kidneys and spleen and stomach, excessive pressure may lead to increased adrenaline levels, affecting the function of the kidneys, or disrupting the spleen and stomach, affecting our appetite and digestion.
These seemingly invisible effects have taken a real toll on our health.
So, how can we deal with these pressures effectively? Meditation and deep breathing are very helpful methods. These two techniques can help us temporarily break away from the fast-paced life environment, slow down the pace of life, and allow the mind to get a short rest and calm.
Meditation not only reduces anxiety, but also improves sleep quality and enhances our emotional control. Deep breathing is a simple and effective way to regulate heart rate and lower blood pressure, which can help us quickly relieve tension and restore mental balance.
In addition, music therapy is also a very good option for stress relief. Music can reach the depths of our emotions and bring comfort to our souls.
Different types of music have different effects, soft classical music or light music can help people relax, while lively rhythmic music may be more suitable for moments that need to lift the spirit.
We can choose the right music according to our personal preferences and make it a powerful tool for us to resist the stresses of life.
In addition to these mental and emotional adjustments, it is also important to maintain a regular routine and healthy social activities. A regular sleep schedule and adequate sleep can greatly reduce the body's stress response.
At the same time, positive interactions with family and friends can provide emotional support and help us better cope with life's stresses and challenges.
We all know that health is a priceless asset, but sometimes we are so busy with daily chores that we may overlook the importance of regular health check-ups. It's a small thing, but it's really about our health and even our lives.
So, regular health check-ups, this is really not a joke, it can help us detect some potential health problems in time, and treat them early, so as not to drag a minor illness into a major illness.
Now let's talk about the specific inspection items. Blood tests are a very straightforward way to know how well our kidneys are functioning.
Blood tests can reveal many things, such as serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels, which are important indicators of kidney health.
If the kidney function is not good, early detection, through diet adjustment or medication, the disease can be controlled in many cases and avoid the more serious stage of kidney disease.
This is followed by imaging tests, such as chest X-rays and CT scans. These tests are especially helpful in detecting problems with the lungs.
The lungs are a critical organ, and if something goes wrong, such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, or even lung cancer, the consequences can be serious. Through regular X-ray or CT examinations, these problems can be detected early and treated in time to ensure the health of our respiratory system.
So, how often are these tests done? It really depends on the specific situation of the individual, such as age, family medical history, personal medical history, etc.
In general, a comprehensive physical examination every two years may be sufficient for a healthy adult. But if you have a chronic illness or a history of genetic conditions in your family, your doctor may recommend more frequent check-ups.
In addition to these, it is also important to note that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also important. Don't stay up late, drink less, don't smoke, and stay in a good mood.
It sounds simple, but not many people can do it. Remember, prevention is always more effective and cost-effective than cure.
I hope everyone can pay attention to it, and don't wait for the body to sound the alarm before starting to panic, when it is often too late.
References are as follows:
【1】慢性阻塞性肺病（COPD）