Understanding the San Jiao (Triple Burner) in Traditional Chinese Medicine

 Kit Li

What is the SanJiao (1, 2) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)? What are its functions, and where is it located in the body? These are some of the most intriguing questions in TCM.

In TCM, the San Jiao (三焦) is described as having “a name but no physical form” (有名无形). In anatomical terms, it is considered invisible, you cannot dissect the body and identify a specific structure called the San Jiao. However, it is regarded as a key regulator of internal balance, and maintaining its smooth function is important for supporting overall health.

The San Jiao is divided into three parts within the body: the Upper Jiao, Middle Jiao, and Lower Jiao. Together, they are responsible for regulating the movement of Qi, body fluids, and nutrients derived from food and drink.

1) Upper Jiao (Shang Jiao)

The Upper Jiao is located in the chest area and includes the Heart and Lungs. Its main function is distribution, spreading Qi, circulating fluids to the skin, and regulating the opening and closing of the pores, as well as supporting immunity (Wei Qi).

From a modern physiological perspective, the Upper Jiao can be loosely related to functions such as breathing, oxygen exchange, circulation to the body’s surface, immune surveillance, and the vapour-like exchange of fluids through the lungs and skin. When it is dysfunctional, symptoms may include chest tightness, shallow breathing, frequent colds, and dryness of the skin.

2) Middle Jiao (Zhong Jiao)

The Middle Jiao is located between the diaphragm and the navel and includes the Spleen and Stomach. It is responsible for digestion and absorption, transforming food into Qi and Blood, and managing the transportation of nutrients throughout the body.

It may be loosely associated with processes such as enzymatic digestion, gut microbiome activity, nutrient absorption, and the metabolic conversion of food into usable energy. When the Middle Jiao becomes sluggish, symptoms may include bloating, brain fog, low energy after meals, and a general sensation of dampness or heaviness in the body.

3) Lower Jiao (Xia Jiao)

The Lower Jiao is located below the navel and includes the Kidneys, Bladder, and Large and Small Intestines, essentially the organs in the lower abdomen. It manages waste elimination and fluid metabolism, functioning much like the body’s internal drainage system.

From a modern physiological perspective, the Lower Jiao may be loosely associated with kidney filtration, water reabsorption in the colon, hormonal regulation of fluid balance, and pelvic circulation. When this system becomes obstructed or inefficient, it may lead to issues such as edema (water retention), constipation, difficulty with urination, PMS, or a feeling of pelvic heaviness.

In TCM theory, if any of the San Jiao is not functioning smoothly, the body may become more prone to illness because Qi and fluids are not being transported efficiently due to blockages along the meridians.

To support the SanJiao in daily life, it is important to eat in moderation by avoiding overeating and limiting cold or greasy foods, while choosing easily digestible meals to protect the Middle Jiao. Maintaining emotional balance is also essential, as stress, anxiety, and low mood can disrupt the movement of Qi. Gentle exercise such as walking, light jogging, or practices like Ba Duan Jin can help improve the circulation of Qi and Blood.

In addition, acupressure points such as Shanzhong (RN-17), located at the midpoint between the nipples, may help open the chest and support the Upper Jiao; Zhongwan (RN-12), located 4 cun above the navel, may support digestion; and Guanyuan (RN-4), located 3 cun below the navel, may help tonify the Lower Jiao.

Herbal teas can also be used as supportive measures, such as Peppermint and lemon tea (3) for Upper Jiao support, Hawthorn and dried tangerine peel tea (4) to aid digestion in the Middle Jiao, and Corn Silk Tea to promote urination and reduce water retention in the Lower Jiao.

Ultimately, while the San Jiao may not correspond to a single physical structure in modern anatomy, it offers a valuable functional framework in TCM for understanding how the body regulates the movement, transformation, and elimination of Qi and fluids. By supporting the harmonious interaction between the Upper, Middle, and Lower Jiao through mindful lifestyle habits, gentle exercise, acupressure, and dietary choices, we can help maintain internal balance and promote overall well-being.

