What is the self-recovery process for a cold caused by wind-cold?
Dec 12, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
The self-recovery from a cold caused by wind-cold invasion is a process in which the body's vital energy (zheng qi) resists the cold pathogen. This process can be divided into several stages: initial stage with exterior constraint by cold, peak stage with struggle between vital energy and pathogen, relief stage with symptom alleviation, recovery stage with resurgence of vital energy, and healing stage with restoration of normal bodily functions. During the self-healing process of wind-cold感冒, it is important to observe certain precautions—ensuring adequate rest, drinking plenty of warm water, maintaining warmth, and avoiding re-exposure to cold to prevent worsening of the condition.
Cold-type common cold self-recovery is a process in which the body's vital energy (zheng qi) resists cold pathogenic factors. This process can be specifically divided into stages: initial stage of external cold constraint, peak stage of struggle between vital energy and pathogen, remission stage with symptom relief, recovery stage of vital energy restoration, and healing stage of functional recovery. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Initial Stage – Cold Pathogen Affecting the Surface: Cold pathogens invade the body surface, impairing defensive qi. Symptoms include marked aversion to cold, mild fever, absence of sweating, nasal congestion with clear nasal discharge, limb aches, and thin white tongue coating. At this point, the body begins mobilizing its vital energy to resist the cold pathogen, though no intense reaction has yet occurred. Symptoms are primarily related to surface discomfort.
2. Peak Stage – Intense Struggle Between Vital Energy and Pathogen: The body’s vital energy strongly resists the cold pathogen, possibly leading to worsening symptoms such as increased fever, intensified cough, production of thin white sputum, chest tightness, and significant headache. Some individuals may experience mild fatigue and poor appetite, reflecting the body’s effort to concentrate energy against the invading pathogen.
3. Remission Stage – Symptom Relief: The body’s vital energy gradually gains the upper hand, and the cold pathogen begins to recede, resulting in progressive symptom relief. Fever subsides or becomes low-grade, nasal congestion and clear nasal discharge lessen, cough frequency decreases, and sputum becomes thinner and easier to expel. Discomforts such as limb aches and headaches significantly improve, and overall malaise greatly diminishes.
4. Recovery Stage – Restoration of Vital Energy: The cold pathogen is essentially eliminated, and the body enters a repair phase. Cough and runny nose resolve, appetite returns gradually, and mental well-being improves. However, mild fatigue or dry mouth may persist, indicating that vital energy is recovering after prior depletion. Bodily functions are slowly being restored.
5. Healing Stage – Functional Recovery: Vital energy is fully restored, all symptoms have completely disappeared, and physical strength, mental state, and digestive function return to normal. The tongue coating becomes pale red with a thin white layer. At this point, the body’s adaptability to the external environment is regained, the cold pathogen has been entirely expelled, and the self-healing process is complete.
During the self-recovery process of cold-type common cold, certain precautions should be observed: ensure adequate rest, drink plenty of warm water, maintain warmth to avoid re-exposure to cold, and follow a light, easily digestible diet. These measures help the body focus its energy on fighting the pathogen and ensure smooth progression of the self-healing process.
