acupressure and herbs for summer sniffles

With the sudden cool and wet weather around here this weekend, seems may people have a case of the sniffles. It's probably not a "cold" in the sense of a rhinovirus infection, and pollen levels are low; but the body can have a reaction to climatic factors that looks pretty damned similar. (There's a fancy word for it: vasomotor rhinitis, which means nothing more than "inflammation inside your nose from blood vessels opening up.") Chinese medicine, though, doesn't really care if there's a virus, allergen, or environmental factor involved; it's interested in how your body is responding.

Try the following acupressure points. Apply pressure slowly and gently. Poke around in the general area indicated to find the point that feels most responsive. If it hurts -- don't do it.

  • "Wind Screen", Triple Heater 17, is a great point for "wind" invasions -- conditions that come on suddenly, especially when a sore throat is involved. It is beneath the earlobe; classic texts say it's between the mastoid process (the bony bit under your earlobe) and the jawbone, but I find it more effective to apply gentle pressure into the muscle just below the mastoid process, the "sternocleidomastoid".
  • Stomach 3 is a famous point for sinus congestion and stuffy nose. Just below the cheekbone, in line with the center of the eyes.
  • Lung 3 is the pulse point at the wrist, useful for many sorts of respiratory problems. Combine it with Large Intestine 4, on the side of the hand in the muscle that pops up below the index finger when you pull your thumb into your hand. (Do not use Large Intestine 4 if you are pregnant or trying to conceive.)

And check your spice rack for garlic, pepper, corriander, rosemary, or sage. These herbs all help resolve "dampness".

Another useful herb is juniper -- so if you like, a good martini can also be therapeutic! Gin was originally an herbal medicine. Most of the herbs and botanicals in Bombay Sapphire (my favorite brand) have the effect of resolving dampness.

The preceding information is based on general principles of traditional Chinese Medicine and herbal medicine, but is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. Heck, we haven't even talked so how can I give you specific advice? Use common sense, do your own research, and consult a professional as appropriate.

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