Blog & Columns
Useful information about health and Korean medicine.
Total 153 posts
Post-COVID-19 Cold Urticaria
Have you ever found yourself wondering if enduring the mid-winter wind was always this tough? Young children, in particular, often make parents feel at a loss as they insist on continuing outdoor activities even while shivering. As the weather turns colder, our bodies respond accordingly. Blood vessels exposed to the cold contract, leading to impaired blood circulation. Furthermore, muscles and joints become stiff, increasing the risk of injury, and immunity is easily weakened. However, the body's response to cold isn't entirely negative. Appropriate exposure to cold can also have beneficial effects on our bodies. <b><br>Immunity Enhancement Through Cold Stimulation</b> <br>When exposed to cold weather, our bodies expend a significant amount of energy to maintain body temperature. In this process, internal fat is burned to generate heat, which in turn promotes the activation of immune cells. Studies also show that individuals who are accustomed to cold exposure have a lower incidence of common colds compared to those who are not. <br> <b><br>Stress Reduction and Mental Health Improvement</b> <br>Cold exposure promotes the secretion of feel-good hormones like endorphins and dopamine in the brain. This aids in stress reduction and mood improvement. Furthermore, studies suggest that cold water therapy, such as cold showers or ice baths, is effective in alleviating anxiety symptoms and reducing feelings of depression. <br> <b><br>Body Fat Reduction and Metabolism Promotion</b> <br>When exposed to cold, our bodies activate brown fat to maintain body temperature. Unlike white fat, brown fat burns energy to generate heat rather than storing it. This process increases calorie expenditure and boosts metabolism, which can help reduce body fat. <br> <b><br>Improved Blood Circulation and Enhanced Skin Health</b> <br>When briefly exposed to cold, blood vessels repeatedly contract and then dilate. This increases the elasticity of blood vessels, contributing to improved blood circulation. Furthermore, efficient blood circulation ensures a smooth supply of nutrients and oxygen to the skin, which can positively impact skin health. While cold weather can bring discomfort, if utilized appropriately, it can significantly contribute to health promotion. However, excessive cold exposure can actually be detrimental to health. Therefore, it's crucial to always monitor your body's condition, consult with a professional, and enjoy the cold safely.
The Many Faces of Shingles After-Effects
What's left behind after shingles isn't just scars....
Palmar-Plantar Hyperhidrosis, Unstoppable Sweat
It's not just sweat...
Exploring Headache Pain by Location: Causes and Characteristics
"My head hurts." This is often the first thing many people say when they visit the clinic. But the next question is even more important: "Where exactly does it hurt?" Depending on whether the pain is in the forehead, temples, back of the head, or crown, its underlying meaning can be entirely different. A headache isn't just simple pain....
Five Perspectives on Understanding Hyperhidrosis Symptoms
We usually just think of sweating as something that happens when our body temperature rises. It's a simple formula: if it's hot, you sweat; if it's cold, you don't. But if you think about it, isn't that strange? Before an interview, or when meeting someone for the first time, your palms suddenly sweat. When you're nervous or embarrassed, your face blushes...
![[Notice] What is Treatment? — My Perspective on Life and Disease](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1470290449668-02dd93d9420a?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w0MDcxOTR8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw1N3x8c2t5fGVufDB8fHx8MTczNzMwOTM0NXww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080)
[Notice] What is Treatment? — My Perspective on Life and Disease
Life is not a static structure; it is, in essence, a rotating body. The differentiation from one to two breaks the symmetry of energy, and at that moment, rotation occurs. The geometrically stable point created by this rotation—that is the 'center,' and in Korean medicine, it is called Jungto (中土). Jungto is not a pre-existing entity...
Why Tic Disorder Symptoms Vary From Person to Person
When we talk about tic disorder, it's easy to think they're all similar. Like blinking eyes, sniffing, or occasionally blurting out words. But if you look closely, the way tics manifest truly varies from person to person. Today, instead of classifying these differences using typical distinctions like 'motor tics' and 'vocal tics',...
Tic Disorder, Genetic or Environmental?
Tic disorder. Movements like eye blinking, sniffing, and shoulder shrugging. These tics often begin in childhood, sometimes continuing into adolescence. When talking about tic disorder, a question that inevitably arises is, "Is it hereditary?"...
Autonomic Dysfunction Through Test Results — What Your Numbers Truly Mean
When you first hear the term autonomic dysfunction, it can feel a bit daunting. But when you actually get tested, it becomes even more overwhelming. If you look at the test results, you'll see dozens of numbers and graphs, but the explanation is just one line: “The balance of your autonomic nervous system has been disrupted.” What on earth does that mean? Today, this autonomic nervous system test...
Long COVID: Your Autonomic Nervous System Is Collapsing
But are these symptoms truly new, only emerging with COVID-19? No, they're not. Today, I want to explore the progression of autonomic nervous system dysfunction, which has become more apparent since COVID-19, through a historical lens. In fact, within this history were hidden symptoms and underlying mechanisms that we either didn't fully understand or chose to ignore until now....
Heart Palpitations, Not Necessarily a Heart Problem
I went to the hospital and had tests, including an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and 24-hour Holter monitoring....
What Are the Causes of Nocturia and Adult Nocturnal Enuresis?
Hello.... The foundation of rehabilitation therapy after orthopedic surgery is the restoration of joint range of motion. Patients often hesitate to perform joint exercises due to concerns about potential complications after surgery and the pain experienced during the recovery process. In such cases, rehabilitation therapy becomes even more challenging, and severe joint adhesion due to restricted movement can lead to a vicious cycle where the joint's range of motion further diminishes later on. Therefore, it is crucial to restore normal joint range of motion through appropriate joint exercises, depending on the recovery of the surgical site and the degree of pain. This is because appropriate post-surgical joint exercises not only reduce joint stiffness and help control swelling and pain, but also aid in restoring normal posture and movement, ultimately facilitating a quick return to daily life. Today, we will learn about <b>rehabilitation therapy after hip surgery</b>.