According to the CDC, flu season is on its way out! But based on the patients I’ve seen recently, it seems that colds are suddenly on the rise here in Central PA. Chinese Medicine would point to the drastic changes in temperature as the main culprit. After a cool weekend, then 90 degree temps, the AC in cars, offices, and homes are suddenly getting a workout, and so is your immune system.
According to Chinese Medicine, colds can be diagnosed two different ways. They are classified as either a “wind cold invasion” or a “wind heat invasion”. Typically the presentation is based on what type of weather the cold was conceived in. But with the drastic flip-flopping temperatures, I have been seeing both types presented. Acupuncture can help immensely when there is early intervention. If you begin to feel a tickle in your throat or achy, schedule an appointment the same day and you may be able to kick it out before it even sets in. If it’s too late, the symptoms can be greatly alleviated using Acupuncture, without the side effects of pharmaceutical decongestants and expectorants.
Below are a description of each type of cold and recommendations based on the type. Don’t fret if you are experiencing symptoms of both. As with everything, there are exceptions to every case. That is where an experienced Acupuncturist can help differentiate and come up with the perfect treatment tailored to your symptoms.
Wind Heat Invasion
•Very sore throat
•Thick yellow phlegm
•Phlegm may be difficult to drain or cough up
•Feeling of heat (may or may not register as a fever on the thermometer)
•Sweating
•Thirst for cold drinks
•Headache
Recommendations:
•Drink plenty of water
When in the shower, vigorously scrub your upper back and neck until red
Wind Cold Invasion
•Overall body aches/heaviness
•Chills
•Slightly irritated throat
•Thin, clear mucus
•Low thirst, but a desire for warm liquids (tea, soup)
•Heavy head and headache, more likely felt at the back of the head
•Stiff neck
•Sneezing
Recommendations:
•Light exercise, such as walking, to induce a very light sweat
•Spicy foods to induce some sweating (miso soup with scallions, chai without milk)
With both types of colds:
• Pears are great for soothing a sore throat and calming a cough.
• When traveling between extreme heat and cold, cover the back of your neck with a light summer scarf and gradually acclimate to the change in temperature.
• Before turning on the AC for the season, check and change air filters as needed.
• Avoid sugar and dairy, they both create more mucus
And of course,
• Be sure to drink plenty of water to help thin and expectorate mucus and replace lost fluids
• Wash your hands
• Sleep
• Schedule an Acupuncture appointment!