Treatment of Common Cold and Seasonal Flu with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Did you know that the Common Cold and Flu is Chapter 1 in most Chinese Medical texts. In traditional China, it was the most common ailment and if not treated properly could easily become a serious problem. In Chinese Medicine we speak of two distinct types known as Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat. Wind is what carries the external pathogen into the body via the nose and mouth or our pores when open. Wind-Cold most often leads to sinus congestion, headache, upper back/neck stiffness, aversion to cold and low energy -- typical symptoms of a catch-cold. Wind-Heat often presents with a pronounced sore throat, fever, sweating, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea -- typical symptoms of the flu.

Each requires its own unique treatment to be effective and the sooner the better to prevent pathogenic factors from going deeper. In both cases the aim is to expel the pathogen and restore Righteous Qi throughout the body. Additionally, heat may need to be cleared and fluids restored in Wind-Heat, while in Wind-Cold we often work to resolve damp-phlegm that accumulates in the sinus cavities and lungs.

Acupuncture is great for activating the Lung and Wei (Defensive) Qi of the body to help expel the pathogen while clearing heat or warming the cold to restore health quickly and without side-effects. Herbal medicines work in similar ways, but can also kill the pathogen and more effectively resolve mucous. Together acupuncture and herbs are a powerful combination that have worked wonders for millions of people over thousands of years.

Please don't hesitate to call if you're getting sick or are already sick. And if you're well, here's how to minimize your risk of getting sick at all!

1. Reduce stress – Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system which is primarily about 'fight or flight' drawing nutrition out of the organs and into the limbs to either stand up and fight or make a break for it. Without adequate resources the immune system is weak and body vulnerable to attack. Non-competitive exercise , being outdoors, meditation , and adequate sleep are just a few ways to reduce your stress.

2. Eat right – Once again this is about providing the necessary resources for your immune system while avoiding foods and drinks that feed the bad guys. Eating right means whole foods and all natural ingredients, not prepared foods and artificial ingredients.

3. Supplements and/or Herbs – When you can't or won't get proper nourishment from your food, supplementation can be the key. Also herbal formulas offer customized solutions for your unique chemistry and can be modified to add a little extra immune boosting, pathogen fighting power.

4. Cover yourself – Wind carries external pathogens from one person to the next and we are more susceptible in colder weather. Be sure to keep yourself covered up especially around the upper back and neck.

5. Watch yourself – Wash your hands frequently and keep them (and those of your children) out of your mouth and nose! Also watch that your food and drink is not contaminated before making it to your mouth.

Prevention is always the best cure, but it's a good idea to be prepared to fight off a bug and avoid the late-night trip to the drug store for fever and cough medicines that work poorly and can be dangerous or to the doctor for antibiotics that are often unnecessary and come with many potential side-effects. Four key herbal medicines that I stock at home are as follows:

Yin Qiao San – for early stage catch cold with sore throat (Wind-Heat).
Jing Fang Bai Du Wan – for early-mid stage catch cold with sinus congestion, headache, cough (Wind-Cold). *May replace with Ren Shen Bai Du Wan for children, elderly or otherwise depleted individuals.Bi Yan Pian – for mid-late stage sinus congestion with yellow-green mucous... also good for preventing and treating ear infections.
Bai Hu Tang - for severe Wind-Heat with high fever, sweating and thirst.