Erkältung aus Sicht der chinesischen Medizin

...six acupuncture points against colds

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Background information

TCM background information

Cold

 

From the point of view of TCM there are 4 physiological stages the common cold (I-IV) and 2 pathological stages (V+VI) of the common cold. External but also internal influences contribute to its development. If we consider the external influences, we can cite the following factors.

 

Cold: Cold often affects the lungs or, in the lower body, the bladder, leading to cystitis.

 

Wind: Wind is the means of transport of climatic factors. Wind makes it possible that cold, but also heat can penetrate as deep as possible into the body. Wind very often leads to eye symptoms, such as conjunctivitis or reddened eyes.

 

Drought: Leads to mucosal desiccation and thus the lungs become susceptible to bacteria and viruses that infect the body.

 

During a cold, the following organs are affected:

Eyes, nose, sinuses, frontal sinuses, ears, throat, bronchi, bladder

 

The pathogenic agent penetrates the body from the outside to the inside. The deeper it penetrates, the more severe the symptoms and the more difficult it becomes to treat it. This was already recognized by Zhang Zong-Jing in 220 A.D. In his work Shang Han lun ("On Cold Causing Damage") he described 6 layers through which the disease-causing (pathogenic) factor penetrates deeper and deeper into the body.

 

 

The 6 layers of the common cold

 

1.) Early stage - stage I

 

In the very early stage, a few simple acupuncture points can help sweating. This can intercept the disease in the early stages when the body is strong enough. This works when the nose is still slightly stuffy and there is mild pain in the limbs.

The points in the case would be Di4, Di11 and Lu10

 

2.) Stage of the immune defense

 

At this stage, the Wei-Qi (immune energy) has been activated and symptoms such as: Chills and irritation of the mucous membranes. The symptoms are still superficial and have not penetrated to the level of the organs. However, this stage lasts only for a very short time. After a few hours it passes to the next stage. If you manage to treat in this stage, the infection is over after 2 hours. However, this requires an experienced therapist who can assess the situation.

 

3.) Stage of mobilization

 

If the infection could not be intercepted, it moves to the next stage. Now the defense functions are activated. Antibodies are formed and the typical cold symptoms such as fever, cough and pressure on the sinuses develop.

 

4.) Stage of calming and regeneration.

 

This is the end of the cold process. This stage is reached when the 3rd stage has passed completely and naturally. In the 4th stage, the immunological process comes to an end. The immune system is shut down again.

In this phase, stress can be particularly harmful because this process is not completely finished and thus residues of the infection can remain in the body. Even if medications are taken that are supposed to suppress an influenza infection, "infection remnants" can remain in the body. In the weeks and months that follow, you simply never feel really healthy, even though there are no longer any symptoms.

 

 

5.) Chronification stage

 

This stage brings us to the last two pathological stages. Here the body, if it could not heal properly in stage 4, catches up with certain inflammatory processes. Recurrent (relapsing) inflammations and infections occur. The immune system is constantly latently active and slackens under the constant activity.

 

6) Generalization stage

 

This is the last stage, in which it also comes to the damage of organs and tissues. Often years after the initial infection, in which one was symptom-free, it comes to a renewed activation and this time organs, such as the lungs are also permanently damaged.

 

The last two stages should be avoided at all costs and therefore every infection should be completely cured. Acupressure and herbs are valuable and supportive measures that help the body to deal with the situation in the best possible way during this time.

 

 

 Tips about the common cold

 

 

  • Perform alternating showers. Shower the body with warm water for 60 seconds, then with cold water for 15 seconds. Do this a total of 3 times alternately.

  • Avoid contact with infected persons if possible

  • Wash and disinfect hands often and thoroughly

  • Practice Qi Gong and Yoga

  • Use natural herbal preparations

  • The very first thing in the morning drink a large glass of Tap water. The body loses more than half a liter of water during the night through sweating and breathing. However, the body needs water to regulate blood pressure.
Acupen

Gb 20 "Wind Pond" - Fengchi

One of the main points for eye discomfort and ear problems.

 

  - Location:

In the depression between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the trapezius muscle. On a level with LG16

 

- Traditionally classified as:

Neck pain, neck stiffness (due to drafts), headaches, dizziness, fear of heights, blurred vision, tinnitus and hearing loss, memory impairment.

 

Comment:

This is an important point in order to achieve inner and outer Wind to eliminate. Especially when it manifests itself in neck stiffness and headaches. In combination with Lu07, the Wind-Cold eliminates. To eliminate Wind-Heat, GB20 is combined with Di04 and 3E05.

 

It is an important point because it forms the transition from the spine to the brain. This point (occipital area) should be free of blockages so that the brain is optimally supplied and can work smoothly.

 

Tue 4 "United Valleys" - Hegu

Master point for pain in the head and face, especially for acne

 

- Location:
In the middle of the 2nd metacarpal on the radial side in a depression.

 

- Traditionally classified as:

Pain especially in the head area, neck pain, stiff neck, headaches, colds, flu-like infection, sore throat, cough, migraine, stuffy nose, dizziness, hay fever, soothing effect for all intestinal complaints, distant point for arm and shoulder pain.

 

Comment:

This item is included in the Pregnancy prohibited, as it is used to speed up the birth process.

 

It is often used as a remote point in the treatment of facial, oral, nasal and eye problems.

 

The combination LI 04 with Lv 03 is called "4 gates" and is very well known, because it is Wind from the head area dispels pain and calms the mind.

 

Di 04 also has a strong relation to the psyche and can therefore be needled to calm the mind and anxiety. In this case, the combination Di04 +Le03+LG24 is used.

 

Combine Di04 with another very important item, Ma36, and you have a brilliant combination to strengthen the immune system.

