In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), external pathogenic factors are categorized into Wind, Cold, Heat, Dampness, Dryness, and Fire, collectively known as the “Six Evils”.
Wind is ranked as the foremost of the “Six Evils”, indicating its primary role among various pathogenic factors.
“Therefore, Wind is the beginning of all diseases. When the body is calm, the pores are closed, and even if there is a strong and toxic wind, it cannot harm us; this is due to the order of the seasons.”
——Huangdi Neijing
Why does Wind Evil rank first among pathogenic factors?
● Firstly, it is related to its most significant characteristics, which are ever-changing, pervasive, and elusive.
For example, Wind Evil is like a robber, always finding ways to invade and plunder; once our defenses weaken, it can invade through our pores, causing illness.
● Secondly, Cold, Dampness, Dryness, and Heat often attach themselves to Wind and invade the body, such as Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat, and Wind-Dampness. Therefore, Wind Evil is indeed the precursor to external diseases.
Wind Evil acts like a leader; when Cold, Dampness, Dryness, and Heat see our skin’s defenses down, they will camp out and even invade our organs, ultimately weakening our bodies.
The two areas most easily harmed by Wind Evil are the “Lungs” and the “Head”
According to TCM theory, Wind is light and dispersive, possessing the characteristics of rising, moving outward, and spreading. Therefore, Wind Evil tends to affect the upper parts of the body, such as the Lungs and Head.
For instance, our colds, rhinitis, and migraines are often caused by external Wind Evil; even Cao Cao’s migraine in the Records of the Three Kingdoms was attributed to Wind Evil.
According to the Records of the Three Kingdoms, Cao Cao’s migraine was indeed caused by Wind Evil. The text refers to his condition as “head wind dizziness,” characterized by severe pain in the head.
In the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Hua Tuo proposed surgery for Cao Cao. He stated that to completely cure Cao Cao’s illness and prevent recurrence, he would first need to administer “Mahu Feisan” to numb the brain, then use a sharp axe to open the skull and remove the “Wind Phlegm”; only then could the root of the disease be eliminated, highlighting the dangers of Wind Evil to the body.
Learning to Avoid Wind is to Protect Our Yang Qi
The Suwen Yipian: Acupuncture Techniques states: “When the righteous Qi is preserved within, the evil cannot invade.”
The Suwen: Discussion on Febrile Diseases states: “Wherever evil gathers, its Qi must be deficient.”
1. Learn to Avoid Autumn Winds in Autumn
As we enter autumn, people often feel the chill of the autumn wind, especially in the early morning and evening. This season is characterized by a strong presence of Wind; there is a saying, “Autumn winds sweep away fallen leaves” which illustrates the power of wind at this time. Therefore, especially for the weak and elderly, it is crucial to avoid the wind.
Image: The Director of the Acupuncture and Tuina Department of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine guesting on a health program
2. Avoid Crosswinds
During hot weather, many people like to open doors and windows on both sides of their homes for ventilation, as well as to enjoy the cool breeze. However, this crosswind can create air convection, generally with a faster wind speed and cooler temperature, making it particularly easy to invade the skin’s defenses, especially for the weak and elderly. It is essential to be cautious and moderate to avoid illness.
Regularly Pressing These Acupoints Can Expel Wind and Disperse Cold
There are six acupoints named after Wind on our body, which are particularly effective for expelling Wind and dispersing Cold. The Fengmen (Wind Gate) and Fengchi (Wind Pool) acupoints are especially effective for this purpose.
Location:
Fengmen (Wind Gate): Located on the back, 1.5 inches lateral to the spinous process of the second thoracic vertebra.
Fengchi (Wind Pool): Located in the depression between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the upper trapezius muscle, level with the Fengfu acupoint.
The Fengchi acupoint belongs to the Gallbladder Meridian of the Foot Shaoyang; regular massage of this point can eliminate dark circles, relieve eye pressure, alleviate nasal congestion and rhinitis, and improve neck stiffness, especially for migraines. Pressing for one minute shows significant effects.
Regularly pressing the Fengmen acupoint can relieve colds, cervical spondylosis, shoulder pain, and other health issues.
Precautions for “Wind Prevention” During Autumn Outings:
“As Wind Evil is the leader of all diseases, it is present in all seasons, but is most fearsome in autumn. To avoid being harmed by Wind Evil, one must adapt to seasonal and environmental changes and adjust their lifestyle. With the National Day holiday approaching, those planning to travel should first check the temperature of their destination, pay attention to wind prevention, dress appropriately, and prevent headaches and colds, so as not to let the autumn wind dampen their spirits.”
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