A common problem in Summer can be an invasion of wind.
Wind is considered an “External Pathogenic Factor” in Chinese medicine.
In summer, the kind of wind that we get most commonly is the wind we make ourselves (no, not from our bodies! ) but from fans and air conditioners.
Wind in summer can also just be a normal part of the environment. No matter it’s source Wind can cause a number of problems when it invades the body.
In summer we get hot, our pores open and the wind can very easily cool the sweat on the surface of the body. That cold contracts and causes stiffness and pain.
Wind carries other pathogens into the body – heat, cold, dampness – these are common causes of joint pain, aches and arthritic conditions.
Wind and cold cause body tissues to contract and stiffen up…a common scenario in Perth at this time of year is the typical waking up with a stiff neck after a hot summers night…This happens because during the hot weather, it’s common to be lying in bed under the fan or with the window open so the wind is directly blowing onto a persons uncovered skin. Of course it’s hot so the person either lies in bed with little covering or because of the heat can be sweating. The pores are open, releasing the sweat.
The sweat itself can then cool down and the air from the fan blows that cool water on the body, causing a cool contraction of the muscles. Sometimes you go to bed hot, with the window open or fan on and the temperature cools down around you and you are sleeping uncovered in a room that is too cool. Essentially it’s cold that causes the stiffness and contraction but it’s blown in by the wind. Even though the weather is hot, you can still be affected by cold.
When you wake up with a stiff neck, or a neck pain which is pulling your head to one side, in Chinese medicine the cause is Pathogenic wind invading the Bladder and/or Gall Bladder channels(these are the channels located on the neck).
The Solution?
The good news is that Chinese medicine is all about prevention…try to sleep with a thin sheet or t-shirt on so if the weather does cool down and wind starts to invade you have this level of protection. Try to face away from wind so it’s not directly on your body and make sure air conditioning vents are not directly blowing onto you. If you do have stiffness, pain and particularity severe pain with restricted movement try to use a hot pack for about 10-20 mins and then try to free up the movement with slow normal movements.
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| A moxa stick applied to an acupuncture point |
Chinese medicine practitioners can use acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion (or called Moxa) and herbs to expel wind from the channels and restore the normal function and stop pain.
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: Marie Hopkinson
Marie Hopkinson is a Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Practicing from her clinic in North Perth, WA- METRO HEALTH AND MEDICINE. Marie can be consulted for appointments, while in-person is preferred, Email /phone consultations can be arranged. Marie has been practicing since 2000, completing initial 3-year course in Chinese Medicine at the Perth Academy of Natural Therapies in WA. Marie has been to China for additional training in the Hangzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital (Hangzhou Shi Zhong Yi Yuan) twice as well as completing a Master of International Health at Curtin University in 2006. Marie is passionate about the effective practice and understanding of Chinese Medicine and enjoys the opportunity to educate patients about the benefits of self-help aspects such as diet therapy, as well as teaching Chinese Medicine at the Endeavour College of Natural Health.
For more info about booking an appointment with Marie CLICK HERE.
For more info about conditions treated with Acupuncture, and Chinese Herbal Medicine CLICK HERE.
As with any health problem, we recommend seeking appropriate medical attention, professional diagnosis and immediate emergency help if you have undiagnosed pain or symptoms particularly if the symptoms are escalating (getting worse and worse). If you see a practitioner at Metro health and Medicine they may also refer you to a western medicine doctor (GP or hospital) as appropriate. This blog is not intended to replace a medical tre