References:

1) Sanjiao:  https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/san-jiao

2) Conceptualizing a Traditional Chinese Medicine Organ: The Triple Energizer (San Jiao):https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9248333

3) Pepperming Tea: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9283698/

4) Hawthron and Chenpi Tea: https://kitli-vitaqiholistic.blogspot.com/2025/12/gentle-digestive-support-with-hawthorn.html

5) Corn Silk Tea: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15957371/

When Movement Lacks Strength: Understanding Wei Syndrome Through a Clinical Case Study

 

Kit Li

What is Wei-syndrome (痿证) in TCM?  

In TCM, Wei-syndrome (WS) is a condition of flaccidity and weakness in the limbs without pain or obstruction. The muscles feel soft and powerless; the person can move their limbs, but they cannot sustain strength or normal function. Unlike Bi syndrome, there is no stiffness or blockage, the problem is not obstruction but lack of nourishment and activation. It reflects a failure of the muscles and sinews to be properly nourished, often related to patterns such as Spleen deficiency failing to support the muscles, or Liver and Kidney depletion.

In Western medical terms, WS can be understood as a problem affecting the motor unit pathway responsible for voluntary movement. This may involve damage to the upper motor neurons (e.g. Multiple Sclerosis), lower motor neurons (e.g. Motor Neuron Disease), peripheral nerves (e.g. Peripheral Neuropathy) (1), neuromuscular junction (e.g. Myasthenia Gravis) (2), or the muscle tissue itself (e.g. Polymyositis or Muscular Dystrophy). Therefore, WS generally overlaps with neuromuscular disorders that mainly present with muscle weakness rather than pain or sensory problems.

WS usually starts in the lower limbs, patients may first notice tripping, foot drop (3), or getting tired easily when walking. Over time, the weakness can spread to the upper limbs and then to the proximal muscles such as the hips and shoulders. In more severe cases, the respiratory muscles may also be affected. This lower-to-upper or distal-to-proximal pattern of progression is similar to that seen in many Western motor neuron and muscle disorders.

Case Sharing:

One morning, I received a message from a female patient in her 60s complaining of weakness in her limbs when getting out of bed. She also occasionally experiences cramping in the middle of the night and numbness in her calves. In addition, she suffers from insomnia and digestive issues, including tummy bloated and constipation for over a few months.

Following a thorough in-person consultation, the patient reported a history of prolonged overwork and inadequate self-care. She described her main concern as, “I can move, but there’s no strength in my legs.” Based on the clinical presentation and symptom manifestations, a diagnosis of Wei-Syndrome was made according to TCM principles.

Pulse & Tongue Diagnosis:

Pulse: thready (Left) and weak (Right)

Tongue: thin coating 

TCM Diagnosis: 

• Spleen Qi-deficiency
• Kidney Essence-deficiency
• Liver-blood deficiency

From a TCM perspective, the primary treatment focus is to tonify the Spleen and nourish the Liver and Kidneys. In addition, strengthening the muscles and promoting overall energy levels are essential aspects of the therapeutic strategy.  Therefore, treatment aims to:

• Tonify the Spleen-Qi to improve transformation and transportation
• Tonify the Kidneys to strengthen the bones and support the lower limbs
• Restore Qi and Blood to enhance overall vitality

Acupoints:

• LV-3, GB-43 (regulate Qi)
• KI-3, DU-4, BL-23 (tonify Kidney)
• SP-6, LV-8 (nourishing Blood)
• Abdominal Acupuncture: the points for guiding Qi downwards to the Lower Jiao
• Scalp Acupuncture: Vasomotor Area, Motor Area (with Electroacupuncture)...etc

Prescription:

BuZhongYiQi Tang (4) was prescribed for two weeks. This classical TCM formula is used to tonify Qi, particularly that of the Spleen and Stomach.

