Traditional Chinese Medicine was born in a time before microscopes and petri dishes; a simpler age when the elements themselves were beneficial or harmful for all human beings alike. The ancient Chinese keenly observed the ways in which our bodies would react to extremes in temperature devising a working theory on immunology that is practical and used clinically today. Let’s explore this ancient wisdom its practical strategies for bolstering immunity today.
The Wisdom of Wei Qi
Wei Qi, also known as Defensive Qi, plays a crucial role in TCM’s understanding of immunity. It circulates throughout the body’s exterior, residing in the Cou Li Space, which is the space between the skin and muscles.
Wei Qi warms the Cou Li and in tandem with the Lungs, controls body temperature by regulating the opening and closing of the pores. The Pores are known as the ‘Doors of Qi’; this is important in terms of sweating. Sweating helps to keep us cool when temperatures soar. But if our pores are too slack, they can let out too much sweat which in turn releases too much moisture and minerals (potassium, calcium, and sodium). If the pores are too tight, that means nothing is getting out, including toxins. Healthy Lung and Wei Qi ensure balance; we sweat when appropriate and therefore fend off pathogens and keep our body temperature optimal. Wei Qi is called Defensive Qi because it protects us. When it is strong, getting caught in the rain without an umbrella or being improperly dressed on a windy day won’t phase us one bit.
The Equation of Health
In simple terms, the equation for a healthy immune system in TCM is as follows:
Strong Pathogenic Factor (Wind, Cold, Heat, or Dampness) + Weak Wei Qi = Sickness
I’m sure some of you reading this are thinking to yourself, this is based on old wives’ tales. But the old wives were wise, my friends, because people can and do get ill from extreme drops in temperature.
I experienced this myself in September a couple of years ago. I went out for a sunset bike ride by the lake with only a light jacket. As soon as the darkness fell, the cool damp air coming off the water cut right thru my clothes. By the time I got home, my ears were burning with cold and ringing. The next morning, my right ear was blocked, my throat sore and I had chills. I did get a PCR test for COVID, but knew I was sick because I didn’t dress properly. Test came back negative, in the meantime, I did whatever I could to release this cold from my body.
Strategies for Strengthening Immunity
Now, let’s delve into the time-tested strategies used by acupuncturists and herbalists to combat common colds and flus (excluding COVID-19). Keep in mind that seeking advice from a professional is recommended due to the individualized nature of TCM treatments.
TCM practitioners begin by diagnosis through observation, examining your pulse, tongue, and symptoms. We will inquire about sweating patterns, runny noses, sore throats, and chills or fever. These observations help us create a diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.
Treatment Approaches
Depending on the diagnosis, TCM treatments may involve:
- Acupuncture: Utilized to ‘Release to the Exterior,’ expelling pathogens from the body while boosting Wei Qi.
- TCM Herbs: Prescribed to induce sweating (if not sweating enough) or release pathogens while preserving essential fluids (if already sweating).
- Cupping and Moxibustion: Additional techniques to help purge pathogens from the body.
- Dietary Recommendations: Recommendations typically include avoiding caffeine, sugar, dairy, and raw or frozen foods. Instead, focus on well-cooked, easily digestible foods, and maintain proper hydration.
Conclusion: Empowering Your Immunity with Ancient Wisdom
Lessons gleaned from centuries past still hold relevance in safeguarding our well-being today.
As autumn settles in with its chilly embrace, these TCM insights offer a blueprint for proactive health. By dressing warmly, consuming warming foods, and staying hydrated. Prioritizing self-care to manage stress and ensure you’re getting adequate sleep because the best way to tackle colds and flus is by preventing them in the first place.
In the timeless words, “You best protect your neck,” we find a call to action—a reminder to embrace the ancient wisdom of TCM and empower our immunity. So, as the seasons change, let us equip ourselves with the knowledge and practices that have withstood the test of time, fortifying our defenses and promoting well-being in the face of colder temperatures and external stressors. In doing so, we honor the enduring legacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine and embark on a path to a healthier, more resilient future.
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