How to remove internal heat in wind-heat感冒 (common cold)
May 21, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
Wind-heat感冒 is not caused by internal "fire" but rather by an internal heat pathogen. This heat pathogen can be eliminated through medical interventions such as medication, acupuncture therapy, cupping, and other methods. Specifically, wind-heat感冒 results from pathogenic wind-heat invading vital organs including the lungs, spleen-stomach system, and liver, potentially causing symptoms such as fever, yellow phlegm with cough, nasal congestion, and runny nose.
Wind-heat感冒 is not caused by internal "fire" but rather by an external heat pathogen; therefore, the issue is not about eliminating "fire" from the body. Instead, the heat pathogen can be removed through medical interventions such as medication, acupuncture therapy, cupping, and other methods. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Medication
Wind-heat感冒 occurs when wind-heat pathogens invade organs such as the lungs, spleen-stomach system, and liver, potentially causing symptoms like fever, yellow phlegm with cough, nasal congestion, and runny nose. In such cases, patients may take dispersing herbal formulas such as Yin Qiao San or Sang Ju Yin under medical guidance to eliminate the internal heat pathogen.
2. Acupuncture Therapy
Some patients may refuse to take oral medications during a wind-heat感冒. In these situations, acupuncture treatment can be performed under the guidance of a qualified traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapist, targeting acupoints such as Fengchi (GB20), Waiguan (SJ5), and Hegu (LI4), which have effects of dispelling wind and resolving exterior syndromes.
3. Cupping
Cupping therapy can also effectively remove wind-heat pathogens from the body. Commonly used acupoints for cupping include Feishu (BL13), Dazhui (GV14), and Fengmen (BL12), with treatment continued until petechiae (sha) appear at these sites.
Besides the above common methods, massage techniques can also help expel heat pathogens. If symptoms of wind-heat感冒 occur, it is recommended to promptly visit the TCM respiratory department at a hospital, identify the specific cause, and follow medical advice to select appropriate therapeutic and regulatory approaches based on individual disease progression.