Ingredients: Huang Qi (Astragalus Root) (5), Ren Shen (Ginseng Root), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root), Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel), Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga Rhizome), and Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root) (6).

Its main therapeutic actions include boosting energy by reducing fatigue, weakness, and low vitality through Qi tonification; improving digestion by supporting appetite, relieving constipation; lifting sinking Qi and supporting defensive Qi due to herbs such as Huang Qi (Astragalus).

Feedback:

The patient reported improved sleep quality, significantly increased energy levels, and a reduction in nocturnal cramping during the night.

This case suggests that limb weakness without pain may present as WS in TCM. Chronic overwork, impaired digestion, and age-related decline in Kidney Essence may result in insufficient nourishment of the muscles, leading to fatigue and reduced limb strength. Treatment therefore focuses on strengthening the Spleen, nourishing the Liver and Kidneys, and restoring Qi and Blood to improve muscle function and overall vitality.

At the same time, similar symptoms may overlap with neuromuscular conditions in Western medicine. An integrative approach supports appropriate referral when necessary, while providing holistic management to improve strength, functional capacity, and quality of life.

References:

1) Neuropathy:

https://kitli-vitaqiholistic.blogspot.com/2025/11/managing-post-cancer-symptoms-with-tcm.html

2) Myasthenia Gravis

https://kitli-vitaqiholistic.blogspot.com/2025/03/it-is-meant-to-be.html

3) Foot Drop:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/foot-drop/

4) BuZhongYiQi Tang: 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11287697/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28849026/

5) Huang Qi: 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40302232/

https://kitli-vitaqiholistic.blogspot.com/2025/09/huang-qi-and-tonifying-herbs-for.html

6) Shengma and Chaihu: In Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, Chai Hu helps to regulate the movement of Qi, while Sheng Ma promotes the upward movement of Yang Qi. They work together to raise Yang Qi to the limbs and head.

Using RN‑10 (Xiawan) to Relieve Swelling and Blood Stasis

 

Kit Li

As a qualified acupuncturist, you would be thoroughly familiar with the locations of acupuncture points. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are 12 primary meridians, divided into three Yang meridians: Taiyang (Bladder and Small Intestine), Shaoyang (Gallbladder and Sanjiao), and Yangming (Stomach and Large Intestine), and three Yin meridians: Taiyin (Lung and Spleen), Shaoyin (Heart and Kidney), and Jueyin (Liver and Pericardium).

In addition, the Ren Mai and Du Mai are extraordinary vessels. Together with the twelve primary meridians, these fourteen meridians comprise a total of 361 classical  points.

One of the most essential meridians I frequently use is the Ren Mai, particularly when treating patients with digestive disorders or emotional conditions. However, I recently experienced something truly remarkable while treating a patient with blood clots in the areas corresponding to the Spleen meridian.

A few weeks ago, a female patient presented with lymphoedema in her right leg and reported wearing a compression stocking for over two years. She has experienced recurrent blood clots in the right inguinal region, with no clearly identified cause. The pain in her swollen leg was severe, and on palpation, the swelling was predominantly located over the regions corresponding to SP-12 and SP-13.

Due to her condition, needling on the right leg was not appropriate because of the lymphoedema and the need to minimise the risk of infection. Therefore, needling was limited to the left leg if required.  In such a condition, the focus is on reducing pain and swelling while supporting the circulation of qi and fluids. On her left leg, acupuncture can help alleviate discomfort and improve overall balance. 

I applied Dao-qi on RN-10 (Xiawan) (1) - a meeting point with the Ren-mai of the Spleen Channel, along with other key points along the Ren Mai, to regulate qi, support the spleen and stomach, and promote fluid metabolism. Additional distal points on the left leg can be selected to support lymphatic flow and reduce stagnation, while avoiding the affected right leg to prevent any risk of infection or trauma.

