🤧In Chinese medicine, what are cold and flu?

caulocare
Jan 30
3 min read

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

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

Doctor of Acupuncture/Chinese Medicine

Caulo Care Acupuncture

🔖 By appointment only

📧 bookingcaulocare@gmail.com

☎️+1 (929) 269-4549

📍 75th Forest Hills, New York

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