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TCM and the Common Cold

© Matthew Scott

Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) differs greatly from modern Western Medicine(WM) in all aspects of theory, diagnosis and treatment.

Let's look at the common cold for example. The WM doctor aims to clear any infection and suppress the symptoms using anti-biotics and other medication. Generally the same medication is prescribed to all patients with little recognition of the fact that each person is totally different from the next and has symptoms and signs that are unique to them and therefore require individually tailored treatment. Not suprisingly WM has little to offer in the way of treatment or prevention for the common cold.

The TCM doctor takes an entirely different, more holistic approach. As with all conditions he or she looks for "patterns of disharmony" that are unique to each patient. Our uniqueness means that no two people receive exactly the same TCM treatment whether by acupuncture, herbal therapy or other.

In TCM acute respiratory conditions like colds and 'flu are caused by exposure to environmental factors such as cold, heat, wind, dryness and dampness that invade our bodies when our defense system (immunity) is down. Poorly functioning immune systems stem from imbalances or deficiencies in one or more internal organ systems. Once again we're all different; the TCM doctor looks for "patterns of disharmony" that are unique to each patient and treats them accordingly. For a greater insight into TCM theory and causes of disease, refer to my list of recommended websites.

Different climates and weather conditions make people more susceptible to particular types of external invasion.The ancient Chinese recognised long ago that humans, just like plants and animals, are shaped and influenced by their environment and the rhythmic cycles of nature. For example if you live in a hot climate you'll generally suffer from "hot" types of colds. Likewise if you live in a very cold climate your signs and symptoms (s/s) will usually be "cold" in nature.

So how do you know what type of cold you have? The s/s of a "hot" cold include mild fever, thirst, desire for cool drinks, sore throat, cough with yellow phlegm, a rapid pulse because heat speeds up blood circulation and a redder than normal tongue tip, red being a sign of heat. The tip of the tongue in TCM corresponds to the lungs which are obviously affected in respiratory conditions. The s/s of a "cold" type of cold include chills, desire for warmth and warm drinks, runny nose with profuse, clear phlegm and a slow pulse because cold slows down the blood circulation. Often there are combinations of types such as hot and dry or cold and damp. Damp s/s include cough with phlegm, lethargy and a heavy sensation in the head and limbs as dampness or phlegm impede circulation.

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