“Thus, the wind-evil is the main factor to induce various disease, it has many variations, and has no regular pattern when it turns to become other diseases. But, in the last analysis, the diseases are stemmed from the invasion of wind-evil.” – Simple Questions (Su Wen), Chapter 42.
In case there was any questions about it, last week’s weather demonstrated that winter is coming to New England! Tradition says we need to bundle up and wear a scarf, hopefully to prevent catching a cold … but why?
I am always amazed at how many folk remedies cross countries and cultures. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is very important to cover your neck when the temperature is cold and the weather is windy. What’s wrong with a little wind you say? Wind is said to be one of the Six Evils, or external pathogens in Chinese medicine (the other five being: Cold, Damp, Heat, Summer Heat, and Dryness). The back of the neck is particularly vulnerable to Wind, and when your pores are open Wind can get into your body where it doesn’t belong, and Wind generally brings its friends, usually Heat or Cold. A Wind-Heat and Wind-Cold invasion is the equivalent of catching a cold! Ever notice when you first start to “catch a cold,” you have a stiff neck followed by aches, chills/fever, and fatigue. The stiff neck is the first sign of a Wind invasion. And interestingly, at least to me, many of the point names around the neck refer to Wind … yup, that is the place where Wind is most likely to enter the body.
Yet one stylish thing to do in the fall and winter to protect your neck and health from Wind, is simply to wear a scarf. So keep your neck covered, avoid that dreaded Wind invasion, and have a healthier winter!