Relief from the scorching summer heat is often sought in indoor air-conditioned environments. Spending hours a day at home or in work environments under such chilled conditions can cause cold-like symptoms such as coughing and a runny nose. In some cases, eye and nasal allergies, headaches, and neck pain may also appear.
When we step from high outdoor temperatures directly into the chill of an air-conditioned room, especially if we are sweating, we become susceptible to colds, and symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, or headaches may manifest rapidly, says Ms. Shu. Some may even experience nighttime fever or facial paralysis.
What Is ‘Air Conditioning Sickness’?
Why does direct exposure of the body to air conditioning lead to illness? Ms. Shu explained that when the body feels excessively hot or is sweating profusely, its natural temperature-regulating mechanism opens the pores to facilitate the release of body heat, while sweat helps carry the heat away. This process plays a crucial role in maintaining a consistent internal body temperature.However, when exposed to cold air, the pores will quickly close, hindering the release of internal heat and resulting in its confinement. Sweat and moisture that have not been fully expelled can accumulate within muscles and subcutaneous layers, leading to a range of ailments that burden the body. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, environmental forces—including wind, cold, heat, dryness, dampness, and fire—can also contribute to various diseases.
Additionally, Ms. Shu suggested that regardless of the season, direct exposure to cold air can be detrimental to the human body.
In TCM, it is believed that there is a protective layer of yang energy, known as “Wei Qi,” on the body’s surface. This layer acts as a defense against invasions such as heat, cold, dampness, viruses, bacteria, and other factors that can lead to illness.
Cold air, which is yin in nature, can potentially disrupt the body’s yang energy. This disruption can render the body more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
The body’s meridians are further categorized into yang meridians and yin meridians. Yang meridians carry yang energy, characterized by warmth and heat. All yang meridians pass through a person’s head and face, resulting in a relatively higher concentration of active yang energy in these areas.
Ms. Shu explained that some individuals enjoy directing cold air toward their heads and faces, thinking it will cool them down quickly. However, this practice can disrupt the yang energy in these areas, leading to symptoms such as headaches, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and even facial paralysis.
Beyond the head and face, the back is another region traversed by yang channels, particularly in the central part where the governing vessel (Du Mai) runs. This meridian regulates the overall yang channels in the body, with yang channels also distributed on both sides. As a result, the back exhibits abundant yang energy, making it more sensitive to heat and prone to excessive sweating.
Regularly exposing the back to cold air may weaken the body’s yang energy and give rise to related ailments, such as occipital pain, neck stiffness or immobility, shoulder stiffness, lower back pain, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, painful menstruation, sensitivity to cold in the extremities, and frequent colds.
Ms. Shu pointed out that joints are also susceptible to the influence of cold air. They are covered by only a thin layer of skin and fat, with tendons, ligaments, bones, and synovial fluid beneath. Direct exposure of joints to cold air can lead to stagnation of qi and blood in the area, disrupting their smooth circulation. This can hinder joint movement, resulting in pain, and over time, contribute to the development of chronic joint inflammation—commonly known as arthritis.
During sleep, the body’s yang energy is relatively weaker, and pores tend to be more open. Using air conditioning while sleeping, even at low temperatures, causes cold air to circulate throughout the night and penetrate the pores. This can potentially lead to a deficiency of yang energy in the body, resulting in symptoms such as colds and body aches.
How Does TCM Address ‘Air Conditioning Sickness’?
Ms. Shu provides guidance on dietary therapy as well as acupressure massage techniques.1. Ginger
Ginger possesses diaphoretic properties, which can help the body recover from various ailments through induced sweating. It can be consumed raw, cooked, soaked in vinegar, marinated, salt-cured, or blended with honey. For instance, while trekking in a densely shaded and damp mountain environment, placing a piece of ginger in your mouth can boost your body’s resistance to the dampness and cold of the surroundings.Ginger infused water
Add two slices of ginger to hot water and drink it twice a day to prevent colds caused by exposure to wind or cold temperatures. However, if you have a sore throat, it is best to avoid ginger-infused water.It is said that Xu Xiake, a renowned ancient Chinese traveler, always carried ginger wherever he went. He would consume a small amount of ginger every morning. If he experienced symptoms like a cold, runny nose, or fever, he would drink a bowl of ginger-infused water and then cover himself with a blanket to induce sweating. These practices aided his journeys amidst the challenging conditions of ancient times.
If you find yourself having to sit in a location directly exposed to cold air, Ms. Shu suggested chewing on ginger, generating heat by rubbing your face and hands, or wearing extra layers of clothing. If you are unable to prepare in advance, you can drink ginger-infused water or scallion soup (see below) afterward to warm up. Alternatively, depending on the severity, you may consider seeking medical attention.
2. Scallion soup
Scallion soup can effectively alleviate symptoms such as chills, difficulty sweating, a runny nose, sneezing, body aches, or neck stiffness. To prepare, place four scallion stalks with roots in a pot, add 500 milliliters of water, and boil for two minutes.3. Acupoints for alleviating sickness from cold air
The internal organs are connected to the body’s surface through the meridians. Along the meridians, there are specific points known as acupoints, which possess unique functions. By stimulating the corresponding acupoints through techniques like acupuncture and massage, it is possible to treat diseases related to specific organs.Pressing the Hegu, Quchi, and Fengchi acupoints for two minutes each is beneficial for the body’s recovery. If a sensation of soreness or swelling occurs at the points, that’s okay.
Precautions When Using Air Conditioning
Ms. Shu offers the following tips for preventing air conditioning sickness:1. Regulate the temperature of your air conditioner appropriately—it should not be too cold—ideally between 72 to 77 degrees F (22 to 25 degrees C).
2. Keep the doors and windows slightly open to allow a slight flow of natural air.
3. Take occasional breaks to bask in the sun, allow your body to sweat, and take in some fresh air.
4. Warm up your body by wearing additional clothing or engaging in light exercise before entering an air-conditioned room.
5. Try to avoid staying in an air-conditioned room for extended periods.
Copy
