5 Major Winter Health Hazards and Solutions
Winter Health Guide by Representative Director Shin Jeong-min of Ulfit Korean Medicine Clinic
01 TMJ Tension and Facial Asymmetry
- Cause: Contraction of muscles (masseter, temporal) due to cold and teeth clenching. Collapse of upper cervical spine alignment due to hunched posture.
- Solution: Check if three fingers can fit vertically in your mouth. Simply placing the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth and keeping your teeth apart reduces jaw muscle pressure by more than half.
02 Cardiovascular Disease (High Blood Pressure and Blood Clots)
- Risk Factors: Vascular contraction and increased blood pressure due to sudden temperature differences. The most dangerous time is right after waking up (6โ10 AM).
- Prevention: Warm up with indoor stretching before going out. Protect your neckโthe pathway for cerebral blood vesselsโby wearing a scarf (which can raise body temperature by 3 degrees).
03 Respiratory Issues and Decreased Immunity
- Problem: Cold and dry air reduces ciliary movement, which helps block viruses.
- Management: Drink lukewarm water frequently to keep mucous membranes moist. A mask acts as a natural humidifier that warms the air entering your lungs.
04 Falls and Fractures
โ Dangerous Habit: Keeping hands in pockets
Balance is significantly reduced, and if you cannot catch yourself with your hands when falling, it can lead to concussions or spinal fractures.
โญ Preventive Habit: Wearing gloves & stretching
Be sure to wear gloves to keep both hands free. Stretching your ankles and knees for 10 minutes before going out prevents 70% of fall accidents.
05 Dry Skin and Circulation Disorders
- Protecting the Skin Barrier: Moisturizer must be applied within 3 minutes after showering.
- Circulation Management: If your hands and feet are cold (e.g., Raynaud's syndrome), keep your abdomen warm. The core must be warm for peripheral blood circulation to be smooth.
Reclaim a healthy face and body at Ulfit Korean Medicine Clinic.
Consultation | Reservation