Chinese Medicine and the Common Cold

January 8, 2017 Joe Brady

Common Cold and Flu

Joe Brady M.S.T.C.M., L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.

“Clinical studies have shown that Traditional Chinese Medicine can be a very effective approach to preventing the common cold and flu. By strengthening the body’s natural healing abilities we can enhance the immune system and resistance to disease.”

“Wind is the Mother of Germs” (old Chinese proverb)

Wind heralds changes in weather, and these environmental challenges to our health, open an opportunity for cold and flu viruses to take hold. In biology the phenomenon is know as heat shock response. Any dramatic change in the weather and environment causes proteins in production in the cells to become unfolded, including proteins called antibodies. Until the cell can refold these proteins they are useless. I heard one molecular biologist refer to them as cellular constipation. This effectively leaves the body open to infection more easily as the cold weather moves in heralding the onset of cold and flu season.

 

Colds and Flu in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Pathogenic wind cold or wind heat are the terms in Chinese Medicine that refers to the common cold and flu. Wind heat is most common in Colorado and it is characterized by a sore throat, low grade fever, yellow phlegm, dry cough, dry nose and eyes, stuffy nose with yellow nasal discharge, aching neck & shoulders, a rapid and floating pulse with a yellow tongue coating. The treatment principles are to course the wind, clear heat and resolve toxins (kill viruses and bacteria).

Tips from the Yellow Emperor’s Medicine Cabinet

 

Herbal Medicine

Early Stage Cold (when you first feel like you are coming down with something)
1. Gan Mao Ling (Common cold effective remedy pills)
2. Yin Qiao Chieh Tu Pien (Honeysuckle & Forsythia resolve toxins pills)
Late Stage (severe cold & flu)
1. Ban Lan Gen The main anti viral herb in TCM, shown to be effective clinically and in vitro against many different viral infections. It comes in many forms and is included in the following formulas.
These Formulas contain Ban lan gen and other herbs to enhance the effect
2. Gan Mao Tuire Chongji (Common cold remove heat instant crystal medicine)
3. Zhong Gan Ling (Heavy cold effective remedy)

 

Cupping and Gua Sha

Gua Sha – is a technique where you rub the skin on the back and shoulders with a flat piece of Jade or water buffalo horn. It is used on the back transporting points for the lung and others. You rub until a slight welt forms on the skin. Doesn’t sound like it but it feels great when you are sick and dramatically Reduces the symptoms.

 

Acupuncture and Acupressure

Acupuncture Points – Lung 1 (Central Residence) and Ren 17 (Pentrating fragrance) located on the upper chest, really help with the lung symptoms of the flu and Da Zhui (Big Bone) and Ding Chuan (stop wheezing) are points on the back of the neck for reducing fever.

Meditations for the Common Cold

Healing Sounds Meditation – When you are not feeling well, sit quietly and practice some Qi breathing. Breathe long and slow, the longer the inhale and exhale the better but don’t force it. Practice the SSSSS sound the healing sound for the lungs. 20 minutes of this kind of Qi Breathing and you will feel much better.

Acupuncture and Cupping Can Help

Acupuncture and Cupping – Acupuncture and cupping actually work very well on colds and flu. The acupuncture can help considerably to help the patient feel better while the herbs actually kill the virus.
Living Younger Longer Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Clinic

1529 York St. # 100 call for appointment if you would like to give Chinese Medicine a try.

Call 303 744-7676

Tai Chi Students and family get a 1/3 off discount from the regular fee of $ 60.
Practice your Tai Chi and eat your veggies – Every disease is a fight between the right Qi, (your basic health and immune strength) and the Evil Qi (viruses, bacteria, germs etc. ) The healthier you are facing any disease the better your chances. As Shakespeare said, “the weak must fall”.

Last but not least, don’t forget to wash your hands often!