Fighting Colds Chinese Medicine Style
We’re in that season when everyone is sick. Everyone is coughing, sneezing, and spreading their germs. Acupuncture, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in general, can help fight colds and other ailments this time of year.
Before going to bed, my friend Chloe would pick her nose and wipe it on the wall next to her bed. When her family moved, Chloe had the arduous task of scraping the walls next to her bed to clean off all the dried boogers. Gross!! I don’t know 100% of the whole story. Like, didn’t her parents notice the situation getting slightly out of hand? Did she spread them out on the wall or was there one clump? My point is, don’t be like Chloe!
I used to work with this guy Steve. Steve was a really bright acupuncturist but definitely aloof, and took horrible care of himself. One time he left needles in a patient for 3 hours but that’s another story for another blog. As an acupuncturist, I always thought he was a horrible role model for his patients. He smoked, ate horribly, had poor sleeping habits, didn’t wash his hands, and chewed on his nails all day. Don’t be like Steve!
Acupuncture and herbs are amazing at keeping the body balanced, strengthening our immune system, and, if we do get sick, decreasing how long it lasts. Come in this winter and keep your system in good shape.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the cold season is seen as a time when the body’s energy (Qi) is more vulnerable to external factors like cold and dampness, which can lead to imbalances and illness. To stay healthy during the colder months, TCM emphasizes maintaining warmth, strengthening the immune system, and supporting the body’s internal energy. Here are some key practices for staying healthy during the cold season according to TCM:
1. Eat warming foods
Foods like soups, stews, and congees with warming ingredients (ginger, cinnamon, garlic, onions) support Kidney Yang (the warming energy).
Bone broths: Rich in minerals and nutrients, these are excellent for nourishing the Kidneys and strengthening overall vitality.
Avoid cold and raw foods: These can weaken the digestive system and lower your internal warmth. Choose cooked, easily digestible foods.
2. Maintain Warmth
In TCM, it’s crucial to protect the body from external cold, as it can invade the body and disrupt Qi flow, leading to illness.
Dress warmly: Layer clothing and wear scarves, hats, and gloves to protect the neck, lower back, and kidneys, areas especially vulnerable to cold.
Avoid exposure to wind and cold: Stay out of drafts and limit exposure to extreme cold for long periods.
3. Boost the Immune System
In the cold season, the immune system (Wei Qi) tends to be more susceptible to external pathogens. TCM advises strengthening this energy through the following practices:
Herbal supplements: Herbs like astragalus (Huang Qi), ginseng (Ren Shen), and elderberry can help boost the immune system. These are often used in TCM formulas to protect against colds and flu. Also formulas such as Yin Qiao san can help to protect your system when everyone around you is sick.
Ginger and garlic: Both are warming foods with natural immune-boosting properties. Drinking ginger tea or adding garlic to meals can be beneficial.
Acupuncture: Stimulating certain points, like the “lung 7” or “Stomach 36, Kidney 6,” can help reinforce the immune system and prevent illness.
4. Hydrate and Moisturize
Winter can dry out the body, leading to issues like dry skin, cracked lips, or respiratory dryness.
Drink warm fluids: Instead of cold drinks, opt for warm herbal teas or soups. Teas made from chrysanthemum, ginger, or licorice root are especially good for warming and moisturizing the body.
Moisturize the skin: Use nourishing oils like sesame or almond oil to keep your skin hydrated and protect against dryness.
5. Sleep and Rest
The cold season is a time for rest and conservation of energy. TCM advises taking extra care to rest and replenish during the winter months.
Go to bed early: TCM emphasizes the importance of sleeping early and allowing your body to rest and repair during the darker, quieter hours of winter.
Minimize stress: Avoid over-exertion or overworking, as this depletes energy and weakens the immune system.
6. Mindful Eating
TCM recommends focusing on warming and nourishing foods in the winter:
Root vegetables: Carrots, sweet potatoes (my favorite), and squash are grounding, warming, and nutritious.
Congee (rice porridge): A common winter food in TCM, congee is warming and easy to digest. You can add ginger, cinnamon, or other warming herbs to further enhance its benefits.
Spices and herbs: Include warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and star anise in cooking to promote circulation and warmth.
By following these TCM principles, you can strengthen your body’s natural defenses, maintain balance, and stay healthy throughout the cold season. Get regular acupuncture, and if you start to feel sick, reach out for herbs that will decrease the length of your sickness.