Growing up, many Asian women are told by their mothers and grandmothers to wear a hat after giving birth, to keep socks on, and to avoid cold drinks during menstruation.
But often, the reasons behind these practices are not fully explained.
As a licensed acupuncturist, I want to share the real Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) wisdom behind these traditions and why staying warm is so important for women's long-term health.
Why Warmth Matters in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In TCM, warmth is more than just comfort, it’s a way of protecting the body’s vital energy (Qi) and circulation.
Cold is considered a harmful force that can invade the body, weaken the organs, slow blood flow, and create blockages.
Women, especially, are seen as more vulnerable to cold because of the relationship between blood, Qi, and reproductive health.
Key Areas to Keep Warm
Feet:
The bottom of the feet are not just skin and bone, they are filled with important acupuncture points and meridians.
One major point, called Kidney 1 (Yongquan), connects energetically to the Kidneys and the reproductive system, including the uterus.
When the feet are cold, it draws cold into the body which then chills the uterus, leading to menstrual pain, fertility issues, and chronic digestive problems.
Keeping the feet warm is vital for protecting overall health, especially reproductive health.
Lower Back and Abdomen:
The Kidneys are the "root of life" in TCM and they store our vital essence (Jing) and are directly responsible for growth, development, and reproduction.
Cold entering through the lower back and abdomen can weaken Kidney energy, affecting fertility, menstrual cycles, and even causing long-term fatigue.
Protecting the lower back and abdomen keeps the body's core strength safe.
Neck and Head:
The head contains the most concentrated amount of qi in the body. After childbirth, women lose a significant amount of qi and blood, therefore, it's essential that wearing a hat (or beanie) postpartum isn’t just about avoiding a cold, but rather preserving precious qi when the body is most depleted.
Covering the neck and head prevents external cold from penetrating and supports the recovery process.
What Happens When We Let Cold In
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Menstrual cramps, irregular cycles
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Fertility struggles
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Digestive issues like bloating and loose stools
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Chronic body aches and fatigue
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Postpartum complications like persistent weakness and joint pain
How to Protect Your Warmth Every Day
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Wear socks or use a heater at home, even in warmer months if the floors are cold.
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Use scarves to protect your neck when the weather is windy or chilly.
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Drink warm or room-temperature beverages, especially during menstruation. Ginger or cinnamon tea are great options.
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Favor cooked foods like soups, stews, and steamed vegetables over salads and smoothies (salads and smoothies are considered raw and cold in TCM.)
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Wear a hat or keep your head covered if you’re postpartum or feeling weak.
Honoring Cultural Wisdom with TCM
Our mothers and grandmothers may not have had formal explanations but their advices was deeply rooted in traditional wisdom.
TCM gives us the language and understanding to explain why:
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Wearing a hat postpartum protects vital qi in the head and supports full recovery.
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Keeping the feet and body warm prevents cold from harming the uterus and kidneys, protecting reproductive health for the future.
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Avoiding cold drinks and foods keeps digestive and menstrual functions strong.
By honoring and understanding this cultural wisdom, we strengthen not just our physical health but also the connection to our heritage.
Conclusion:
Our ancestors knew that women’s health requires protection and care, especially around warmth.
With Traditional Chinese Medicine, we can understand these practices more deeply and use them to empower ourselves for a healthier future.
Protect your warmth. Protect your life.
- Stay Healthqi
