Massage can prevent and treat colds
According to the current prevalence of H1N1 flu, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) massage experts remind citizens that in the early stages of a cold, self-massaging head acupoints can help treat colds; after catching a cold and having a fever, specific acupoints can also be pressed and kneaded to reduce fever and strengthen the body.
In TCM, treating colds is divided into several types such as wind-heat and wind-cold. Through massaging acupoints, one can ventilate the lungs, release the exterior, warm the meridians, and unblock the collaterals, which has an obvious effect on symptoms like headache and general discomfort. After being exposed to cold, if sneezing and tightening of the back occur as early symptoms of a cold, rubbing the wings of the nose, pressing and kneading the Renzhong and Suluo acupoints (Suluo acupoint is located at the center of the nasal tip), or forcefully pinching the Renzhong acupoint, can stop sneezing; rubbing the Dazhui acupoint at the back of the neck can alleviate cold symptoms. If you already have a cold, ginger can be used to rub the Dazhui, Fengchi, and Fengfu acupoints on the back; if you have a fever, ginger can be rubbed on the Dazhui acupoint to reduce the fever.
To prevent colds during winter, TCM emphasizes "adapting measures to local conditions." Daily life should follow the principles of "avoiding evil winds appropriately, eating in moderation, maintaining regular living habits, and keeping the spirit within." This means that citizens should pay attention to keeping warm, avoid gathering in crowds, eat timely, moderately, and with less stimulating food, maintain regular sleep schedules, ensure good ventilation indoors, keep a positive mindset, and appropriately increase outdoor activities. Additionally, frequently using the index finger and thumb to lightly rub the earlobes (outer ears) can also help prevent colds. The specific method is to rub until the area feels warm from the inside out. Alternate between both ears daily, once per day, or massage both ears together 2 to 3 times daily, each time for about 5 minutes.