Treating the Common Cold
It is important to start treating a cold as soon as possible to get the best results. Being aware of early signs and taking some simple steps can help you sail through the cold/flu season!
Wind Cold Types
Typical Signs and Symptoms: Aversion to and wind, floating tight or slow pulse, recent onset chills more than fever, stuffy or runny hose with clear mucus, body aches, tickle in throat, maybe sneezing and cough; feel cold coming on.
Acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping can be very useful at this stage to open the nasal passages, “expel the wind and cold”, and keep the body aches at bay. Simple, often actually tasty Chinese medicinal teas are useful as well. If these kinds of colds are frequent for you, a different medicinal formula will be prescribed to build your body’s defenses and prevent a recurrence.
Recommendations for Self-Treatment
Keep warm (no drafts/ceiling fans)
Eat chicken or vegetable broth soup w/ginger, cayenne pepper, and scallions! If chicken soup is not easily available, pick up some ready make chicken broth and mix with ginger tea, fresh or dried ginger and add scallions/onions, cayenne. Mix and match – the key is warming spices and warm liquid! Add a bit of lemon juice for runny nose.
Use an aromatic oil or ointment to open sinuses and sooth body aches. Apply under your nose and on chest and shoulders, or steam and inhale.
Wind Heat Type
Typical Signs and Symptoms: recent onset sore throat, fever more than chills, thirst, sweating, aversion to wind, irritability, floating rapid pulse, bloodshot eyes, yellow nasal mucus.
Acupuncture, moxibution and cupping can be very useful at this stage to benefit the throat, open the nasal passages, “expel the wind and heat”, and shorten the duration of symptoms. Chinese medicinal teas are useful for this type of cold as well. If these types of colds occur more than once a season, and you tend to be busy and fatigued, keep a bottle of “ColdQuell” in your medicine cabinet (and one at work).
After a treatment, follow recommendations for self treatment.
Recommendations for Self-Treatment
Recommendation for Self-Treatment
Rest, drink lots of water
Eat chicken or vegetable broth soup with scallions
Drink mint or licorice root tea
Use an aromatic oil to clear sinuses, and stop pain and soothe the chest. Apply under your nose and on chest and shoulders, or steam and inhale.
Avoid heavy meals and rich, greasy foods
