1. Jumping Out of Bed Too Quickly – Disrupting Qi and Blood Flow
It is common for people to jump out of bed as soon as they wake up, but this abrupt movement can be harmful. During sleep, Qi and blood circulation slow down, and blood pressure drops. Getting up too quickly can cause dizziness and even lead to cardiovascular issues or a stroke if the body doesn’t have time to adjust.
It is recommended to lie still for about 30 seconds after waking up, gently stretch, and then slowly sit up. This is especially important for individuals with high blood pressure or atherosclerosis.
2. Smoking Right After Waking Up – Damaging the Lungs
For many smokers, lighting up a cigarette is the first thing they do in the morning to “wake up.” However, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the lungs govern Qi throughout the body, and smoking at this time directly damages the lungs, causing Qi and blood stagnation. Over time, this can lead to coughing, phlegm, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
If quitting smoking is not an option, at least avoid smoking on an empty stomach. Drink a warm cup of water and move your body for a few minutes before smoking to reduce the harm.
3. Drinking Cold Water on an Empty Stomach – Harming the Spleen and Stomach
While some believe that drinking cold water first thing in the morning is an effective way to “detox,” Traditional Chinese Medicine holds a different view. It is believed that the spleen prefers dryness and dislikes dampness, and drinking cold water in the morning can damage the spleen Yang, leading to abdominal discomfort, poor digestion, and bowel irregularities over time.
Instead, drink warm water in small sips to allow the body to adjust. If you tend to have a sensitive stomach, try boiling some ginger slices and drinking the warm water to soothe the spleen and stomach.
4. Holding Urine and Staying in Bed – Damaging the Kidney Qi
Many people wake up and stay in bed, browsing their phones even when they need to urinate. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the kidneys govern the two openings, and holding urine for extended periods can disrupt bladder function and affect kidney Qi. This can lead to urinary tract infections and prostate enlargement, especially in middle-aged and elderly men.
It is advisable to urinate as soon as you wake up. If you frequently urinate at night, try consuming kidney-tonifying foods like yam, lotus seeds, and walnuts.
Morning Self-Care Tips
Hand Rubbing and Kidney Warming: Rub your palms together until they feel warm, then place them on your lower back (where the kidneys are located) and gently massage for 3-5 minutes to stimulate Qi and blood flow and warm the kidneys.
Warm Breakfast: Opt for warm and easily digestible foods like porridge, eggs, and steamed buns instead of fried, cold, or raw foods.
Gentle Morning Exercise: Go for a walk, practice Tai Chi, or perform the Eight-Section Brocade exercises to promote Yang Qi and energize your day.
