5 Chinese Medicine Tips for a Cold-Free Fall

With the leaves changing and the days getting shorter, it is common for us to get under the weather from colds. Here are five tips to help prevent them.

1. Get Your Scarf On

That’s right, your favorite fall accessory isn’t just a fashion statement – it’s one of the best ways to keep colds at bay. According to Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) theory, colds energetically invade our bodies through our upper backs and necks. Wearing a scarf keeps these vulnerable areas protected, so be sure to bundle up, especially on those extra blustery days.

2. Sleep, Sleep, Sleep

There are a lot of different types of qi, or energy, flowing through your body. One of these types of qi, called “wei” or “guardian” qi works similarly to your immune system in Western medical terms. Guardian qi flows near the surface of your body and is constantly battling what TCM calls “external pathogens,” such as bacteria and viruses. When your Guardian qi is strong, it will prevent these pathogens from invading your body and making you sick. One of the best ways to keep your wei qi strong is to get enough sleep. Listen to your body and set aside enough time for sleeping to stay healthy through the season.

3. Teatime

All of your body’s qi is supported by your digestive system, and drinking warm beverages helps to keep your gut working at full speed. If you think you might have a cold coming on, grab some fresh ginger root and scallions and brew up this warm and spicy, cold-fighting beverage. Cut an unpeeled, thumb-sized piece of ginger into 1/4″ thick circular slices. Cut off the white parts of the scallion, including the roots (save the green parts for adding to your dinner later). Pour boiling water over the ginger slices and scallion ends/roots. Cover your mug and let it all steep for about 15 minutes. Drink up!

4. Boost Your Reserves with Acupuncture

Acupuncture nourishes the core of your body and fortifies your guardian qi to increase immunity. The acupuncture point Stomach 36 (“Zusanli,” “Leg Three Mile”) is located four finger-breadths beneath the knee on the outside of the shinbone. In studies, proper treatment of Stomach 36 increases white blood cell count. Along with being a great tool to aid in cold prevention, acupuncture is very effective at helping you fight a cold once you have one. Instead of battling with a stuffy nose for a week, acupuncture can compound your symptom presentation a couple of days, give or take. As the breezes chill, schedule yourself in for a treatment to harness your body’s natural healing abilities.

5. Gua Sha

Gua Sha is a pressing and brushing technique which requires a hard, smooth, round-edged tool. Gua sha tools vary in shape and size, ranging from carved jade to polished horn to porcelain soup spoons. I like the soup spoons best. After applying oil to your skin, I will press the edge of a sanitized spoon against your neck and brush it along the muscles in your neck and upper back. Gua sha translates from Chinese as “to scrape away fever.” The goal of gua sha is to create an outlet for the body to release stagnation or unwanted pathogens through the skin. Most commonly, gua sha is used to release common colds as well as chronic muscle tension. Think of how tense your body, and upper back in particular, get when you catch a cold. I offer gua sha appointments at my private practice and am happy to teach you how to do gua sha at home to protect against colds.