Upper respiratory tract infection, also known as the common cold, is a general term for acute inflammation of the nasal cavity, pharynx, or throat. Broadly speaking, upper respiratory tract infection is not a specific disease diagnosis, but a group of diseases that includes the common cold, viral pharyngitis, laryngitis, herpetic pharyngitis, pharyngoconjunctival fever, and bacterial pharyngotonsillitis. The common cold, specifically, is the most common acute respiratory infection and is often self-limiting, but with a high incidence. Adults experience 2-4 episodes per year, while children have a higher incidence with 6-8 episodes per year. It can occur at any time of the year, with a higher occurrence in the winter and spring seasons.
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that massage can prevent and treat colds. But do you know where to massage to fight against colds? Let's find out together.
Massage Yingxiang Acupoint
Located in the wrinkles about one centimeter beside the nostrils, you can massage the Yingxiang acupoint when you have a cold or nasal congestion. Massage up and down until your nose clears.
Massage Fengchi Acupoint
Located at the end of the two large tendons on the back of the neck, it is the Fengchi acupoint. Use your fingers to rub and knead the Fengchi acupoint until it feels warm and your body feels relaxed.
Massage Dazhui Acupoint
Located in the middle of the back of the neck, at the lower edge of a large protruding bone, press and knead the Dazhui acupoint 100 times to prevent and treat colds.
Massage Taiyang Acupoint
Located in the middle of the forehead, between the outer side of the eyebrows and the outer side of the eye. If the patient has a headache or dizziness, you can massage the Taiyang acupoint 30-50 times or pull the earlobes downwards 10 times. This can help relieve symptoms of dizziness and headache.
What to do if you catch a cold while traveling
1. Soak in a hot bath or shower
Focus on washing the seven orifices, rinsing the ears, nose, tongue, and body with water while massaging the facial features. Pay special attention to massaging the nostrils and nasal cavity for comfort. After bathing, sit quietly for 5-10 minutes, keeping the body warm and avoiding excessive movement. Focus on comfort rather than posture. When the body enters the optimal self-adjustment state (do not stop sitting quietly at this time), the yin and yang will quickly adjust to a new balance, and the whole body will feel refreshed and comfortable, with reduced cold symptoms.
2. Oral care
When a person has a high fever during a cold, saliva secretion decreases and the oral mucosa becomes dry. This can easily lead to oral inflammation, tongue inflammation, and mucosal ulcers. It is important to assist the patient in rinsing the mouth or using a cotton ball to wipe the mouth in the morning, before bed, and after meals to prevent oral infection.
3. Monitor body temperature closely
For patients with high fever, measure body temperature every 4 hours and pay attention to the patient's complexion, pulse, breathing, blood pressure, and sweating. Children with high fever are prone to convulsions and should seek medical attention promptly. After the body temperature returns to normal for three days, body temperature can be measured twice a day.
