Let TCM coldsecretions run wild

Non-cured infections often cause serious illnesses

11/21/2012

Coughing, sneezing and constant nose cleaning dominate the soundscape in many places, especially in the cold season. Frequently sufferers also suffer from fatigue, headache and body aches. But most do not let a cold stop them and suppress the symptoms with cough suppressants, mucilaginators and analgesics to keep up with their work and personal needs. From the point of view of Chinese medicine, this is often the cause of many other diseases. „Simple infections are not trivialities but can promote or even cause serious illnesses if they are not cured“, warns Christian Schmincke, TCM expert and head of the clinic at the Steigerwald.

Thus, metabolic toxins secreted by cold or cough do not accumulate in inflammation of the respiratory organs according to Chinese medicine as so-called „cloudy heat“ in the blood and then sometimes pass into the lymph. However, since the discharge channels there are very limited in contrast to the mucous membranes, it causes congestion of inflammatory products. These, in turn, often lead to immunological aberrations - often months or years later. With sometimes dramatic health consequences such as painful joint complaints, severe skin reactions or autoimmune disorders, which represent a kind of delayed detoxification attempts of the body. To prevent this development, TCM experts recommend allowing the natural cleansing process for cough or cold infections. „Colds need the willingness to carry them off and not interfere with the healthy course with inhibitory drugs“, emphasizes Schmincke. „In many cases, it can be prevented that inflammatory impulses penetrate into deeper layers and, if necessary, cause other, serious episodes of illness.“ If chronically ill people catch a cold, they usually suffer even more clearly than usual from the symptoms of their underlying diseases, such as intestinal inflammation, joint problems, or multiple sclerosis, as a result of these metabolic processes.

The findings for the connection between the course of infection and the development of the disease, however, are used by Chinese medicine as a starting point for the treatment of such diseases. At the heart of the 5-pillar therapy concept is the drug therapy. Individual formulations of Chinese medicinal plants strengthen the clarification functions and support the organism in eliminating inflammation potential. Depending on the patient's condition and constitution, acupuncture and Qi-Gong are also used. „However, those who take the signals of the body seriously in advance, protect themselves, keep warm and eat little, can catch the infection in time and prevent the passage of the disease to the subsequent stage in many cases“, explains Dr. Schmincke.

Acupressure for stuffy nose
An effective point is two to three millimeters next to the nostril at the level of the nostril. To do this, press alternately with your fingernail alternately on the left and right sides and repeat until it tingles in the nose and relief occurs. If your eyes are watering, it's a good sign that the right point is being stimulated.