Fortify Yourself Against Wind and Weather

Have you ever gone out in strong wind and later gotten a headache? Developed a jaw or neck ache after your ears got too cold? Chances are, you have experienced what Chinese medicine regards as a "Wind Invasion." The Wind, along with Damp, Dry, Cold, and Heat, are all considered harsh climate factors that can invade the system and create all kinds of discomfort.

Writing about it in Chinese Medicine for Maximum Immunity, acupuncturist Jason Elias explains how Wind is sometimes referred to as "the Chariot for One Hundred and One Evils," as it is believed to ride in through points--especially on the head, neck, and shoulders--"just as wind finds its way into a house through cracks in windows and doors" (173-4). Usually associated with the external environment, Wind issues can sometimes also arise from internal imbalances. Donna Eden has identified several other places, such as the low back, the palms and soles of feet, and special points on Liver and Large Intestine meridians, on the feet and hands, where Wind, Damp, Heat, Dry, and Cold can sneak in.

Contributing to everything from muscle soreness and spasms, to sweating, to chills, to sinus, skin and joint problems, Wind and the other four conditions can make you feel bad in a hurry. In fact, one sign that you've been invaded is that you start to feel crummy very rapidly, and for no readily apparent reason. Until you look more closely at what you've been "weathering." This happened to me in the fall, when I rode my bike to work on the first very cold day. My ears were freezing by the time I got there, and within a couple of hours, I felt like I was coming down with something. I was foggy headed, my energy was lagging, and I felt miserable all over. Then I realized--duh--better check my Wind points. Every one of them was out of balance. Getting them back in balance made me feel much better, very quickly.

The only other time I've had such an extreme experience was after flying. I got off the plane and began to feel toxic, with a dull headache and a sense of dread that I was about to be ill. Ironically, I had been on my way to an Energy Medicine class, and fortunately for me, our first lesson was about the Wind points. When we checked, they were all blown out, and fixing them basically fixed me!

Learning to work with Wind points can help you immensely this time of year. I've made the video below, so you can follow along for a quick and easy process of clearing and sealing up these potentially drafty points. And don't forget to wear your scarf and hat!