As the weather dives into lower temps, we enter yet another cold and flu season. It’s the time of year when the chances of “coming down with something” increase. Everywhere you look there are over-the-counter cold and flu products being advertised to keep you safe from the lurking ailments that may afflict you. Flu vaccinations are being offered left and right. When you head out for errands, it may seem like everyone has a runny nose or is coughing. Perhaps you yourself have come down with something. Not to fear, Chinese medicine is here to help!
From a Chinese medicine perspective, there is more than one way to categorize and diagnose different types of Colds and cases of Flu, based on your signs and symptoms. For example, some Colds may present with more heat-related symptoms like fever and swollen throat; whereas other Colds may present with more cold-related symptoms like chills and a drippy nose. There are some cases where symptoms blend together like alternating chills and fever; some cases present with a lot of mucus and phlegm, while others are more dry and hoarse. Some people experience big and severe symptoms whereas others may feel weak and run down. We also differentiate by affected body parts: some are more sinus-related, throat, chest, or digestive.
From a Western medicine perspective, common colds and influenza are viral infections that affect our respiratory system. Many times, we see patients taking antibiotics that treat bacterial infections, not viral infections.
Overuse of antibiotics can deplete your healthy bacteria, making us less resistant to infections. Over the counter medications may dull out symptoms, but they won’t help your system fight it off.
Chinese medicine can help reduce both the symptoms and the duration. The time to come in for a treatment is at the very first sign of not feeling well or a bit run down. Notice what your early red flags are when your immune system is feeling low. Common early symptoms may be:
● Slight chilliness
● Sniffly or a few sneezes
● Sensitivity to wind or drafts
● Feeling a little sweaty
● Scratchy throat
● Achy neck and shoulders
There is no “one-size fits all” approach to treatment. Depending on your signs and symptoms, your practitioner will use different acupuncture points, herbal formulas, and separate modalities such as gua sha that are specific for your diagnosis.
Prevention
Prevention is key to warding off colds and flu. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth when possible.
We have a concept in Chinese medicine called Wei Qi which is our outer defense system that protects us from pathogenic influences, like the invading viral infections. Which, if you think about it, kind of sounds like our immune system! If you’re someone who gets sick easily and often, it would be helpful to start treatment a season before flu-season to boost your immune system and strengthen your Wei Qi. One of our favorite formulas we use for this is called Yu Ping Feng San, which translates to “Guard Against The Wind” – think of wind as the carrier for airborne pathogens that affect our respiratory system. Wearing a scarf is a simple way of protecting the neck from the cold wind.
What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is a technique where the skin surface is scraped with the edge of a ceramic tool using a pressing motion. Gua Sha stimulates microcirculation as it expands blood vessels to increase blood flow. It increases immune cell activity. It was found in a research study conducted on the immune response, that Gua Sha increases pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreases immunosuppressive cytokines. Cytokines are substances secreted by cells that have an effect on the immune system’s function. In other words, this chemical found in your cells jumpstarts your immune system’s ability to fight back against viruses and bacteria.
The skin is the largest physical immunological barrier against our external environment, and in Chinese medicine the skin relates to the Lung. The cold and flu usually affect the respiratory system and the immune system causes an inflammatory response to battle it, hence congestion and phlegm production.
Gua Sha is prescribed when patients sense they are at the beginning stages of developing respiratory symptoms, or are experiencing a full blown cold or flu. Gua Sha is applied to the back of the neck, upper shoulders and mid back. The lymphatic system runs along these areas, therefore Gua Sha drains the lymphatics which assists in decongestion. Gua Sha has been shown to break fevers and decrease pain associated with the cold and flu. Gua Sha supports the immune system function to speed up your recovery time from colds and flus.
Even though we could talk all day about how wonderful Gua Sha is, we will leave it there. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Onyx, and thank you for reading!