Ever wonder why they say we “catch” colds? Not only don’t we catch colds, they don’t really chase us either. Rather, germs and viruses that make us susceptible to cold and flu are more like body burglars. They linger outside our bodies, waiting for any window of opportunity to sneak quietly inside and set off our immune system alarms.
According to traditional Korean medicine, the most common ‘window’ cold and flu like to enter through is the Poong-mun (puh-en-moon) or “Wind Gate” acupressure point.
Located at the back of the neck, if the Wind Gate is exposed when conditions in the environment are cold and damp, “cold” energy can enter the body and causes illness.
Keeping your neck warm and covered in cold conditions can insulate you against cold energy, and give you a great excuse to break out your favorite scarves and turtleneck sweater.
These meridian massage and exercises are another great defense. Stimulating the Wind Gate point reduces your vulnerability to cold and flu, and can lessen your symptoms and shorten the duration of your illness if you do happen to get sick.
When you practice meridian exercises consistently, your immune system is boosted and you can recover more quickly.
Use these easy exercises to fortify your resistance to cold and flu this season:
Clasped Hands Forward Bend
Make sure you are in a warm space, away from drafts, when doing this simple sequence. These movements are designed to expand your chest, clear lymph, strengthen blood circulation in the lungs and stimulate the endocrine system, speeding your body’s ability to release toxins.
Backwards Neck Tilt
- Sit with your legs in lotus position. With your arms down at your sides, clasp your hands behind your back, palms facing down.
- While keeping your spine lengthened yet relaxed, bend your upper body from the hips. Simultaneously lift both arms behind your back, palms facing upward.
- Inhale and exhale deeply as you tilt your face toward the floor. See if you can touch your forehead to the floor.
- Return to Step 1 and repeat this stretch 3 times.
This exercise stimulates the Chun-dol acupressure point located at the bottom of the neck, in the depression at the throat. Opening the Chun-dol meridian channels energy around the neck, head and chest which is helping for relieving congestion.
- Sit in half-lotus position with your hands, palms down, on your knees. Tilt your head back as far as you can.
- Open your mouth, concentrating on the Chun-dol point. Keep your head tilted back and relax your jaw so it naturally drops down like a gentle yawn. Then lift your jaw back to gently touch your teeth.
- Repeat these steps 36 times.
- Let your head drop to the right side, stretching the left side of your neck. Rotate your head very slowly in a circular motion, clockwise and then counterclockwise, to truly relax, stretch and tone your neck muscles.
This standing posture helps strengthen the spinal cord and lungs, bringing the accumulated fire energy in the lungs brought on by cold and flu down to the lower abdomen where it can fuel metabolism and rid the body of toxins.
- Stand with your feet wider than shoulder width apart. Bring both of your arms above your head with your palms facing the sky and fingers pointing toward each other.
- Bend your knees slightly as you open your chest and lengthen your spine. Breathe normally. Hold this posture initially for 5 mins.
- With increased practice you may extend the time you hold this posture for up to 30 mins.