
Disease Theory and Progression in Chinese Medicine
By Toby Helmstetter, LAc
Every year, most people get at least one, and sometimes several, colds. Sometimes, especially in the winter, it may feel like there's a never ending string of colds, and it's easy to spend more time feeling sick or fighting off sickness, than feeling well. Our western paradigm gives us good information to help us understand what is happening when we continue to get sick--weak immunity coupled with strong pathogens and repeated exposure creates continual sickness. I thought I'd share with you, in honor of cold and flu season, what the disease paradigm looks like in Chinese medicine, and how to use that model to help you overcome colds and prevent recurrence.