Have you ever wondered why your grandmother insisted so much that you cover your kidneys? Or why in winter we say that the cold "gets into our bones"? It's not just an expression: we have several strategic points on our bodies that are especially vulnerable to the cold. If you protect them, you might just avoid catching a cold!
Both traditional Chinese medicine and contemporary medical studies agree that there are three areas of the body that act as "gates of entry" for cold: the neck, the lower back, and the ankles .
1. The Neck: first line of defense
Why is it so vulnerable?
The neck is a crucial passageway where important arteries, nerves, and the trachea converge. Furthermore, it is covered by thin skin and has little protective fat.
When it gets cold, blood vessels constrict, reducing blood flow and weakening the immune system of the respiratory tract, making it easier to catch colds and pharyngitis.
Traditional Chinese medicine considers the Feng Fu point (風府, "wind mansion") at the nape of the neck to be one of the main entry points for cold that causes illness. Therefore, we suggest you take special care to protect it:
- Windy days
- Sudden changes in temperature
- During outdoor exercise
- In the early morning and at dusk
How to take care of it?
Wearing turtleneck sweaters or adding a scarf, shawl or one of our Merino Fuji Collection neckwarmers , which, in addition to being ultra-lightweight and soft to the touch, look very elegant and you can wear them all day.
2. The Lumbar Zone: energy center of the body
Why are the kidneys so important?
The kidneys regulate fluid balance, filter the blood, and maintain blood pressure. Cold in this area can cause muscle spasms, lower back pain, and impair circulation throughout the abdominal and pelvic region.
As you know, the abdominal area also houses other vital organs. Keeping the core warm improves digestion, the immune system, and circulation, and offers relief from discomfort during menstruation and postpartum.
Popular tradition
"Cover your kidneys or you'll catch a cold" is a common phrase in our culture, but also In Japan, they consider it vital to specifically protect this area, which they call "hara".
When should you protect your lower back?
- During menstruation
- During pregnancy and postpartum
- When practicing yoga or sports
- While sleeping
- In sedentary jobs
- In environments with changing temperatures due to air conditioning, humidity, or drafts
The haramaki is the perfect solution : a soft fabric band that fits snugly, creating a loving thermal layer.
In our catalog you will find organic cotton models , reversible models to use as a fashion accessory, ultra-light merino models or special ones for pregnancy.
3. The Ankles: more important than we think
Although current fashion trends seem to neglect them, crucial superficial blood vessels and nerves run through the ankles, and the skin here is also relatively thin. If they get cold, it can lead to poor circulation in the extremities and increase the overall feeling of cold.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the ankles contain acupuncture points related to the kidneys and the immune system. Therefore, protecting them is essential for maintaining the body's energy balance and preventing respiratory infections.
Three connected points
These three points don't work in isolation. When one gets cold, the body tries to compensate, affecting the whole system. That's why protecting all three points simultaneously creates a synergistic effect that enhances overall well-being.
Some practical tips for your daily life:
- At home: Don't underestimate drafts. A lightweight haramaki will keep you comfortable without turning up the heat.
- At work: Keep a neck warmer or scarf handy for air-conditioned spaces.
- When playing sports: Protect your lower back during warm-up and cool-down. Mittens , beanies and turbans keep your wrists and head warm during outdoor activities.
Check out our collections of healthy fashion accessories at happybellybarcelona.com and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us.
Remember: taking care of yourself is like giving yourself a hug.
