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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) typically classifies colds into two categories: Wind-Cold (Feng Han) and Wind-Heat (Feng Re). Wind-Cold colds are caused by the invasion of Wind-Cold pathogens, and should be treated with warming and dispersing herbs. If cooling herbs are mistakenly used, the Wind-Cold cannot be expelled through sweating, leading to a prolonged illness. Wind-Heat colds are caused by Wind-Heat pathogens, and should be treated with cooling herbs. If warming herbs are used, it may exacerbate the Heat pathogen, potentially leading to more severe illnesses. Wind-Heat can occur in all seasons, and it is important to distinguish between Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat to ensure appropriate treatment and avoid misdiagnosis.
Differentiation between Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat:
Fever Symptoms
Wind-Cold Cold: Mild fever. Severe chills. No sweating.
Wind-Heat Cold: High fever. Mild chills. Sweating present.
Rhinorrhea Symptoms
Wind-Cold Cold: Clear nasal discharge. Coughing with thin white phlegm.
Wind-Heat Cold: Yellow nasal discharge. Coughing with thick or yellow phlegm.
Throat Symptoms
Wind-Cold Cold: No redness, swelling, or pain in the throat.
Wind-Heat Cold: Redness, swelling, and pain in the throat.
Thirst Symptoms
Wind-Cold Cold: No thirst or mild thirst. Prefers warm drinks. Tongue coating thin and white.
Wind-Heat Cold: Thirsty and prefers cold drinks. Tongue tip and edges red with yellow coating.
Causes of Illness
Wind-Cold Cold: Invasion of Wind-Cold pathogens, leading to lung Qi deficiency.
Wind-Heat Cold: Invasion of Wind-Heat pathogens, leading to lung Qi stagnation.
Treatment
Wind-Cold Cold: Focus on dispersing Wind-Cold and using warming herbs to release the exterior [primarily inducing sweating and dispersing Cold].
Wind-Heat Cold: Focus on dispersing Wind-Heat and using cooling and detoxifying herbs.
Dietary Adjustments
Wind-Cold Cold: After taking medicine, one can drink some porridge or hot soup to induce mild sweating and help expel Wind-Cold.
Wind-Heat Cold: Drink plenty of water and maintain a light diet.
Dr. Chai Haoran has summarized three key experiences in differentiating Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat colds:
1. Differentiate based on constitution: Individuals with a Yang deficiency constitution often present with Wind-Cold symptoms, even when exposed to Wind-Heat pathogens, they may still manifest Cold symptoms. Conversely, those with Yin deficiency and blood deficiency often present with Wind-Heat symptoms, even when exposed to Wind-Cold pathogens, they may manifest Heat symptoms due to their constitution.
2. Differentiate based on suspected symptoms: Wind-Heat symptoms often include throat pain, while Wind-Cold symptoms may present with throat pain due to Qi stagnation and blood flow issues, characterized by pain without swelling, unlike the redness and swelling seen in Wind-Heat throat pain.
3. Differentiate based on tongue and pulse examination: Wind-Heat symptoms often show a thin yellow tongue coating, while Wind-Cold symptoms may also show a thin yellow coating due to exterior obstruction and Yang Qi stagnation. The key difference is that Wind-Cold symptoms present with a thin yellow coating and no thirst, while Wind-Heat symptoms present with thirst. Additionally, Wind-Heat symptoms often have a rapid pulse, while Wind-Cold symptoms may present with a tight and rapid pulse due to Cold obstruction.
Source: Grassroots Doctors Network
Submission Email: [email protected]
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