After 30 minutes of treatment, upon removing the needle from RN-10 (Xiawan), dark-red blood (2) was released immediately. Remarkably, the patient reported significant relief in her right leg afterward. This case demonstrates how regulating the Ren Mai can effectively reduce swelling and improve blood stasis, particularly along the Spleen meridian.

It highlights the therapeutic potential of RN-10 on the Ren-mai to regulate qi, support the Spleen, and relieve pain and swelling. Targeting RN-10, along with other Ren-mai and distal points, as well as selected areas of Scalp Acupuncture, improved circulation and reduced discomfort, even in a patient with lymphoedema and blood clots, emphasizing the value of careful, individualized acupuncture treatment.

Note: The above method is provided for reference only and is intended for use by qualified acupuncturist with a background in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).  Please also note that individual responses may vary depending on a person's constitution.

References:

1) TCM Perspective: In TCM theory, stimulating points like RN‑10 and other Ren Mai points is traditionally thought to regulate qi, harmonize the middle jiao, and mobilize blood and fluids, which is consistent with the patterns you treated (blood stasis, qi stagnation, swelling).

2) In TCM theory: blood emerging from a point, especially dark, thick blood, may be interpreted as release of stagnated blood (blood stasis) and an indication that meridian blockage or excess is being addressed. : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_stasis?utm

Embrace Spring Energy: Qi-Regulating Floral Tea for the Season

 

Kit Li

As gentle spring breezes carry warmth, the lingering cold of winter slowly retreats. Yang energy begins to rise, vitality returns, and the natural world stirs from its winter rest, plants sprout, animals become active, and life renews itself. 

Today is the 4th of February, the Beginning of Spring (Lichun,立春), the first of the 24th solar terms in the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. It marks the onset of early spring, symbolizing the revival of all living things and the arrival of the spring season. 

The first day of spring is the true beginning of this transformation, symbolizing renewal, growth, and fresh beginnings. It is a key moment to align with nature’s rhythms, setting intentions for the year ahead. By adjusting daily habits, diet, and mindset to support the upward movement of spring energy, one can cultivate balance, strengthen vitality, and promote overall physical and mental well-being.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Spring corresponds to the Liver.  The Liver favours free flow and dislikes constraint, so daily habits in Spring should align with the season's rising and expanding energy.  The Liver governs the free flow of Qi and is responsible for regulating and harmonizing the body's overall Qi movement.

Whether Qi flows smoothly directly affects the circulation of blood and body fluids, the digestive and transformative functions of the Spleen and Stomach, emotional balance, and reproductive function.  The Liver's role in regulating Qi is therefore a key condition for maintaining normal physiological activities throughout the body.

For mental and emotional nourishment, it is important to keep an open heart and mind, remain optimistic, calm and content.  Emotionally, maintaining a bright and positive state of mind while welcoming the vitality of Spring helps promote the Liver's natural upward and outward movement of Qi.

Therefore, I’d like to introduce a floral tea that helps regulate Qi and support emotional balance, especially during the chilly, damp days of early Spring, bringing warmth and cheer to the season.

Pear, Aged Tangerine Peel, Green Tea & Rose Tea

This s a  health-promoting tea that moistens the lungs, relieves cough, regulates qi, eases mood, and clears heat and toxins.  Suitable for: dry throat, cough, chest tightness, or bloating and alleviating the anxiety.

• Chinese Pear: nourishes yin and moistens the lungs.
• Aged tangerine peel (Chen Pi): regulates qi and resolves phlegm.
• Rose flowers: promote blood circulation, regulate menstruation, and soothe the liver.
• Green tea: clears heat and detoxifies.

