Wind is one of five climates that characterize the five seasons, according to a Chinese philosophical principle.
Wind is associated with spring, but disharmony characterized by wind can occur in any season. Wind in the body resembles the wind in nature; it generates movement in what would otherwise remain motionless. It produces change and acceleration in what otherwise would be steady and slow, and it causes things to appear and disappear quickly.
The Huangdi Neijing says, “Diseases develop from Wind.” The human body has the capacity to resist different pathogenic factors and to maintain a relative balance between the body and its relationship to the outside world. This ability to resist is called Zheng Qi. Zheng Qi (true power) is the ability of the body to resist pathogens. Zheng Qi is the sum of energy inherited and acquired (Genetics and how you nourish and care for your body.)
Wind invades the body from the outside when defensive Qi loses its ability to protect the body against foreign pathogens because its defensive capabilities are weakened. In this initial struggle, the Wei Qi fights off the pathogen, trying to keep it from entering the body more deeply. The patient can exhibit symptoms such as fatigue, body aches, sweating, fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, sneezing, headaches, muscle aches, etc.
Attacks of pathogenic factors are usually related to bizarre climates, such as droughts, floods, and extreme heat, as well as environmental conditions, such as pollution, which in turn cause the emergence of imbalances. Epidemics occur abruptly, with the victims having severe symptoms and the disease being highly contagious.
Our ancestors knew that human beings, like plants, seeds, and other living things in the universe, were immersed in an evolutionary cycle.
The term ‘climate’ in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) refers to agents that cause disease. TCM believes that man is a reflection of the universe, like the existence of a microcosm within the macrocosm. The same climatic energies that are outside are found inside; what happens within the body is important, but what happens throughout the body and how that is manifested in response to external and environmental stimuli are also important.
Each of these climate forces has a specific action on the body, depending upon their characteristics. Caring for our environment will have the effect of caring for our species.
Humans can follow the laws of the universe to accomplish harmony and total health. The root of TCM is based on “Rather than being aimed at healing a particular symptom, focus on restoring the body’s entire balance.” We emphasize the need to have a healthy, nutritious lifestyle with plenty of relaxation, meditation, breathing exercises, and movement (just to name a few things). This is applicable to public health specialists and medical practitioners of both traditional and complementary medicine.
Article on Cold and Flu Prevention and Care
*Featured image “Blow Wind Blow’ Illustration by artist Lora Zombie
*Media image: Watercolor of hair blowing by an unknown artist
