Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) cures and prevention for the common cold
1/16/12 at 4:00
Personally, I hardly ever get a cold! And I always decline getting the free flu vaccine. Maybe, because I spent over 30 years in the healthcare field, I have met all kinds of “bugs” and got naturally immunized. I do not know, really. But, I do know, that I will not get the flu this year either! Using my mind to stimulate the body’s natural self–healing mechanisms is one way to take command of my physical problems. It gives me a method for working actively on my own behalf. It cannot possibly hurt, and the benefits are surprising. But, here are some notes for all of you, who believe that getting the flu is “natural”: Facts: The definition of common cold by biomedicine: is a viral infection of your upper respiratory tract — your nose and throat. A common cold is usually harmless, although it may not feel that way. If it's not a runny nose, sore throat and cough, it's the watery eyes, sneezing and congestion — or maybe all of the above. In fact, because any one of more than 100 viruses can cause a common cold, signs and symptoms tend to vary greatly. Treatment: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a more colorful history of preventing, diagnosing and treating the seasonal cold and flu. Traditional texts such as Shan Han Lun and Wen Bing Xue provide guidance to effectively treat Wind Heat and Wind Cold patterns. Disease causes: natural endowment insufficiency (kidney essence deficiency), habitual body deficiency due to faulty diet, iatrogenesis, taxation/fatigue, internal or external invasion of wind evils. Disease mechanisms: Cold is categorized as external wind evil in Chinese Medicine. However, for these wind evils to invade the body, there must be an underlying defensive Qi deficiency. In simple terms, the body’s immune system has been compromised. Treatments: based on pattern discrimination: chills, headaches, etc. being considered the “branch” of the disease, while the immune compromised state is the fundament/base, the “root” of the disease. Skilled practitioner can identify and target these different aspects of a simple cold. For acute presentation with fever, chills, headache and sore throat, many herbal formulas are available with antiviral and or antibacterial properties (Yin Qiao San or Sang Yu Yin). Please discuss with your healthcare professional.
Prevention is the Key! Fundamental principles of TCM of course, “Treating disease before its occurrence”, and “Strengthen the defenses to prevent sickness.” Below is a checklist of things to avoid: • Stress and negative emotions • Sleep deprivation • Overwork and over-exhaustion • Diet high in sugar, caffeine and refined products • Under or over-exercise The simplest prevention of all is a restful restorative sleep. Sleep deprivation is a widespread issue in the Western world and plays a pivotal role in the healthy function of the immune system. Adequate sleep and proper hygiene are crucial factors in preventing colds and flu viruses and must be the foundation upon which herbs and acupuncture are added. Below actions to strengthen your immune system: • Reduce stress and maintain equanimity • Get plenty of rest and sleep • Pace yourself at work and in your life • Eat a healthy diet consisting of high fiber, low fat and at least nine servings of vegetables and fruits each day • Moderate daily exercise including cardiovascular and light weight training • Avoid drugs and chemicals whenever possible • Take herbs and vitamins that have been shown to optimize the immune system The Food we are eating! According to The Tao of Wellness, the following foods are recommended: • ginger • garlic • green onion, scallions • cilantro • mustard greens and seeds • cinnamon • basil In closing, natural therapies work when we lead natural lifestyles.