Ingredients (for 2 people):

• Chinese Pear: 1 large (or 2 small), cut into pieces
• Aged tangerine peel (Chen Pi): 5 - 6g
• Rose flowers: 2 buds (Large)
• Green tea: 3 - 4g (about 2 small teaspoons total)

Brewing tips (important):

• Simmer Chinese Pear and Chen Pi in water for 15-20 minutes
• Turn off heat, then add rose and green tea
• Steep 2 - 3 minutes only, then strain

When to drink:

• Best late morning or early afternoon
• Drink warm
• 1 - 2 times per week

Precautions:

• Rose flowers: avoid for pregnant women, women with menorrhagia and those with sensitive skin.
• Chen Pi: people with “excess heat” constitution should not drink long-term.
• Consumption: not recommended for daily, long-term use due to the inclusion of rose flowers and tangerine peel.

As we enter the season of renewal, let us move gently with Spring, releasing what was held during winter and allowing Qi to flow freely again. By aligning with nature’s rhythms and supporting the Liver’s natural movement, we create space for clarity, vitality, and emotional balance.

May this simple floral tea accompany you through early Spring, gently nourishing the body, lifting the mood, and inviting growth with ease and harmony.

Managing Winter Dryness: A TCM Perspective on Yin-Deficiency

 Kit Li

Although daytime temperatures have risen into the double digits, the wind is still chillingly cold; therefore, maintaining indoor heating is often necessary. However, prolonged exposure to such an environment without adequate hydration, or overconsumption of hot-natured foods, such as red meat, alcohol, or fried foods, it can easily lead to dry skin, dry mouth or throat, mouth ulcers, constipation, irritability, or insomnia.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this condition is classified as yin deficiency with empty heat.  What can we do?

Today I'm going to introduce you 'Sha Shen, Yu Zhu, Lotus Seed, Lily Bulbs, Chinese Yam & Dried Coconut Soup'.  This soup is a nourishing, yin-tonifying herbal broth that moistens dryness, supports Lung function, and helps relieve cough. It is particularly suitable for winter dryness, dry mouth and throat caused by excessive heating or over-warming, and dry cough with little or no phlegm. The main ingredients: Sha Shen (Adenophora root), Yu Zhu (Solomon’s seal rhizome), lotus seeds, lily bulbs, and dried coconut, they work synergistically to nourish yin, moisten and clear the Lungs, strengthen the Spleen, and calm the mind.

Ingredients & Functions:

1) Sha Shen, Yu Zhu, Dried Coconut

• Nourish yin, moisten dryness, clear heat, and support lung health; helpful for dry cough caused by lung dryness.

2) Lily Bulb

• Nourishes yin, moistens the lungs, calms the mind, and clears heart heat.

3) Lotus Seeds, Dried Chinese Yam

• Strengthen the spleen, tonify qi, support the kidneys, and aid digestion.

Pressure Cooker Method (Serves 2):

Ingredients:

• Sha Shen: 10g
• Yu Zhu: 10g
• Lotus seeds (core removed): 15g
• Dried lily bulbs: 10g
• Dried Chinese yam: 15g
• Dried coconut slices: 20g
• Lean pork or chicken (optional): 200–250g. For a vegetarian option, substitute with cashew nuts.
• Water: 1.2L

Method:

1. Rinse all herbs and soak in warm water for 10 minutes.
2. Blanch the pork or chicken briefly to remove impurities; rinse and set aside.

3. Place all ingredients into the pressure cooker. Add 1.2L of water.

4. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 25 - 30 minutes.
5. Add salt to taste and serve warm.

Cautions:

1. People with spleen yang-deficiency, loose stools, or poor appetite may find this soup slightly harder to digest, especially if eaten in large quantities.

2. This is a moistening, yin-nourishing soup, which tends to be slightly cooling. People who feel very cold, have cold limbs, or chronic diarrhoea may need to add a warming element (e.g., a small slice of ginger) if appropriate.

3. Allergies: Cashew nuts are a common allergen, dried coconut may trigger reactions in sensitive individuals.

4. In TCM, excessive yin-nourishing herbs in someone without dryness or yin-deficiency could lead to feelings of heaviness or damp accumulation.

