The application of hot and cold compresses in Traditional Chinese Medicine has a long history, they are important methods to regulate the body, relieve pain and disease.
When it comes to hot and cold compress treatments in TCM, it usually involves the application of two attributes: “hot” and “cold.” These methods are based on TCM Yin Yang, five-element theories and meridian theory.
Hot compress (thermal therapy)
Basic theory of TCM
Basic theories of TCM believe that hot compress can help promote blood circulation and soothe muscles. Applying moderate heat can activate Yang Qi in the body, promote the circulation of Qi and blood, pain caused by wind, cold and dampness will also be relieved in a certain level.
Efficacy:
1.Promote circulation: Hot compress can dredge the meridians, promote blood circulation and help relieve muscle tension and pain.
2.Dispel cold: Used for cold diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, which helps to dispel the cold on the body surface.
3.Analgesia: Hot compress can soothe muscles and reduce pain, especially for sprains, spasms, arthritis, etc.
Precautions:
1.Moderate temperature: avoid overheating to avoid scald.
2.Scope of application: Not all symptoms suit hot compress, certain inflammation or swelling may aggravate the symptoms.
How to use:
When you touch the painful area with back of your hand, the local skin temperature is normal and there is no heat but it feels tight, you can apply a hot pack for 10-15 minutes. The recommended temperature is not to exceed 50°C to avoid burns.
Cold compress (cold therapy)
Basic theory of TCM
Cold compress can astrigent blood vessels, reduce inflammation, helps in a certain level for acute injuries, inflammatory reactions, and heating. In TCM theory, cold has properties of clearing away heat, reducing swelling and stopping bleeding.
Efficacy:
1.Reduce inflammation: Cold compress has a astrigent effect on acute injuries such as sprains and inflammation, reduce local inflammatory reactions.
2.Stop bleeding: Cold compress can shrink blood vessels and helps stop bleeding which is helpful in cases of heavy bleeding.
3.Analgesia: Cold compress can also reduce pain, especially for pain caused by inflammation.
Precautions:
1.Not for too long: Cold compress for too long may cause discomfort and even damage the skin.
2.Scope of application: Not all situations suit cold compresses. For example, people with Yang deficiency, chronic diseases or cold diseases.
How to use:
Touch the painful area with back of your hand to feel the local skin temperature. If the area feels very hot and the pain becomes more painful when touched, you can apply an ice water pack for 10-15 minutes.
Conclusion:
In TCM theory, hot and cold compress are treatment methods selected according to the characteristics of the disease and individual condition. Reasonable use of hot and cold compresses can help regulate the body and relieve pain, but it is necessary to fully understand the individual’s condition to avoid discomfort caused by improper use. At the same time, for serious diseases, guidance and advice from professional TCM Practitioner should be sought.
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