Reference; https://mbp-japan.com/jijico/articles/32400/
Modified and translated by CFJA
What to Do When You Start Coughing
The definition of fever is not strictly established, but based on clinical experience, I consider it as follows:
- Flushing (internal heat): 37.1°C – 37.4°C
- Low-grade fever: 37.5°C – 37.9°C
- Fever: 38.0°C and above
- High fever: 39.0°C and above
An ideal normal body temperature is between 36.6°C and 37.0°C. Therefore, when you feel flushed, it often indicates a decline in deep body temperature regulation or internal organ function. People with a normal temperature range of 36.0°C – 36.5°C may mistakenly feel they have a low-grade fever, while those whose normal body temperature is in the 35°C range may believe they have developed a fever.
When a cough begins, first pay attention to the air temperature, room temperature, and your clothing. If you are outside, it is important to return home early and rest. When feeling unwell, set the room temperature to around 28°C, wear warmer clothes, and avoid feeling chilled.
Since colds are often associated with digestive fatigue, it is important to eat warm, easily digestible foods and go to bed early. Sleeping about 8 hours between 10:00 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. is the fastest way to recover.
Bathing is best done about two hours before bedtime.
When You Have a Low-Grade Fever, Try to Sweat It Out
When a low-grade fever of 37.5°C–37.9°C appears, in cold seasons or regions, keep your bedroom at around 18°C during sleep. Dress warmly and try to sweat heavily about three times in one night; this helps cure a cold and stop coughing. For elderly individuals or those with heart disease, limit this to about once.
When changing underwear and wiping off sweat, soaking gauze or cloth in ethanol warmed to about 33°C is recommended, as it dries quickly and prevents feeling chilled. If ethanol is not available, a non-sticky liquor such as shochu may also work.
If you take antipyretics for just a low-grade fever, your body temperature may return to normal, but the cough often persists and tends to become prolonged. A mild fever and cough are signs that your physical strength is declining. Instead of immediately resorting to over-the-counter medicine, prioritizing rest will support faster recovery.
AcuMoxa and Cupping(Oketsu treatment) are Effective for Relieving Coughs
If your cough does not subside even after sweating it out and resting quietly for a night, acupuncture or Oketsu (blood stasis) treatment is recommended. With two to three sessions, the cough is usually resolved.
For those whose cough continues for a long time, it is advisable to consult a nearby acupuncture clinic or a healthcare facility where licensed acupuncturists are available. Acupuncture and Oketsu therapy are considered “integrative internal–external treatments,” which can influence internal organ function from outside the body.
For people who do not achieve results with medication (internal medicine) or whose symptoms persist even after surgery (surgical treatment), acupuncture (internal–external treatment) is highly recommended.
For individuals with decreased physical strength, yoga is also suggested. By learning yoga exercises and breathing techniques, coughing can be alleviated and even prevented.