5. Not suitable for those with excess heat patterns, including high fever, red tongue with yellow coating, or cough producing yellow phlegm.

Enjoy this nourishing soup warm, and let it gently restore your yin, moisten dryness, and support your lungs and digestion during the colder months. Perfect as a comforting winter meal, it not only nourishes the body but also calms the mind, bringing balance and wellness from the inside out.

TCM Approach to Bereavement-Related Depression with Heart-Liver-Spleen Disharmony

 

Kit Li

Two weeks ago, a male patient had been suffering from depression since the death of a family member last September. Since then, he had been severely depressed and emotionally suppressed, experiencing mixed feelings, particularly unexpressed anger, as he continues to move through the stages of bereavement (denial, anger, depression, bargaining and acceptance). (1) 

He came to me after being referred by his best friend, who had experienced approximately 80% recovery from an anxiety disorder after receiving scalp acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine for over six weeks.

In this case, the patient had never received any acupuncture treatment before, including scalp acupuncture. I advised him to remain well hydrated prior to treatment in order to reduce stiffness of the connective tissues (2) in the scalp.

In general, from a TCM perspective, patients suffering from emotional disorders are primarily diagnosed with Qi stagnation. Emotional factors damage the Liver, resulting in Liver Qi constraint. Over time, this gradually affects the functions of the internal organs, particularly the Five Zang organs. (3)  Primarily affecting the Liver, Spleen and Heart, with manifestations of Qi and Blood imbalance.

TCM Diagnosis:

• Liver-Qi stagnation (inexpressive anger mixed with depressed)
• Heart-Blood deficiency (insomnia, forgetful and palpitations)
• Spleen-Qi deficiency with dampness accumulated in the Lower Jiao (fatigue, no appetite)

Pulse:

• Left - cun (weak) and guan (wiry)
• Right - generally weak, guan (slippery)

Tongue:

• pale, thin coating
• teethmarks
• red tip of the tongue

TCM treatment Plans:

• Regulating Qi and Blood
• Calm the Shen
• Strengthening Spleen and immunity

Acupoints:

• Scalp Acupuncture is always my primarily treatment as it's excellent for Emotional Disorders: Head Area, Spirit Emotion Area...etc.
• Abdominal Acupuncture: Dao-qi technique was applied with the key points on Ren-mai which is good for regulating emotions, also supporting digestion.
• Key body acupoints were selected to regulate Qi, tonify the Spleen and Stomach, nourish Blood, calm the Shen, and clear dampness.

Chinese Herbal Prescriptions:

Gui Pi Wan (4, 5): This formula is for tonify Qi and Blood. it also tonifies Spleen-Qi, nourishes Heart-Blood, as well as calms the Shen.  The core ingredients are:

1) Qi-tonifying and strengthen the Spleen:

• RenShen (Ginseng Root)
• Huang Qi (Astragalus Root)
• BaiZhu (Atractylodes Rhizome)
• FuLing (Poria)

2) Blood nourishing and Calms the Shen:

• DangGui (Chinese Angelica Root)
• SuanZaoRen (Sour Jujube Seed)
• LongYanRou (Longan Fruit)
• YuanZhi (Polugala Root)

After two weeks of taking the prescribed medication combined with acupuncture treatment once a week, he feels more settled. His sleep has improved significantly, and he reports increased energy levels as a result of better quality sleep.  Overall, his condition shows clear improvement, and the treatment appears to be effective at this stage.

References:

1) The Stages of Bereavement: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/grief-bereavement-loss/

2) From a TCM and anatomical perspective, good hydration can help:  Improve tissue elasticity
    reduce tightness in the scalp’s connective tissues, make needle insertion more comfortable, 
    potentially enhance circulation during scalp acupuncture.

3) Five Zang Organs (Wu Zang):  In TCM, the Five Zang organs are core Yin organs that store vital          substances (Qi, Blood, Body Fluids, Essence) and support overall physiological and psychological       balance. They are not just anatomical organs but functional systems with emotional and elemental          associations. 

