Chinese Traditional Treatment for Colds

Colds are a common ailment that affect people of all ages and backgrounds. While modern medicine offers various treatments, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides unique and effective methods that have been used for centuries. Among these methods, Gua Sha and Cupping stand out for their effectiveness in relieving symptoms and promoting recovery. This blog will explore the principles, methods, and benefits of Gua Sha and Cupping in treating colds, providing a comprehensive understanding of these traditional Chinese treatments.

Understanding Colds in TCM

In TCM, colds are often categorized based on their symptoms and underlying causes. The common cold is seen as an invasion of the body by external pathogens, primarily wind, cold, heat, and dampness. These pathogens disrupt the balance of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to symptoms such as chills, fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and fatigue.

Wind-Cold Type: Symptoms include chills, mild fever, body aches, clear nasal discharge, and a lack of sweating. This type of cold is often treated with warming and dispersing methods to expel wind and cold from the body.

Wind-Heat Type: Symptoms include fever, sore throat, yellow nasal discharge, headache, and sweating. Treatment focuses on clearing heat and expelling wind to alleviate symptoms.

Dampness Type: Symptoms include heavy sensation in the head and body, sticky nasal discharge, and a feeling of fullness in the chest. The treatment aims to expel dampness and harmonize the body’s internal environment.

Gua Sha for Treating Colds

Gua Sha, one of the traditional techniques in China, has been documented in the oldest classic of Chinese medicine, the “Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon,” and has been used for thousands of years. Let’s discuss how to use Gua Sha to treat the three types of colds.

Wind-Cold Cold

Preparation: Apply an appropriate amount of Gua Sha oil to the areas to be scraped.

Scraping:

Start with the nape, using a dispersing method with moderate force. Strengthen at the Jianjing point with cupping if necessary.

Move to the Dazhui point with gentle scraping.

Continue to the shoulder blades, focusing on the Feishu point and scapular area.

Finish with the Tanzhong point using gentle strokes, and scrape the Zusanli point with extended strokes.

Wind-Heat Cold

Preparation: Apply an appropriate amount of Gua Sha oil to the areas to be scraped.

Scraping:

Start with the neck, using a balancing method, and strengthen at the Fengchi and Fengfu points.

Continue with the nape, using a dispersing method, and strengthen at the Jianjing point with cupping if necessary.

Scrape the shoulder blades, focusing on the vertical five lines, with emphasis on the Du meridian and the Feishu point.

Finish with the upper limbs, scraping the Quchi, Chize, Waiguan, Hegu, and Zusanli points with extended strokes and composite methods.

Dampness Cold

Preparation: Apply an appropriate amount of Gua Sha oil to the areas to be scraped.

Scraping:

Start with the shoulder blades, focusing on the vertical five lines, with emphasis on the Du meridian.

Continue with the Tanzhong point using gentle strokes.

Move to the Zhongwan, Chize, Zhigou, Hegu, and Zusanli points, using extended strokes and composite methods.

Precautions for Gua Sha

Mild pain or itching at the scraped area is normal; avoid washing with cold water within 30 minutes.

Avoid exposing the scraped area to fans or air conditioning in summer and keep warm in winter.

Follow proper techniques and consult a professional to avoid adverse reactions.

Cupping for Treating Colds

Wind-Cold Cold

Method 1:

Points: Dazhui, Fengmen, Feishu, Quchi, Yintang, Taiyang, Hegu.

Procedure: Use flash cupping on the points until the skin turns red, once a day for 10-15 minutes. Use retention cupping or herbal cupping with a decoction of herbs like Qianghuo, Fangfeng, and Chuanxiong.

Method 2:

Procedure: Apply lubrication or warm water on the back along the Du meridian or Bladder meridian and use sliding cupping until the skin turns red, once a day for 15-20 minutes.

Wind-Heat Cold

Points: Dazhui, Fengchi, Taiyang, Feishu.

Procedure: Use bloodletting cupping on the points, once a day for 5-10 minutes.

Precautions for Cupping

Observe the patient’s reaction and changes in the cup during retention.

Avoid burns and handle large blisters with disinfected needles if necessary.

Seek comprehensive treatment if high fever persists or symptoms worsen.

Case Studies and Evidence

While traditional Chinese medicine practices like Gua Sha and Cupping are based on centuries of anecdotal evidence, modern research is beginning to provide scientific support for their effectiveness.

Case Study 1: Treating Wind-Cold Type Cold with Gua Sha and Cupping

A 35-year-old woman presented with symptoms of wind-cold type cold, including chills, body aches, and clear nasal discharge. The practitioner applied Gua Sha on her upper back and neck to release muscle tension and improve circulation. This was followed by cupping on her upper back to draw out cold and relieve congestion. After two treatments, the patient’s symptoms significantly improved, with reduced body aches and nasal congestion.

Case Study 2: Treating Wind-Heat Type Cold with Gua Sha and Cupping

A 40-year-old man presented with symptoms of wind-heat type cold, including fever, sore throat, and yellow nasal discharge. The practitioner applied Gua Sha on his chest and back to clear heat and improve circulation. This was followed by cupping on his back to draw out heat and reduce inflammation. After three treatments, the patient’s fever subsided, and his sore throat improved.

Scientific Evidence

Research studies have shown that both Gua Sha and Cupping can improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and enhance immune function. For example, a study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that Gua Sha significantly improved microcirculation and reduced pain in patients with chronic neck pain. Another study published in the journal PLOS ONE found that cupping therapy significantly reduced pain and improved function in patients with chronic low back pain.

Conclusion

Gua Sha and Cupping are powerful and effective treatments for colds within the framework of traditional Chinese medicine. By understanding the principles and methods of these treatments, individuals can harness their benefits to relieve symptoms and promote recovery. Whether used alone or in combination, Gua Sha and Cupping offer a natural and holistic approach to treating colds, providing relief from symptoms and supporting the body’s natural healing processes. As more research continues to validate these traditional practices, their integration into modern healthcare can offer a valuable complement to conventional treatments, enhancing overall health and well-being.