One of the most important items for staying healthy during the winter is the scarf. It may sound like quaint advice from a grandmother, but there are very real medical reasons for wearing a scarf throughout the winter.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recognizes the neck as the most vulnerable area of the body. Tightening and locking the muscles of the neck and back in response to cold winter wind can cause problems.
One problem is that the shoulders can chronically tighten up, resulting shoulder pain, headaches and neck pain. This can change how a person carries themselves aggravating existing back and neck problems.
Cold wind across the neck was seen by TCM as a main contributor to colds and flu. The stress of cold wind on the exposed neck can wear down the strength of the person. This can make the person more likely to be affected by any cold or flu virus that they come in contact with.
In general, a scarf or other neck covering makes a person feel warmer and more protected. That feeling of safety and comfort allows the person to walk more upright and relaxed. When the head is not hunched into the coat, a person is also more likely to see the ice on the sidewalk ahead. That can really prevent some serious medical problems. That in turn can result in a happier outlook towards winter.
For more information, see these links about colds and flu, and cold shoulders
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