Treating A Cold and Flu Naturally
With winter approaching, cold and flu season is almost upon us again. As temperatures fluctuate, you might find yourself with a sniffle, a cough, a fever or fatigue you just can’t shake off.
The symptoms you experience when you have a cold or the flu is the body’s way of telling you that it’s time to rest and nourish your body. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches us about more natural, gentle approaches to healing which readdress imbalances in the body.
You might be surprised to hear that in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the wind is believed to be an external force that can invade the body, disrupt balance and trigger illnesses like colds and flu.
So, if you want to prevent colds and flu or treat them using more natural methods, read on to learn about the importance of the Wind in Chinese Medicine and some steps you can take to keep yourself well as winter approaches.
Why is the Wind so important in TCM especially when experiencing a Cold or the Flu?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Wind is one of the six external pathogenic influences, alongside cold, heat, dampness, dryness, and summer-heat. Wind is considered the most powerful because it often carries other pathogens into the body, disrupting the natural flow of energy (Qi).
Wind is a metaphor for a disruptive force that can invade the body and cause imbalances. It is also often associated with sudden, moving, or changing symptoms, for example when we suddenly get a cold overnight or experience aches and pains that move around our bodies.
Wind can enter the body through vulnerable areas like the neck, head and shoulders, often called the “Wind Gate” by practitioners. Luckily, there are 5 simple steps that we can take to prevent this pathogenic factor attacking our bodies.
1. Keep Your Neck Warm
If you go away with just one take-away tip this winter season, then keeping your neck warm should be it. This is where the Wind can easily enter as it’s a very sensitive area and central to vital acupuncture points.
Always keep a scarf handy in your car or handbag to wrap around your neck when you need to cover it. In air-conditioned offices it’s easy to get a draught on your neck and back, so have a high-collared jacket or shawl that always stays at your workplace. And don’t forget to take a hoodie, jacket and long pants to change into after exercise. This is when you are especially vulnerable as your internal temperature is adjusting.
2. Eat Home-Cooked Meals and Bone Broth
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, food is considered medicine that heals, strengthens Qi (vital energy) and rebuilds the body defences. According to TCM principles, when you’re ill, your body needs warm, nourishing and easy-to-digest food.
Bone broth is a good place to start. Rich in minerals, collagen and gelatin, bone broth is known for its immune-boosting benefits. At first, the taste might take a bit of getting used to so add extra goodies like garlic, ginger, shitake mushrooms and green onions which also support immunity. Other favourite home-cooked dishes include simple soups like chicken or miso, congee and steamed green vegetables.
3. Have a Cold or the Flu? Respond Quickly. Recover Quickly.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, early intervention is key. If you catch the signs of a cold early and move quickly, you may be able to shorten its duration—or stop it altogether. But the trick is to follow this sequence step by step, not pick and choose.
- Take a hot shower. Let the steam open your pores and warm your body.
- Scrub your skin with a loofah or dry brush. This will help to stimulate circulation and support your body’s defences.
- Avoid getting your hair wet. The head is a sensitive area where the Wind can invade the body easily.
- Dress warmly straight after your shower. Putting on socks, a beanie and a hoodie can keep the warmth in and keep the wind at bay.
- Drink a hot toddy. This warming drink made from freshly grated ginger, lemon, and honey in hot water will soothe you from the inside. Add a splash of brandy or whiskey for some extra heat.
- Go to bed. Wrap up warmly and let your body sweat it out as soon as you feel unwell. Don’t wait until evening if you can.
- Rehydrate. Warm water, broths, and herbal teas will help replenish lost liquid after sweating.
This process not only boosts your immune system naturally but also reminds you to take care of yourself with intention.
4. Rest Rather Than Push Through
We’ve all soldiered on and tried to push through a cold when we shouldn’t have. When you get symptoms, your body is telling you to rest as healing takes energy.
Traditional Chinese Medicine tells us that when we rest, we allow energy (Qi) to be directed inward. This is where it’s needed the most as your immune system is trying to heal.
You know what it’s like when you are trying to concentrate on a complex task and there’s lots of background noise and distractions. It’s difficult to get the task done, right? It’s the same with your body – it needs peace and quiet to get the job done well.
5. Rethink Cold & Flu Medications
We might feel that we are aiding our recovery by reaching straight for cold and flu medications. However, while over-the-counter medicines can definitely offer short-term relief, they often suppress symptoms rather than supporting the healing process.
What’s more, you can experience side effects such as dryness, irritation or losing your voice after use. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, dryness can damage the Lung system, making it more difficult for the body to recovery fully.
Have you had side effects like this before? If your answer is yes, why not consider trying more natural, nourishing remedies instead of rushing off to the pharmacy right away.
Natural Remedies at Ultra Health Therapies
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, healing is not just about getting better, it’s about getting your balance back. We offer various natural therapies, including acupuncture and moxibustion, that our qualified practitioners use to address Wind-related imbalances.
If you would like to try Acupuncture to assist with returning your body back to balance, book an appointment with one of our Gold Coast Acupuncturists today. Call 07 5571 0001 or make an online appointment via the button below.
