A Way to Treat a Cold Without Medication

When comparing the treatment of illness in Chinese and Western medicine, I often use this example: if a thief, representing bacteria, enters your house, representing the body, Western medicine uses a pistol, representing antibiotics, to kill the thief. Chinese medicine opens the doors and windows and forces the thief to leave. Chinese medicine is a peaceful system and traditionally gives the “wrongdoer” a way out. Sweating is one example of this approach.

In China, almost everyone knows the traditional idea that ginger tea and wrapping oneself in a blanket may help a cold by producing sweat, after which the person may feel better.

Another method is called “warming the feet.”

Place the feet in hot water at a tolerable temperature, approximately 38–45°C, for 30–40 minutes, until the body begins to sweat lightly. Afterwards, drink a large glass of juice or take vitamin C.

Points to note:

1. Do not sweat too heavily. Excessive sweating consumes too much energy and can be harmful. If the water cools before light sweating begins, add more warm water.
2. The earlier the method is started, the better. Early signs of a cold may include a stiff neck or a disturbed sense of balance.
3. You should feel better after the first treatment. If you have not fully recovered, it may be repeated the following day.
4. Sweating causes fluid loss, so drink fluids rich in vitamin C afterwards.

Can exercise be used to produce sweat? I do not recommend it. During a cold, rest is preferable to using a large amount of energy.

Can one lie in a warm bath to sweat? The amount of sweating is difficult to control. Older or physically weak people may collapse or feel faint after remaining in hot water for too long. A foot bath is therefore more practical and safer.

The traditional TCM explanation is that a cold represents an external pathogenic invasion. Sweating opens the pores and allows the pathogenic influence to leave with the sweat. Warming the feet is also said to support circulation and stimulate the body’s defence system.

Most colds are viral infections and usually last about seven days. The body can often recover through its own strength. The aim of this method is to keep the illness under control. If the pathogenic factor progresses deeper into the body, more serious illnesses such as bronchitis, pneumonia, myocarditis, or meningitis may develop.

Medicines do not usually shorten the duration of an ordinary cold substantially, but they can relieve associated symptoms such as fever, cough, and muscle pain. If the goal is symptom control, warming the feet and producing light sweat may also be tried.