During fall, chapped, dry lips are a common problem. But before you slather on the chapstick, consider what chap lips may be telling you about your health:
Traditional Chinese medicine holds that chapped lips are also a symptom of shang huo (fire-ascending) that often appears in the dry autumn. The “fire” (yang energy) may also cause toothache, sore throat, poor appetite, mouth ulcers, constipation, acne and insomnia.
Adopting a regular lifestyle (regular meals, regular hours, regular sleep) and eating a cool and moist (yin energy) diet may be more effective than wearing lip gloss.
At this time of year, the dominant pathogenic “dry” energy in the universe is a major cause of shang huo. Besides, as the temperature drops, most people put on more clothes, stay in heated rooms and eat more “hot” (yang) and spicy food to warm them up.
However, internal heat cannot be released as efficiently as in summer, through sweating. Fatigue and lack of sleep aggravate the energy imbalance.
Generally, to prevent and relieve “fire-ascending,” TCM recommends a regular lifestyle, plenty of sleep, lots of water, “cool” (yin energy) foods, proper exercise and a cheerful mood.
Recommended are moistening juices, fruits such as pears, sugar cane, cucumber, chrysanthemum and green tea. Vitamin-rich carrots and other vegetables with B vitamins can help relieve dry lips and mouth ulcers.
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