4) Prescription of chinese herbal medicine and selection of acupoints in pattern-based traditional                 chinese medicine treatment for insomnia: a systematic review:                                                                 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23259001/

5) Effect of Kami Guibi-Tang (KGT) in elderly subjects with insomnia: a study protocol from a single        center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial:                                         https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12906-023-04199-y?utm_source

Brown Sugar Ginger Water: A Simple Comfort

 

Kit Li

A very close friend of mine, who lives far away, called me this afternoon asking for help. Her teenage daughter was experiencing intense cramping and had been lying in bed on the first day of her menstrual cycle.

Without hesitation, I suggested preparing brown sugar ginger water to help soothe the pain, warm the meridians, and dispel cold from her abdomen.

Two hours later, I checked in again. Thankfully, her daughter was able to fall asleep, and the pain had eased significantly.

What is brown sugar ginger water? It might sound like magic, but it’s actually a simple, traditional remedy. Made with just ginger and brown sugar, ingredients most people already have in their kitchen, it has powerful effects. Ginger (1, 2) helps warm the body, improve circulation, and ease cramps, while brown sugar provides gentle energy and comfort. Together, they soothe pain, relax tense muscles, and help dispel cold from the abdomen, making it especially useful during the first days of a menstrual cycle.

Did you know that in Traditional Chinese Medicine, fresh ginger, dried ginger, and prepared dried ginger can all be used in formulas, but each is chosen to treat different symptoms?

1. Fresh Ginger (Shēng Jiāng)

•     Nature / Flavor: Slightly warm, pungent
•     Channels entered: Lung, Spleen, Stomach

Functions:

• Releases the exterior and disperses wind-cold
• Warms the middle and stops nausea
• Resolves phlegm and detoxifies

Best for:

• Early-stage wind-cold colds
• Nausea, vomiting, poor appetite
• Mild cold in the middle burner

Most suitable for daily use and cooking.

2. Dried Ginger (Gān Jiāng)

• Nature / Flavour: Hot, pungent
• Channels entered: Heart, Lung, Spleen, Stomach

Functions:

• Warms the middle and dispels deep interior cold
• Rescues devastated Yang
• Warms the Lung and transforms thin mucus

Best for:

• Severe cold in the Spleen and Stomach
• Cold pain in the abdomen
• Yang deficiency with cold extremities, diarrhoea

Not suitable for heat conditions or long-term daily use.

3. Prepared dried ginger (Pao Gan Jiang)

This distinguishes it from regular dried ginger (Gan Jiang) and indicates it has been processed by heating to modify its properties.

It is warmer and more penetrating than fresh ginger, strongly warming the middle and supporting Yang, but is less harsh than raw dried ginger.

How to make Brown Sugar Ginger Water

Single Serving:

• Wash and peel 3–5 slices of fresh ginger (about 5–10 g). Slice thinly or shred.
• Add 250–300 ml of water to a small pot and bring to a boil. Add the ginger slices.
• Simmer for 10–15 minutes, then add 1–2 teaspoons of brown sugar. Stir until fully dissolved.
• Adjust the brown sugar to taste. Drink warm.
• You can add some red dates or Gouqizi (Goji Berry)

Contraindications

• Suitable for people with Yang deficiency. Not recommended for those with Yin deficiency, heavy phlegm-dampness.

• Not suitable for people with diabetes, gastric ulcers, or haemorrhoids. Ginger is warming and may cause internal heat; avoid consuming ginger at night.

It’s amazing how such a simple drink can bring comfort and ease pain. Brown sugar ginger water warms the body, soothes cramps, and reminds us that small, caring gestures can make a big difference.

References:

1) Ginger for Pain Management in Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38770631/

2) Efficacy of Oral Ginger (Zingiber officinale) for Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27274753/