Cold
Cold is one of the six exterior pathogens (ie. a quality in the environment or climate which can cause disease). It is the dominant climatic factor in winter. Invasion can occur through various mechanisms such as exposure to cold weather due to improper clothing, drenching by rain, prolonged exposure to water or exposure to wind while sweating.
Characteristics:
- Yin, thus it can damage Yang
- It slows and stagnates life activity
- Impairs the body’s ability to maintain homeostasis
- It can invade the channels directly
- Causes Qi and Blood to contract and congeal resulting in stagnation, pain and stiffness
- It affects the lower back, knees and joints
- Affects the Spleen, Stomach, Liver, and Kidneys
- It can be external or internal
Signs and Symtoms:
Depending upon the manifestation of Cold and whether or not is combined with another pathogenic facter, the signs and symptoms can vary. For exterior syndrome, the common manifestations are:
- Chills more than fever
- Headaches and migraines
- Stiff neck and occipital headaches
- Aversion to cold
- Sneezing and runny nose with copius phlegm
- Little to no sweating – Excess Type
- Sweating – Deficiency Type
Interior syndromes usually affect the Spleen, Stomach, Kidney and Liver as well as the Qi and Blood. In such cases, commonly seen symptoms include:
- Diarrhoea or loose stool
- Abdominal and stomach pain
- Poor digestion
- Profuse urination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Strong fatigue
- Joint pain including arthritis due to Bi-Syndrome
- Genital pain
- Menstrual pain and endometriosis