 

LI 11 "Curved pond" - Quchi

Toning point of the colon meridian

 

- Location:
With the elbow angled at 90 degrees, a crease is created between the upper arm and the forearm. At the end of the fold towards the elbow is the point in depth.

 

- Traditionally classified as:

High blood pressure, diarrhea, strengthen immune system, menstrual problems, colds, shoulder problems, tennis elbow, skin diseases.

 

Comment:

This item can be used similarly to Di04, the big difference being that Di04 specifically has a reference to the facial area that Di11 does not.

 

Lu 07 "Interrupted sequence"- Lieque

Extraordinarily important lung point in TCM

 

- Location:

On the spoke, 2 transverse fingers above the flexion fold

 

- Traditionally classified as:

Shoulder pain, shortness of breath, breathing problems, asthma, bronchitis, neck headache, bladder problems, stuffy nose.

 

Comment:

This point is used in TCM for the elimination of pathogenic factors used, like Wind-cold or wind-heat. The point distributes the lung qi and lowers it.

 

The point is used especially in the early stages of a cold, as it opens the pores of the skin, facilitating sweating. This allows the pathogenic factor, whether cold or heat, to be expelled. The symptoms in the stage are, sneezing, stiff neck, headache and a general aversion to cold.

In that case, the Lu07 point is shared with the Di04 point.

 

The nose is the sensory organ of the lungs and therefore this point is often used for blocked or running nose. In this case, always together with the Di20 point.

 

Lu07 is an extremely effective point with an effect on the face and skull. Therefore, it can be combined with other points if the problem is in that area. It will direct the effect exactly there.

 

Also on the psychological level, the point can do a lot of good. Especially it works with worry, sorrow or sadness. The activation of Lu07 can make quietly suffering people cry, which has a healing effect.

 

St 36 "Three miles of the foot" - Zusanli

Most important point of the stomach meridian to strengthen digestion

 

- Location:

4 transverse fingers (3 cun) below the lower edge of the patella (knee cap) on the tibialis muscle

 

- Traditionally classified as:

indigestion, bloating, constipation, stomach pain, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, blurred vision

 

Comment:

This point is a prominent point in TCM because it strengthens the post-heaven qi. What is meant by this is that it strengthens the stomach and spleen, those organs that are responsible for our energy intake through food.

 

Ma36 is a general toning point for the whole body, but also for the psyche, and is used for all symptoms of fatigue, tiredness and weakness.

 

Together with MP06, Le03 and Di04, it is one of the most famous and frequently used points in Chinese medicine.

 

MP 6 "Meeting place of the 3 Yin" - Sanyinjiao

One of the most important acupuncture points that strengthens the spleen

 

- Location:

4 transverse fingers above the tip of the inner ankle (malleolus internus)

 

- Traditionally classified as:

 Loss of appetite, fatigue, diarrhea, feeling of weakness in the lower extremities, menstrual disorders, in the absence of menstruation, impaired libido.

 

Comment:

This point is used in Chinese medicine to tonify the spleen energy. It is often used in combination with the point Ma36. Due to our diet, many suffer from MIlz-Qi deficiency, which manifests itself in sweet cravings, tiredness after lunch, general fatigue and soft stools. So this point is very important for us.

 

Another area of action of this point is that it removes moisture from the lower of the 3Warmers removed. Thus, it also has a specific effect on the urinary tract and is used here for micturition disorders, dysuria (pain during urination) and cloudy urine.

 

MP6 is also an important point to Blood and Yin strengthen and will therefore be Blood deficiency and Yin deficiency used.

 

MP6 is also one of the main points in any gynecological problems, as it regulates the uterus and menstruation and resolves pain.

 

The point also has a lot to offer on the psychological level. Thus, it has a strong calming effect on the mind and is therefore used for sleep disorders. Due to its effect on the liver energy, it also works very well with irritability.

 

Qi Gong

The word Qi Gong consists of 2 syllables - Qi and Gong. The Chinese term "Qi" can be translated for us most likely by "life energy". But it contains more than this. It also means breath and air. In Chinese medicine, Qi is considered to be the invigorating force that flows through all living things. However, Qi is not only inside the body of a living being, but also outside. Qi also shows itself to us in nature. Thus animals, flowers and trees are flowed through by Qi. Qi is the living force that is inherent in everything and that makes life possible.

 

The Japanese call this force "Ki". In India it is called "Prana". It always means the same thing - the power and energy that is inherent in everything and keeps us alive. In Chinese medicine, health is only possible when the Qi in our body is pure, not polluted and can flow freely.

 

Due to bad living habits, in the course of time, energy blockages can occur in the body system and as a result, diseases can manifest, which can be physical or psychological in nature. Generally speaking, we can say that a living person has Qi throughout the body.

 

The word "gong means roughly "body work" or "success through perseverance and practice". Therefore Qi Gong is called "Work with the life energy". We learn to improve the flow and distribution of Qi in our body through movement and concentration to strengthen our health and bring body and mind into harmony. At the same time we learn to stand correctly, between heaven and earth. This significantly improves posture and many aches and pains disappear on their own.

 

Qi Gong is a holistic healing system with a long tradition, which has been continuously developed until today. It includes health-promoting postures, movement, self-massage, breathing techniques and meditation. Through these various exercise methods, Qi is supposed to be collected and stored in the body, like in a reservoir. The goal is to expel the impure Qi and absorb fresh pure Qi.

 

Qi Gong is not a medicine that is prescribed for a limited time, but rather it should be practiced daily. In this regard, 20 minutes of daily practice is enough to improve health and one's well-being to a great extent.

 

Anyone can practice qigong. There are exercises for every age and every state of health. The exercises can be practiced standing, sitting, lying down or walking. So even physically challenged people can easily practice Qi Gong and improve your health in a sustainable way.

 

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