Avoiding the Common Cold

How would you like to spend less time feeling sick this winter?  

Did you know your secret weapon could be … a scarf?

It’s true! According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, you can greatly reduce your chance of catching the common cold simply by covering your neck in windy and cold conditions—even indoors, when air conditioning creates a breeze. 

The reason is that the back of your neck and the upper part of your back are what is known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as the “Wind Gate.” This refers to the wind’s ability to penetrate your body through your skin’s pores in that area. Long before Western medicine developed its knowledge of germs, the ancient Chinese taught that wind and cold invade the body and cause illness. The element of wind often brings the element of cold with it. This is why, when you catch a cold, your first symptom is often neck pain a day or two before your throat becomes sore and the sniffles begin. 

So as you head out to football games, apple orchards and homecoming this fall, bring your scarf! Cover your Wind Gate to help reduce your chances of catching a cold. 

But if you do find yourself faced with a cold this season despite your best attempts, Traditional Chinese Medicine can help relieve some of your symptoms, including congestion, body aches and sore throat. To learn more, click here to schedule a consultation or appointment.