In the harsh winter weather, people often seek various ways to resist the bone chilling cold, among which the saying ‘place pepper in the navel to drive away the cold’ is widely circulated on the internet. In order to rationally explore the effectiveness of this approach, it is necessary to conduct in-depth analysis from the perspectives of science and traditional medicine.
The navel, in traditional Chinese medicine theory, is regarded as the “Shenque acupoint” and is connected to multiple important organs and meridians in the human body. It is one of the key points for regulating the circulation of qi and blood. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that by appropriately stimulating this acupoint, it can promote the circulation of qi and blood, indirectly assisting the body in resisting cold.
Pepper, as a common seasoning, is classified as a warm ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine due to its spicy properties. It helps to warm the body, promote blood circulation, and may indirectly alleviate discomfort caused by cold. The capsaicin component in pepper does indeed have the effect of dilating blood vessels and accelerating blood circulation.
The scientific basis for directly placing pepper into the navel to drive away cold is still weak. The skin around the navel is sensitive and weak, and improper use may cause adverse reactions such as skin irritation, redness, and even allergies. Therefore, this approach carries high risks in practical operation and is not recommended as a routine means of dispelling cold.
So, how can we scientifically and effectively resist the cold? Traditional Chinese Medicine advocates achieving goals through comprehensive lifestyle adjustments: ensuring sufficient sleep, maintaining good sleep habits, and enhancing the body’s natural defense mechanisms; Moderate exercise, such as walking, jogging, etc., to enhance body temperature regulation ability; In terms of diet, choose ingredients with warming and nourishing effects such as ginger and garlic to assist in keeping the body warm; At the same time, pay attention to insulation measures, wear appropriate clothing, and reduce exposure time to cold environments.
Although pepper itself has a certain degree of warmth, placing it directly in the navel to dispel the cold lacks scientific basis and carries risks. On the contrary, adjusting lifestyle habits, exercising moderately, eating a balanced diet, and strengthening warmth are the safer and more effective ways to keep warm.
