10/09/2025
“Windy weather has been continuing recently. What is ‘Wind’ in TCM?”
In TCM, illness can be caused by external pathogens (climatic factors) when the body’s defense Qi is weak. The six main pathogens are: Wind, Cold, Heat/Fire, Dampness, Dryness, and Summer-Heat.
Wind Pathogen (风邪, Fēng Xié)
Nature: Yang, rises, moves, affects the upper body.
Sudden & changeable: symptoms start quickly and can shift.
Typical signs: aversion to wind, headaches, stiff neck, migratory pain, itchy rashes, colds/flu-like symptoms.
Often combines with Cold, Heat, or Dampness.
Internal Wind (from Liver imbalance): tremors, dizziness, stroke-like symptoms.
How TCM Treatment Helps
Acupuncture: releases Wind, clears the channels, relieves pain and stiffness.
Herbal medicine: formulas to expel Wind, support Lung and Wei Qi (defense Qi).
Cupping & Moxibustion: warm the channels, improve circulation, disperse Wind-Cold.
Lifestyle advice: keep warm, avoid drafts, support immunity.