The root of male vitality lies in the kidneys, so male health should focus on kidney health. For many men who wish to use traditional Chinese medicine for health preservation, it is important to understand that different constitutions require different methods of health preservation!
1. Health Preservation for Cold Constitution
Cold constitution includes yang deficiency constitution and phlegm-damp constitution. People with this constitution often have weak vitality, obesity, easy fatigue, lack of strength, excessive sweating and phlegm, cold limbs, and a preference for hot foods, among other symptoms.
For men with a cold constitution, it is important to avoid exposure to cold or dampness and nourish yang qi. They can take mild and warm tonics such as deer antler, ginseng, and wolfberry.
In their daily lives, men with a cold constitution should consume easily digestible and absorbable warm foods to provide sufficient heat to the body. Common foods include beef, mutton, glutinous rice, leeks, cilantro, longan, red dates, lychee, walnuts, and chocolate.
For those with a cold constitution or cold-related diseases, it is not advisable to consume cold foods such as raw fruits, bamboo shoots, lettuce, mung bean sprouts, radishes, and cool beverages.
During winter, men with a cold constitution tend to have cold hands and feet. Some may resort to drinking alcohol to keep warm. However, this is not recommended because alcohol expands blood vessels and dissipates the body's original heat. Once the effects of alcohol wear off, it can actually decrease the body's ability to keep warm.
2. Health Preservation for Hot Constitution
Hot constitution includes yin deficiency constitution and damp-heat constitution. People with this constitution often have a lean physique, intense emotions, a strong aversion to heat, a preference for shade, and a fondness for cold foods.
Men with a hot constitution have higher sexual desires and are prone to allergic diseases and male reproductive diseases such as genital tuberculosis. They may experience excessive sexual desire, abnormal penile erection, weak or easily flaccid erections, premature ejaculation, sperm quality decline, excessive dead or deformed sperm, incomplete liquefaction or prolonged liquefaction time of semen, positive anti-sperm antibodies, and inflammatory diseases of the internal and external reproductive organs.
Therefore, in daily health preservation, it is important to moderate sexual desire and maintain cleanliness of the external genitalia. The diet should be light, avoiding fried, stir-fried, and spicy foods, as well as hot and dry tonics such as deer antler and animal whip. Instead, they can take stabilizing and nourishing tonics such as Indian bread, Ophiopogon japonicus, and lily.
Men with a hot constitution can consume more cooling foods to regulate their bodies. They can eat more radishes or drink mung bean soup, which are rich in vitamins and trace elements. These foods can effectively replenish vitamins and water in the body and relieve symptoms of a hot constitution.
Additionally, drinking bitter tea or buckwheat tea can help clear heat and reduce fire, which is beneficial for those with a hot constitution. It is recommended to consume these teas regularly.
3. Health Preservation for Depressive Constitution
Depressive constitution refers to introverted individuals with a tendency towards melancholy and overthinking. People with this constitution often have a certain cultural background, unstable personalities, fluctuating moods, irritability, excessive sadness, insomnia, and dreams. They are prone to male reproductive diseases such as impotence, premature ejaculation, and seminal emission, as well as menopausal syndrome.
Men with a depressive constitution should engage in recreational activities and sports, as well as learn more about sexual physiology and psychology. In treatment, it is important to alleviate depression, promote smooth flow of qi, and exercise caution with tonics. It is recommended to avoid strong tonics that enhance yang. Mental and psychological conditioning should also be included as a complementary treatment.
Music therapy for depression can improve attention, memory, and concentration. For individuals with depression, it is difficult to concentrate, but listening to music can effectively focus their attention and enhance memory. Shifting attention to music naturally relieves low mood.
