Monday, October 13, 2014
External Pathogenic Invasion: Remedies for Wind-Cold
10:45 PM | 
Posted by
Kaplan Center for Health and Wellness
By Mary Oleksowicz, MSTOM, L.Ac.
Last time we reviewed the idea of wind-cold invasion and how
the pathogen can cause signs and symptoms such as headache and nasal discharge.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), warming foods especially those that
promote perspiration are recommend to counteract the illness. It is generally
advised that when feeling ill to eat lightly and avoid foods that are extremely
cold. This would include iced beverages, ice cream, salad and raw vegetables.
Miso soup is highly recommended. If you are unfamiliar with miso, it is fermented
soy bean paste that is available in many
stores. Combined with slices of the white bulb found at the base on scallions,
miso soup can be helpful in reducing the duration of the illness.
Not all treatment of wind-cold invasion is internal. Gua sha
is an external scraping of the skin that is said to “release” the pathogen from
the body. Many cultures ascribe to this practice which can also be called coining
due to the use of coins in the practice. Gua sha uses instruments to produce
redness and inflammation which stimulates the immune system. This can help your
body heal more quickly. From a TCM perspective the process is said to “release
the exterior“ allowing the pathogen to leave your body. Gua sha should be implemented by an
experienced practitioner.
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