As the winter season approaches, many people find themselves battling colds, flu, and viral infections. While Western medicine typically takes a microscopic approach, focusing on identifying the specific virus causing the illness and prescribing targeted medications, Chinese Medicine offers a macroscopic perspective. Chinese Medicine emphasises restoring the body’s overall balance to combat acute illnesses and achieve long-term health.
Understanding the Body’s Defence Mechanisms during illness:
When symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, or fever manifest, they indicate the location of the pathogens within the body. The body’s defence mechanisms activate to expel these invaders, starting with sneezing or sore throat to rid the pathogen in the nasal cavity or throat. If these pathogens are not expelled, they may progress to the upper respiratory tract, prompting coughing as the body’s next defence line. Unfortunately, many people mistake coughing as a disease and attempt to suppress it with medications, inadvertently hindering the body’s natural defence mechanisms.
Fatigue and loss of appetite often accompany illness as the body conserves healing energy. During this stage, skipped or light meals and increased water intake with plenty of rest are recommended. As the pathogens enter the bloodstream, the body’s immune response is triggered, leading to a rise in body temperature. This increase in temperature enhances the immune system’s function, effectively combating viruses. Keeping the body warm and maintaining adequate warm water intake supports the body’s natural defences and aids in recovery. Methods such as inducing sweating from having a hot bath or promoting bowel movements can aid in expelling viruses efficiently.
Why are there variations in Symptom Severity?
Individual responses to viruses vary depending on internal body conditions. Chinese Medicine treatments including Acupuncture and Cupping help to strengthen the body’s immunity by improving circulation and organ function. Also, by creating an unfavourable environment for viral growth through the elimination of cold, heat and dampness with herbal remedies, Chinese Medicine treatment can significantly improve symptoms and prevent long-term health issues such as hay fever or allergies.
What you can do to maintain a Healthy Immune System:
- Avoid exposure to harsh weather.
- Keep the body warm and hydrated by drinking warm water.
- Reduce consumption of inflammatory foods such as dairy, sugar, deep-fried and processed food
- Limit the use of chemical products.
- Engage in moderate exercise.
- Have an adequate amount of rest and sleepImplement stress management strategies such as breathing techniques, meditation and cultivating a positive mindset.
Given the diversity of symptoms arising from varying internal conditions, seeking personalised treatment from a Chinese Medicine practitioner can offer more effective and tailored care against evolving viruses. During Chinese Medicine consultations, practitioners gather comprehensive information through observation, questioning, and examination to identify internal imbalances. By addressing specific imbalances within the body, influencing biochemical processes and helping individuals’s needs for a swifter recovery.