10/13/2024
As we move into the colder months, many people start to experience common cold symptoms. While over-the-counter medications may offer temporary relief, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) takes a different approach, addressing the root causes of illness to promote long-term health and balance.
The Common Cold in TCM:
Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat From a TCM perspective, the common cold is viewed as an βexterior syndrome,β typically caused by an invasion of external pathogens combined with a weak body constitution. TCM categorizes the common cold into two main types: wind-cold and wind-heat.
ο· Wind-cold: This type of cold is often caused by exposure to cold environments and a deficiency of lung energy. Common symptoms include severe cold sensitivity, mild fever, body aches, headache, nasal congestion, and runny nose. Treatment focuses on warming the lungs and expelling the cold, often through warming herbs and acupuncture. Drinking hot soup or porridge and allowing the body to sweat is encouraged to speed up recovery.
ο· Wind-Heat: Stress and a weakened immune system can make the body vulnerable to heat pathogens, leading to a wind-heat type of cold. Symptoms include fever, sweating, sore throat, cough with sticky phlegm, and a stuffy nose. Treatment involves clearing heat and toxins from the body with specific herbal remedies and acupuncture techniques.
Regardless of the type, the best way to fight off a cold naturally is to stay hydrated, eat lightly, and seek timely acupuncture or herbal medicine to restore balance to the body.
DK- Holistic Health Clinic offers customized treatment plans using Japanese and traditional acupuncture techniques and personalized herbal formulas. If youβre still struggling with symptoms of the common cold or COVID, contact us today. Weβre here to support your health and speedy recovery.