Got a Fever and Sore Throat? It's Likely "Wind-Heat."

What is "Wind-Heat"?

In Chinese Medicine, many common illnesses like a cold or flu are seen as an "invasion" by an external influence. Your body has a protective energy shield called Wei Qi. When this shield is strong, it repels invaders. But if you are tired or stressed, your shield can weaken, allowing an influence to get in.

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

  • Wind is responsible for the sudden onset of symptoms and for carrying the Heat into your body.
  • Heat is responsible for the fever, sore throat, and feelings of inflammation. It "stirs things up" and creates agitation.

When Wind-Heat invades, it first attacks your Lungs and your protective shield. This is why you feel a very specific set of symptoms:

  • The Key Sign: Fever & Sore Throat. You feel hot and may have a slight aversion to cold, but the fever is more prominent than the chills. The sore throat is often the first and most pronounced symptom.
  • Respiratory Signs: A cough with yellow, sticky phlegm, and a stuffy or runny nose with yellow nasal discharge.
  • Headache: A headache with a swollen or distended feeling.
  • Thirst: Because this is a "Heat" condition, you will be thirsty and desire cool drinks.
  • Body Aches: You may have slight body aches, but they are generally less severe than with a Wind-Cold invasion.

Your acupressure treatment was designed to clear Heat from your body, release the exterior (push the invader back out), and soothe your Lungs and throat.

Lifestyle Advice: Cool Down and Soothe

At this stage, your entire focus should be on cooling your body and moistening your throat. This is the opposite of the advice for a Wind-Cold.

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

  • Peppermint Tea: This is a classic and highly effective remedy. It is cooling and has a special ability to vent Wind-Heat from the head and throat.
  • Chrysanthemum & Honeysuckle Tea: If you can find these at an Asian grocery store, they are the gold standard for clearing Heat and are wonderful for sore throats and red, sore eyes.
  • Drink these teas warm or at room temperature, but not hot.

2. Eat Cooling, Simple Foods:

  • Simple is Best: Your body needs to focus its energy on fighting the invader, not on digesting a heavy meal.
  • Cooling Foods: Small amounts of fruit like pear (excellent for the Lungs), watermelon, or cucumber can be very soothing.
  • AVOID: All warming, greasy, spicy, and sugary foods. Do not drink ginger tea, eat spicy soup, or consume alcohol, as these will add more fuel to the fire.

3. Rest and Stay Hydrated:

  • Rest is Essential: Cancel your plans and allow your body to heal. Fighting a fever takes a tremendous amount of energy.
  • Hydrate: Sip on water or your cooling herbal teas throughout the day to replenish the fluids being consumed by the fever.
  • Don't Overdress: Unlike a Wind-Cold, where you want to bundle up and sweat, here you should dress lightly to allow the heat to escape.

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

  • Large Intestine 11 (Quchi - "Pool at the Crook"): A major point for clearing Heat from anywhere in the body. It is excellent for fever.
    • Location: At the outer end of your elbow crease when your arm is bent.
    • How to: Press deeply into this point 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 headache and sore throat.
    • 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.
  • Lung 11 (Shaoshang - "Lesser Metal"): A classic point for a very sore throat.
    • Location: On the thumb, at the corner of the nail on the side closest to your index finger.
    • How to: Use a fingernail from your other hand to press firmly into this point for about 30 seconds. It will be sharp and sensitive.

By acting quickly with these simple, cooling strategies, you can help your body clear the Heat and significantly shorten the duration of your illness.