Author: Tang Yulan, a Practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine Physician (Apprenticeship) (Practice License Number: 341431381000002) This article is written by Dr. Tang Yulan and is based on classical theories of traditional Chinese medicine and clinical experience, intended solely for popular science reference. The qualifications can be publicly verified on the official website of the National Health Commission of China.
When I was young, I often heard my elders say, "Itching is wind, coughing is qi, when wind moves and qi is disordered, the disease is on the skin and hair." At that time, I didn't understand it, and I just thought that when my throat itched, it felt like a feather was scratching it, and I couldn't help but cough. The coughing made my throat tight and my chest stuffy. Later, when I studied medicine, I gradually realized the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine in this saying—the itching and coughing are actually a battle between wind and qi.
Title
Understanding the Relationship Between Itching and Coughing in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Content
In traditional Chinese medicine, itching and coughing are not just symptoms but are closely related to the body's internal balance. Itching is often associated with wind, which is considered an external pathogen that invades the body's surface. When wind invades, it can cause itching, which is why the saying goes "itching is wind." On the other hand, coughing is related to qi, which is the vital energy that flows through the body. When qi is disturbed or blocked, it can lead to coughing, hence "coughing is qi."
Content
The saying "wind moves and qi is disordered" reflects the dynamic nature of the body's response to external pathogens. When wind invades the body, it can disrupt the normal flow of qi, leading to itching and coughing. This is why traditional Chinese medicine often focuses on balancing the body's internal environment to treat these symptoms. Treatments may include herbal medicine, acupuncture, and lifestyle adjustments to address both the wind and qi imbalances.
Content
Herbal medicine in traditional Chinese medicine often uses herbs that can expel wind and nourish qi. For example, herbs like Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) and Bai Zhi (Angelica dahurica) are commonly used to expel wind and relieve itching. For coughing, herbs like Gan Cao (Licorice root) and Bai Zi Ren (Semen biotae) are used to nourish qi and relieve cough. Acupuncture, on the other hand, can be used to balance the body's energy and improve circulation, thereby alleviating itching and coughing.