Reference; https://mbp-japan.com/jijico/articles/32368/
Modified and translated by CFJA
Can Acupuncture and Moxibustion Effectively Address Nasal and Ocular Discomfort?
Toronto is finally starting to feel like summer.
As I touched on this topic before, I’d like to revisit it again here on the blog.
Seasonal Changes May Lead to Overeating!?
Japan experiences four distinct seasons, and with them come four transitional periods. In traditional Eastern philosophy, the 18 days leading up to each of the seasonal markers—Risshun (beginning of spring), Rikka (summer), Risshū (autumn), and Rittō (winter)—are called Doyo. Each season thus has its own Doyo period: winter, spring, summer, and autumn.
For example, in 2025, Risshun fell on February 3rd, making the winter Doyo span from January 16th to February 2nd.
In traditional Eastern medicine, the Doyo period is associated with an increase in appetite. It becomes harder to feel full, and people tend to overeat—especially during winter, when physical activity tends to decrease. This naturally leads to weight gain.
During Doyo, the function of the spleen is believed to weaken, which can cause poor fluid metabolism in the body. When the spleen’s function begins to decline, symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion may emerge. At the same time, one might experience itchy eyes, red eyes, and increased tearing.
For some, additional symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Mild feverish sensation
- Irritability
- Itchiness in the throat, face, or neck
- Difficulty concentrating
In Eastern medicine, such a condition is described as being affected by “Evil Qi” (邪気, jaki), which includes:
- Fūja (Wind pathogen)
- Kanja (Cold pathogen)
- Shitsuja (Damp pathogen)
If a period of overeating lasts for one to two weeks, the function of the stomach and intestines may decline, leading to the manifestation of “wind” symptoms (fūja), which resemble common colds or seasonal allergies. Therefore, special attention should be paid to one’s diet and lifestyle during winter Doyo.
After Risshun, cedar pollen levels begin to rise around the Tokyo area—especially after Valentine’s Day. If someone already has weakened digestive function and then consumes too many sweets such as chocolate, this can further disrupt immune balance, exacerbating symptoms in the nose and eyes.
These “wind” symptoms can resemble those seen in:
- Influenza
- COVID-19
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
If medication alone is ineffective in alleviating these symptoms, it is worth considering overconsumption and weakened digestive function as an underlying cause.
What Can You Do to Prevent Weakened Digestive Function?
To avoid symptoms such as nasal congestion and itchy eyes, it’s important to reduce the burden on your digestive system. Here are key points to keep in mind during meals:
- Chew thoroughly
- Eat while seated
- Avoid snacking between meals
- Avoid cold foods and drinks
- Limit raw foods such as salads and sashimi
- Finish eating by 8:00 PM
Let’s look at these more closely:
- Chewing too little (eating quickly) impairs digestion. Chewing white rice at least 10 times and brown rice at least 30 times helps support digestion and eases the strain on your stomach and intestines.
- Eating while standing places stress on digestive activity. Sitting down helps stabilize internal organs and allows for more effective digestion.
- Giving your stomach time to rest between meals is essential. Try to avoid snacking as much as possible.
- Cold foods and drinks can fatigue the stomach. It’s better to consume items at room temperature or warm whenever possible.
- Raw foods take longer to digest. Be cautious not to overeat raw items like salads or sashimi.
- Eating late at night prolongs digestion time. It’s best to avoid eating or drinking after 10:00 PM.
For those with weak digestion, it’s essential to reflect on and adjust daily habits.
Could Overeating Be the Hidden Cause Behind Nasal Congestion and Itchy Eyes? 02