Making The Common Cold Less Common with TCM

The common cold costs us about $40 billion per year—far more than other conditions such as heart failure and asthma. We spend approximately $2.9 billion on over-the-counter drugs; $400 million on prescription drugs to relieve symptoms; more than $1.1 billion on antibiotics (even though they do not have any effect on viral illnesses); and in excess of $7.7 billion on physician visits. However, this is just a small part of the total cost. Include the expense of about 189 million days of missed school, which causes parents to miss about 126 million workdays to take care of their children, and factor in the additional $20 billion in missed workdays due to ill employees, and you can understand how this dazzling $40 billion adds up.

Colds are often considered a necessary nuisance which helps strengthen our immune systems so that we are prepared to fight off more serious infections. However, no one wants to suffer, so what can you do to prevent colds and flu, or reduce the severity and duration if you do succumb?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes colds (called gan mao) occur when an external environmental pathogen, such as wind combined with cold (Wind-Cold gan mao), attacks and overwhelms the body. For example, when the temperature drops, you are tired and go outside without a scarf and jacket. A cold wind blows strongly on the nape of your neck and gives you a chill. The next day you wake up with a stiff neck and upper back, headache, runny nose, itchy throat, and perhaps a cough.

Another common TCM gan mao is caused by Wind-Heat, although it may not actually be caused by a hot wind. The symptoms of this kind of cold are different from the Wind-Cold type. Wind-Heat sufferers tend to get warm easily, perspire easily, may suffer from constipation, and have more fiery personalities. Symptoms of Wind-Heat colds include a sore throat, fever, yellow mucus, thirst and sweating. It is important to note each kind of cold is treated differently by TCM.

It is true there is no evidence that being chilled or overheated will make you catch a cold. However, putting stress on the body, both physical and emotional, can lower your immune system, thus making you more likely to get sick when a virus does attack. One way to prevent catching a cold is to reduce stress in your body. This does not mean staying in bed all day and avoiding all potentially difficult situations or people. You can live your life; just make sure to balance it with enough sleep, healthy food and water, relaxation and enjoyment. This is common sense to prevent a common cold.

You are probably aware of the most recommended ways to avoid being exposed to viruses and bacteria, but it’s always worth a reminder. Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth so you don’t introduce viruses into your body. Be considerate and cover your mouth or nose when you sneeze or cough. Try to avoid people with colds, though this is not always possible

TCM Prevention

Treatments

The proverbial "get some rest, eat chicken soup, and drink lots of fluids" are good suggestions as well. However, the “take two Aspirin and call me in the morning” suggestion may not be an ideal solution. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, “Researchers have shown using Aspirin to treat colds increases the amount of virus in nasal secretions, possibly making the cold sufferer a greater hazard to others.”

A cold generally lasts no more than two weeks, with most resolving themselves within one week. However, if you are experiencing shortness of breath or chest pain, persistent fever, inability to keep fluids down, painful swallowing, persistent coughing, or persistent congestion and headaches, it may be wise to consult a doctor.

You can keep your body strong with regular treatments, and a healthy body is less likely to get sick than a weak one.