Question
A 14-month-old girl has had dry and thick stools since 100 days after birth, with bowel movements as infrequent as every two or three days. In the past two months, many small pimples have appeared around her nose and mouth, and their number has not decreased but increased. Despite her good constitution and strong appetite, she often catches a cold, sometimes twice a month. The parents are confused about these symptoms and believe they may be signs of ‘upward fire.’
Answer
According to traditional Chinese medicine, ‘upward fire’ refers to an imbalance of yin and yang in the body, with excessive internal heat, manifesting as certain hot symptoms. For constipation issues, it is recommended to consume vegetables and fruits rich in fiber, drink plenty of water and beverages, and pay attention to a balance between work and rest, reducing the intake of spicy and fried foods.