TCM tips to keep your hands and feet warm
𝗧𝗖𝗠 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘆𝗻𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀
Lately, sore throats seem to be everywhere across offices, classrooms, and communities. Terms like “dry throat like a walnut stuck,” “the whole office is coughing,” and “I thought it was just me” have gone viral. So, what’s causing this wave of collective pharyngitis, and how can we manage it?
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝘀 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘆𝗻𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀?
Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the throat’s mucous membrane, most often caused by viral infections (e.g. flu, COVID-19, EBV), but can also stem from bacteria, allergens, environmental irritants, or underlying issues like reflux and sinusitis.
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝘁 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗨𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗺𝗻?
Viruses thrive in cool, dry weather
Bacterial infections like streptococcus
Environmental dryness and dust irritate the throat
Spicy, greasy diets and smoking
Fatigue and poor rest lower immunity
𝗧𝗖𝗠’𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄: “𝗟𝗮𝗿𝘆𝗻𝘅 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀”
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the throat connects to the lungs. Autumn dryness invades the lungs, depleting body fluids, leading to dry, itchy, painful throats.
Common TCM syndromes include:
• Yin Deficiency & Lung Dryness: dry throat, afternoon worse, dry cough
• Lung-Spleen Qi Deficiency: weak voice, loose stool, low immunity
• Phlegm-Heat: sticky sputum, yellow coating, throat congestion
𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀:
Hydration: Drink water and herbal teas (chrysanthemum, monk fruit)
Saltwater Gargle: Relieves swelling and inflammation
Steam Therapy: Moistens throat with warm steam (≤60°C)
Throat Lozenges: Soothes inflammation and pain
Acupoint Massage: Stimulate Shaoshang, Yuji, Zhaohai points for relief
When to Seek Medical Help:
• High fever that doesn't subside
• Illness lasts over a week
• Vulnerable groups (elderly, pregnant, children, chronically ill)
TCM Healing Soups for the Throat:
• Mint Porridge: Cools and soothes
• Tremella & Lily Porridge: Moistens lungs
• Fig & Lean Meat Soup: Nourishes yin
• Steamed Pear with Fritillaria: Clears heat, relieves cough
Lifestyle Prevention Matters:
Quit smoking, rest well, ventilate your space, and wear a mask in dusty environments.