top of page

🤧In Chinese medicine, what are cold and flu?

Writer's picture: caulocarecaulocare

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Treatments for Colds and Flus

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the common cold (感冒, Gǎn mào), and flu (流感, Liú gǎn) as external invasions of pathogenic components, mainly due to an imbalance of wind, which is frequently associated with cold, heat, dampness, or dryness. These elements interfere with the passage of Qi (energy) in the body, especially in the lungs, spleen, and Wei Qi (defensive energy).




1. Causes of Cold and Flu in TCM

In TCM, colds and flu are caused by external pathogenic factors that invade the body when the immune system (Wei Qi) weakens. The main patterns include:

1. Wind-Cold (风寒, Fēng hán) → More common in winter

2. Wind-Heat (风热, Fēng rè) → More common in summer/spring

3. Dampness Invasion (湿邪, Shī xié) → Can be present in humid climates

4. Qi Deficiency (气虚, Qì xū) → Weak immunity leading to frequent colds


2. Types of Cold and Flu in TCM

A. Wind-Cold Type (风寒感冒)

🩺 Symptoms:

  • Chills more severe than fever

  • Stiff neck, body aches, and headaches

  • Runny nose with clear mucus

  • No sweating, sneezing

  • Cough with thin white phlegm

  • Tongue: Thin white coating

  • Pulse: Tight and floating

🩹 Treatment:

  • Expel Wind and Warm the Lungs

  • Promote sweating to release pathogens

  • Herbs: Ma Huang (Ephedra), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon), Sheng Jiang (Ginger), Zi Su Ye (Perilla Leaf)

  • Acupuncture: LI4 (Hegu), LU7 (Lieque), GB20 (Fengchi), BL12 (Fengmen)

B. Wind-Heat Type (风热感冒)

🩺 Symptoms:

  • Fever more severe than chills

  • Sore throat, red swollen tonsils

  • Yellow nasal mucus

  • Thirst, dry mouth

  • Cough with thick yellow phlegm

  • Tongue: Red with yellow coating

  • Pulse: Floating and rapid

🩹 Treatment:

  • Clear Wind-Heat and cool the Lungs

  • Herbs: Sang Ju Yin (Mulberry & Chrysanthemum Decoction), Yin Qiao San (Honeysuckle & Forsythia Powder), Bo He (Mint), Lian Qiao (Forsythia), Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle)

  • Acupuncture: LI11 (Quchi), DU14 (Dazhui), LI4 (Hegu), LU10 (Yuji)

C. Dampness Type Cold (湿邪感冒)

🩺 Symptoms:

  • Heaviness in the body

  • Fatigue, sluggishness

  • Nausea or digestive discomfort

  • Thick, sticky mucus

  • Tongue: Greasy white or yellow coating

  • Pulse: Slippery

🩹 Treatment:

  • Expel Dampness and strengthen Spleen function

  • Herbs: Huo Xiang (Patchouli), Cang Zhu (Atractylodes), Ban Xia (Pinellia), Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel)

  • Acupuncture: SP9 (Yinlingquan), ST36 (Zusanli), CV12 (Zhongwan)

D. Qi Deficiency Type (气虚感冒)

🩺 Symptoms:

  • Frequent colds and weak immunity

  • Low energy, fatigue

  • Spontaneous sweating

  • Pale complexion

  • Weak voice

  • Tongue: Pale with a thin white coat

  • Pulse: Weak

🩹 Treatment:

  • Strengthen Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) and boost immunity

  • Herbs: Huang Qi (Astragalus), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), Dang Shen (Codonopsis)

  • Acupuncture: ST36 (Zusanli), BL13 (Feishu), LI4 (Hegu), CV6 (Qihai)

3. Prevention and Lifestyle in TCM

🌿 Dietary Therapy:

  • Warm foods (for Wind-Cold): Ginger tea, scallions, cinnamon

  • Cooling foods (for Wind-Heat): Pears, chrysanthemum tea, mint

  • Avoid greasy, dairy, and cold/raw foods during illness

🧘 Lifestyle & Prevention:

  • Keep warm in cold weather to prevent Wind invasion

  • Maintain strong Wei Qi through proper sleep, stress reduction, and exercise (Tai Chi, Qi Gong)

  • Regular acupuncture and herbal tonics to boost immunity

In traditional Chinese medicine, colds and the flu are seen as bodily imbalances brought on by exogenous pathogens. Using acupuncture, herbs, and lifestyle modifications, TCM offers customized therapies based on the type of sickness (Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat, Dampness, or Qi Deficiency) to naturally enhance immunity and restore balance.  🌿💆‍♂️


This information is merely informative and is not regarded as health advice. 

Any medical advice or diagnosis should be sought from a specialist.

Acupuncture near me at Forest Hill, New York 

🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷

Dr. Phumlarp Caulo LA,c, MAc. OM, DAHM

Doctor of Acupuncture/Chinese Medicine 

Caulo Care Acupuncture 

🔖 By appointment only

☎️+1 (929) 269-4549

📍 75th Forest Hills, New York

🧾 We accept Cash/Credit Card/ Major Insurance & International Student Insurance


1 view0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


we are currently serving customers by appointment only. Please note that walk-ins are not available at this time. We kindly ask you to schedule and confirm your appointment in advance.

Contact Us

75-52 113th St (Office BF)

Forest Hill, New York 11375

Tel. : +1 929-269-4549

Email : bookingcaulocare@gmail.com


Free parking on 113th Street
2hr. Meter Parking on 76th Ave. & on Queens Blvd
Garage Parking on Queens Blvd, Between 75th Ave & 76th Rd


{Subway E or F to Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike or 75 AVE Station}

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube

© 2023 Caulo Care.

Thanks for submitting!

bottom of page