According to Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) theory, fall is the most vulnerable time for the lungs. As the weather turns chilly, the lungs are most likely to suffer an attack of Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat (aka common cold) due to the invasion of an external pathogen. An external pathogen is any outside influence that causes illness (you can think of this in modern terms as a virus).
These pathogens are carried along on the wind and are thought to enter the body at the back of the neck (the "wind-gate"). You can keep this area protected by wearing a scarf when the cooler winds start to blow (ever notice you have an aversion to drafts when you're sick?). It's a good idea to get an acupuncture tune-up as the seasons change to strengthen and protect the body. You will also want to build your defensive Qi (i.e. immunity) by getting proper rest and eating well. Fall is the time to shift to warmer foods such as soups or stews. Be careful not to overdo it on salads or iced drinks in order to keep your body healthy enough to resist whatever is going around. Eating warm or room temperature foods will help prevent fatigue, increase the circulation, improve the digestion and discourage the buildup of phlegm.
If you have a history of getting frequent colds during fall and winter, you will need to get more regular acupuncture treatments focused on boosting the immunity. In addition to inserting needles into specific areas of the body, there are several needle-free ways of stimulating acupuncture points to clear pathogens from the exterior layers of the body. These include gua-sha, a light scraping technique applied to the wind-gate area and burning moxa, a warming herb with powerful effects. Your acupuncturist will also recommend a simple herb formula intended to support the lungs (such as Jade Windscreen) based on your particular TCM diagnosis. It is also appropriate to seek acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal therapy for allergies that worsen in the fall or as adjunct support for asthmatic conditions that are aggravated by the onset of cold temperatures.
If you start to feel run down to the point of being sick, try to find time to rest as soon as possible. Immediately take a dropperful of Gan Mao Ling, an anti-viral tincture made from the extracts of certain Chinese Herbs. You can obtain it from an acupuncturist who is certified in TCM Herbology. It is a modern formula that is extremely effective in fighting off a cold and was even given to health care workers in China during the SARS epidemic of 2002-3. Once you discover it, you won't leave home without it! Be sure to take a hot shower or sauna and then wrap up in blankets in an effort to sweat out the pathogen. Drink a cup or two of hot tea. If your throat feels sore or scratchy, dried ginger chews might make you more comfortable. See your acupuncturist as soon as possible. She will find an herb formula more tailored to your particular symptoms (runny nose, cough, etc.) and design an acupuncture treatment that will help the body expel the pathogen and shorten the duration of the cold.
Of course if your signs & symptoms are severe, you have a high or prolonged fever, and/or your condition doesn't improve within a few days, it's best to consult your regular physician.
One major strength of TCM its ability to treat each person as an individual with a unique pattern of health. No two people will suffer the same exact symptoms, therefore no two patients will require the same exact treatment. On the other hand, two patients may display similar symptoms for very different reasons. Your acupuncturist will be able to customize a treatment plan that addresses your own specific issues. Some conditions will take longer to resolve than others, but the "side effects" of the process are all positive: you can expect to see improvements in mood, energy, sleep and digestion.
Allison Keltner, L.Ac.
www.RemedeNaturopathics.com
