01Introduction
As winter begins, the warmth of home heating combined with the cold outside, along with the ongoing pandemic, makes it easy to catch a cold. Today, I will provide some information on what to do if you experience mild cold symptoms while at home.
Colds can be classified into wind-cold and wind-heat types, which is crucial to clarify before taking preventive measures. Our discussion today primarily targets those who have been exposed to wind-cold, are on the verge of catching a cold, or have just started to experience symptoms such as headache, nasal congestion, sensitivity to wind, and neck stiffness.
02Da Zhui Point
The Da Zhui point, located on the Du Meridian, is a key regulator of Yang energy in the body.Many patients who have been exposed to wind or cold often feel stiffness and discomfort in the neck during the early stages, at which point, we can target the Da Zhui point.
Method of Application:
1. Use a hairdryer to blow warm air on Da Zhui: In the early stages, if no medication is available, you can use a hairdryer set to warm air, directing it at the Da Zhui point to stimulate the Du Meridian and disperse wind and cold. The ideal outcome is to have the nasal passages clear up. After warming, be sure to wear a scarf or additional clothing to prevent re-exposure to cold.
2. Use a warming patch for heat application on Da Zhui: If the above method is inconvenient, you can use a heating patch (a women’s abdominal patch can also be used) applied to the Da Zhui point, which can also help disperse wind and cold.
03Feng Chi and Feng Fu Points
As the names suggest, these are two areas prone to wind exposure. These two acupoints are also important for treating wind and cold conditions.
Method of Application:
1. Use a hairdryer to blow warm air on Feng Chi and Feng Fu: same method as above.
2. Rub Feng Chi and Feng Fu: Rub your hands together to warm them, then massage the Feng Fu and Feng Chi areas. Those who are cold-sensitive may experience soreness or pain during the rubbing.
04Foot Soaking
The feet are the roots of the body, and all six meridians run from the feet. At the onset of a cold or when feeling like one is about to catch a cold, soaking the feet can be beneficial. It is best to use a foot-soaking bag. If unavailable, you can add some ginger, Sichuan pepper, and cinnamon to the water to enhance the warming and cold-dispersing effects.
Precautions: When soaking, the water should at least cover the ankles by three fingers. It is also advisable to have a slight sweat on the back. After soaking, avoid wind exposure, and ensure the feet and back do not get cold again.
05Simple Cold Remedy
If mild symptoms such as coughing, clear nasal discharge, and sensitivity to cold have already appeared, and you do not have cold medicine on hand, you can use a stronger dose of ginger, brown sugar, combined with three segments of scallion whites (preferably with roots), boil in water, and drink while hot. Then wrap yourself in a blanket to induce slight sweating.
Subsequently, pay attention to light diet, drink hot porridge, and nourish the spleen and stomach to help restore the vital energy.
Note: The first three methods can be used not only for the early stages of a cold but also as general preventive measures against colds. The above suggestions are for special circumstances. If discomfort persists, it is advisable to consult a professional doctor for targeted medication.
◎ Some images and text are sourced from the internet, and copyright belongs to the original authors. Due to individual differences, the content is for reference only. If necessary, please seek timely medical attention from a professional doctor. If there are any inaccuracies, please contact us promptly, and we will address them as soon as possible. Thank you!Shan Zhi TCM Physician Team
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