It is that time of year – Cold and Flu season. Some people dread fall and winter because they are prone to illness. Why are some people more susceptible? Can you do anything to help prevent them?
What is the difference between the Cold and the Flu?
Otherwise known as the Common Cold it is highly contagious. It affects the upper respiratory system; therefore you feel symptoms of an itchy throat, runny nose, sneezing etc. Most medications available help ease the symptoms which can last from one to two weeks.
With the Flu or Influenza, symptoms of chills, fever, muscle pains, general weakness and sore throat are felt. Usually, influenza is transmitted from one infected person to another by coughing or sneezing. It can also spread via saliva and nasal secretions. Caution when touching door handles, taps in washrooms and keyboards. You can come in contact with the virus, touch your nose and now you have become infected.
Prevention is key to avoid catching these viruses. Ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly and that if you need to sneeze, contain it as not to spread it to others. It is also important to keep your body strong as possible so it can fight the virus more readily.
In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), Colds and Flu’s are described as invasions of Pathogens described as Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat. These Pathogens pass through the skin and pores. When the body is weak or stressed, the Pathogen can easily invade. If it is a mild Pathogen the symptoms can be mild. Contrary, if the Pathogen is strong, it can overpower the body’s defences, even if you are not feeling compromised.
Wind – Cold symptoms can be describe as a sudden onset of symptoms: a feeling of cold and a dislike of Wind, scratchy throat, runny nose with clear nasal discharge, headaches (back of the skull and contracts) and sore aching limbs.
Wind – Heat describes a person with fever, cough with yellow discharge, swollen tonsils, increased thirst and severe headache (whole head).
There are techniques that enable me the expel the Pathogens and strengthen the body's resistance. Cupping, Moxibustion and shiatsu on various acupuncture points are very effective in these situations.
Cupping is a technique whereby a glass cup is gently and quickly heated then applied to the skin. As the cup cools, a vacuum effect takes place. This method is applied mainly on the upper back and along the Bladder channel. This method expels Pathogens and remove congestion lingering in the body.
Moxibustion is a type of heat treatment using an herb, Mugwort. It helps to warm the body and by applying it to certain acupuncture points the Pathogen can be expelled. Moxibustion can also be used to strengthen the body by aiding in its resistance to Pathogenic invasions. Generally, treatment is best given in the initial stages of illness or if you are feeling susceptible because others around you are falling ill. Shiatsu is a great way to strengthen the body and can relieve you of some of the symptoms that you may be feeling.
Remember rest is always important, keep warm and cover your neck and back with a scarf. If ever in doubt, see your MD.
Please contact me with any questions that you may have.
