Reference: https://mbp-japan.com/jijico/articles/32336/
Modified and translated by CFJA
Be cautious of temperature fluctuations around the beginning of winter when both warmth and coldness coexist!
This year, the beginning of winter fell on November 8th. Since then, we’ve entered a period of rapidly dropping temperatures. Mid-November, with its mix of warm and cold weather, is a time when people are susceptible to health issues. When you’re exposed to conditions where you sweat during the day, your body temperature rises. However, as the sun sets and the temperature drops, cold air enters through relaxed skin, causing your body temperature to drop.
You might notice that your skin feels cold when you touch it, but because meals and warm baths can raise your body temperature, it’s easy not to recognize the cold or temperature drop during this period.
When your body is influenced by the outdoor temperature, you might experience the following symptoms:
- Coughing
- Runny nose
- Reduced neck mobility, leading to the risk of straining your neck
- Reduced lower back mobility, leading to the risk of a back strain
If you find yourself in such a situation, consider the following precautions:
- Wear warm clothing to maintain body temperature.
- Use heating to raise room temperature.
- Consume warm food and beverages.
Paying close attention to your body’s signals and taking immediate action is the key to maintaining your health. However, if you experience a back strain, it’s important to rest and refrain from taking a bath. Actions like applying cold packs or massaging the affected area can worsen the condition.”
Do You Stop Feeling Cold When You’re Always in a Cold Room?
Until the beginning of spring (February 4, 2024), we’ll continue to experience the cold associated with winter, including ‘Shosetsu’ (Minor Snow), ‘Taisetsu’ (Major Snow), ‘Koshō’ (Minor Cold), and ‘Daikan’ (Major Cold). As the names suggest, after the start of winter, temperatures gradually begin to drop. In colder regions, ice forms, and snowfall begins. When nighttime temperatures fall below 18°C, it becomes challenging to maintain body warmth. Your internal organs make an effort to generate heat, so if you relax in the evening without wearing warm clothing or heating, you’re more likely to feel fatigued. Prolonged exposure to a cold room can lead to cold feet and a decrease in the functioning of organs located in the lower half of the body, such as the kidneys and bladder, causing various discomforts.
- Waking up in the middle of the night to use the restroom.
- Experiencing leg cramps in the early morning.
- Hearing ringing in the ears.
- Losing appetite.
- Feeling heaviness in the back of the head.
The above symptoms are observed when kidney function declines. Living in an environment with a room temperature below 18°C increases the likelihood of developing these symptoms and raises the mortality rate. Many patients who come for medical treatment have indoor temperatures below 20°C. Since many people live in north-facing rooms or basements, prolonged kidney function decline can lead to kidney diseases in those with weaker kidneys. Gradually, it can also place a burden on lung and heart functions, potentially leading to serious illnesses.”