Got the Chills and Aches? It's Likely "Wind-Cold."

What is "Wind-Cold"?

In Chinese Medicine, the common cold is often seen as an "invasion" by an external influence. Your body has a protective energy shield called Wei Qi that circulates just under your skin. When this shield is strong, it repels these influences. But if you are tired, stressed, or exposed to the elements, your shield can weaken, allowing an "invader" to get in.

"Wind-Cold" is the name for one of these invaders. It has the qualities of both Wind and Cold.

  • Wind is responsible for the sudden onset of symptoms and for carrying the Cold into your body.
  • Cold is responsible for the chills, aches, and the constricting feeling you have. It makes things "freeze up."

When Wind-Cold invades, it first attacks your Lungs and your protective Wei Qi shield. This is why you feel a very specific set of symptoms at the start of a cold:

  • The Key Sign: Aversion to Cold & Chills. You feel chilled and can't seem to get warm, even if you don't have a high fever. Shivering is common. This is the "Cold" aspect.
  • Aches & Pains: A stiff neck and aching muscles, especially in the upper back and shoulders. The Cold is "congealing" the Qi and Blood in your muscles.
  • Respiratory Signs: Sneezing, a runny nose with clear, watery mucus, and a cough that is often itchy or brings up clear phlegm.
  • Headache: Often located at the back of the head (the occiput).
  • No Thirst: Because this is a "Cold" condition, you typically don't feel thirsty.

Your acupressure treatment was designed to warm your body, release the exterior (push the invader back out), and restore the function of your Lungs.

Lifestyle Advice: Warm Up and Push it Out!

At this early stage, your entire focus should be on warming your body and inducing a light sweat to expel the Cold.

1. Drink Warming Teas:
This is your most powerful tool.

  • Fresh Ginger, Cinnamon & Scallion Tea: This is a classic and highly effective remedy.
    • How to make it: Thinly slice a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger and a few scallions (the white parts are best). Place them in a mug with a cinnamon stick. Pour boiling water over them, cover, and let steep for 5-10 minutes. Drink it hot.
  • This combination is powerfully warming and helps to induce the gentle sweat needed to push the Wind-Cold out.

2. Eat Warming, Simple Foods:

  • Soups & Congee: A simple chicken soup or a warm rice porridge (congee) with ginger and scallions is perfect. Your body needs to focus its energy on fighting the invader, not on digesting a heavy meal.
  • AVOID: Cold, raw, and greasy foods. These will weaken your digestive system and make it harder for your body to fight.

3. Get Warm & Rest:

  • Wear a Scarf: This is crucial. The "Wind" is said to enter the body at the back of the neck. Keep this area covered and warm.
  • Take a Hot Bath or Shower: A hot bath with Epsom salts can help to relax aching muscles and promote a light sweat.
  • Bundle Up: Get into warm pyjamas, get under the covers, and allow your body to sweat a little. This is your immune system doing its job.
  • Rest: Cancel your plans and rest. Your body needs all its resources to fight this battle.

4. Acupressure at Home:
This combination is famous for expelling Wind-Cold.

  • Lung 7 (Lieque - "Broken Sequence"): A primary point for releasing external pathogens from the Lungs and soothing a sore throat and cough.
    • Location: With your palms facing each other, interlock your thumb and index finger. The point is in the small depression on your forearm directly under the tip of your top index finger.
    • How to: Apply firm pressure for 1-2 minutes.
  • Large Intestine 4 (Hegu - "Joining Valley"): A master point for the face and for releasing the exterior. It's excellent for headaches and body aches.
    • Location: In the fleshy mound between your thumb and index finger. Squeeze the webbing to find the most tender spot.
    • How to: Apply strong pressure for 1-2 minutes. Note: Avoid this point during pregnancy.

If you act quickly with these simple, warming strategies, you can often stop a cold in its tracks or significantly shorten its duration.