March in Wisconsin brings the first taste of warm weather. As the temperatures start to rise above the freezing point, people emerge to embrace the sun and the warm air. It is important to remember that in September when it was 40 degrees out, we would bundle up and consider it cold out. Our perception of what is cold has been shifted over the winter. This can result in people under dressing for the weather. Sometimes under dressing for the weather can lead to a condition referred to as Spring Wind in the channels.
Spring Wind in the Channels can affect anyone who gets out into the early spring weather to do yard work or other activities. This condition is described in the ancient herbal text the Shang Han Lun. The symptoms are weakness, and body aches, particularly in the back and neck, feelings of cold, and a nagging chronic common cold- like condition that just doesn’t manifest into a full cold. There is often an increased sensitivity to wind. Sometimes this can exacerbate Bell's palsy or other pre-existing conditions.
This Spring wind condition is caused by the body tightening up in response to wind. Usually the person was working or playing hard, was hot and sweaty, and takes off outer clothing, then gets chilled before they cover up again. The muscles “lock up” in response to a blast of cold wind across the back and neck and then does not let go resulting in the symptoms.
A good rule of thumb to prevent this is to dress in layers and keep your back and neck protected from cold air when you are sweating. There are traditional herbal formulas that can address these issues. Sometimes home treatment is sufficient. This involves over heating the body in a sauna, or really hot bath. Hot soups made of hot spices are also recommended. Add hot spices like black pepper, onions, garlic, ginger, mustard and hot sauce to hot soup or tea and drink until you start sweating again, then cover up with warm clothes and let your body recover. Contact a practitioner of Chinese Medicine if the condition persists.
go to the NCCAOM To find a nationally board certified herbalist near you.
Comments