Cracking the Common Cold

Caused primarily by the rhinovirus, this viral infection is transmitted through respiratory droplets or by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include a runny or congested nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and sometimes fatigue or mild body aches. The common cold is usually harmless and self-limiting, but its ability to disrupt our daily lives remains unmatched.

While conventional medicine focuses on symptomatic relief and prevention through hand hygiene, and medications, Eastern theories offer alternative explanations and therapies that approach the common cold from a different angle, and holistic remedies adopt a more comprehensive approach, targeting mind, body, and spirit.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the common cold is often associated with an imbalance in the body’s vital energy, known as Qi. External pathogens, such as wind, cold, heat, or dampness, are believed to invade the body and disrupt the harmonious flow of Qi. TCM views the common cold as an opportunity to rebalance the body’s energy and restore harmony.

In Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, the common cold is considered an imbalance in the body’s doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Vata-type colds are characterized by dry coughs, Pitta-type colds by fever and sore throat, and Kapha-type colds by congestion and excessive mucus. Ayurvedic treatments focus on rebalancing the doshas through herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle modifications.

Embracing a Holistic Approach:

Rest and Self-Care: A cornerstone of holistic treatment, rest and self-care play a vital role in bolstering the body’s natural defenses against the common cold. Adequate sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and staying hydrated are crucial. Additionally, practicing stress-reducing techniques such as meditation or engaging in activities that bring joy can promote overall well-being, allowing the body to recover more effectively.

Herbal Elixirs and Teas: Herbal remedies are one of nature’s greatest gifts to us. Echinacea, elderberry, ginger, and licorice root are among the botanical allies in the fight against the common cold. These herbs, consumed as teas or tinctures, possess antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.

Steam Inhalation and Saltwater Gargles: These age-old remedies offer relief for respiratory symptoms associated with the common cold. Steam inhalation helps to alleviate congestion and ease breathing, while saltwater gargles can soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation.

Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: The aromatic world of essential oils has captivated holistic enthusiasts for centuries. Eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree oil are frequently employed to combat nasal congestion, alleviate headaches, and enhance overall well-being. Whether diffused into the air or applied topically with carrier oils, essential oils offer a sensory experience that can uplift the spirits and provide temporary relief from cold symptoms.

Immune-Boosting Foods: While nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, certain foods are known to bolster the immune system, aiding in the prevention and recovery from the common cold. Citrus fruits rich in vitamin C, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and probiotic-rich foods are believed to have immune-boosting properties. Incorporating these foods into your diet can provide a nutritional edge in the battle against the common cold.

Acupuncture: TCM practitioners often use acupuncture to address the common cold. By stimulating specific acupoints, acupuncture aims to regulate Qi flow, boost the immune system, and alleviate symptoms. This approach helps restore balance and promote the body’s natural healing process.

Herbal Medicine: Both TCM and Ayurveda utilize various herbs and botanicals to combat the common cold. TCM may prescribe herbal formulas, such as Yin Qiao San or Gan Mao Ling, to expel pathogens and strengthen the body’s defenses. Ayurvedic remedies, such as ginger, turmeric, and holy basil, are used to alleviate symptoms and support respiratory health. Consuming warming foods and beverages, such as ginger tea or soups infused with aromatic herbs, is believed to help expel pathogens and restore balance. Ayurveda suggests tailoring dietary choices to individual doshas for optimal wellness.

Qi Gong and Yoga: Practices like Qi Gong and certain yoga postures are thought to enhance Qi flow, improve circulation, and strengthen the immune system. These Eastern exercises aim to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit, promoting overall well-being and potentially reducing the severity and duration of the common cold.

Exploring Eastern theories and treatments adds a holistic dimension to our understanding of this age-old ailment. By recognizing the importance of energetic balance, incorporating herbal remedies, and adopting lifestyle modifications, we may find ourselves better equipped to tackle the common cold from a comprehensive perspective.

Share this article:

Products

Resources

Company

Instagram Icon-facebook Linkedin-in Youtube Pinterest

Copyright © 2024 – VELL, LLC – All rights reserved | Privacy Policy | Data Deletion

Scroll to Top
Sylvia Zuniga-Barboni, MD, FAAN
Cleveland Clinic Florida
With an esteemed background including fellowships at Cleveland Clinic Florida and expertise in neurology, electrodiagnostic medicine, and botulinum toxin chemodenervation, Dr. Zuniga-Barboni brings a wealth of knowledge to our mission of holistic well-being. Board-certified and re-certified, her commitment to neurological health adds valuable perspectives to our efforts.
Michael Solomon, MD
St. Lucie Surgery Center
Received his Bachelor of Science from Binghamton University in 1988. After receiving his BS degree, he studied at SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn where he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1992. Dr. Solomon performed his post graduate training in Urology and General Surgery from 1992-1999 at SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn where he served as a Chief Resident in Urology. In addition, he completed a 1 year Urological Oncology Research Fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NYC from 1995-1996.
Dr. Jordan Zabriskie
Clinic Director at Elite Therapy and Wellness
“Dr Z” graduated from the University of Florida and Palmer College of Chiropractic, with a focus in Sports Medicine . He has successfully treated thousands of patients with a multifaceted approach. Using physical therapy , movement correction , and chiropractic medicine to provide long lasting solutions to their conditions . Dr Z believes educating a patient and empowering them to “ fix “ their own dysfunction is an integral part of their recovery .
Dr. Richard A. DeLucia, Jr., MD, MBA
Board Certified Family Physician
Dr. Richard DeLucia is a Board Certified Family Practice Physician who began his practice in Jupiter in 2000 and is the founder of Jupiter Family Healthcare. He graduated from of the University of Florida College of Medicine and completed his residency training at Carolina’s Medical Center Family Practice Program, in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1998. Dr. DeLucia was the Chief of Family Medicine at Jupiter Medical Center from 2004-2008.
Linda Kiley, MD
Palm Beach Center for Pelvic Health
Linda A. Kiley, MD, is a graduate of University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the George Washington University in Washington, DC. She is a Board Certified physician and subspecialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery.
Dr. Matthew Harris, MD
Medical Director of Pediatric Orthopedics and Outpatient Rehabilitation Services at Jupiter Medical Center
Dr. Matthew Harris, MD works in Jupiter, FL as an orthopedic surgery specialist. He is board certified in orthopedic surgeryand graduated from STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO / SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE. Dr. Harris has has worked on more claims relating to femur fracture than other providers.
Zachary McVicker
Fellowship-trained sports medicine physician
Dr. McVicker has served as an assistant team physician for the Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Dodgers, LA Galaxy, LA Football Club (LAFC), as well as the University of Southern California (USC) football team and the Miami Marlins. Dr. McVicker currently practices at the world renowned Paley Orthopedic and Spine Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida. He helped to create and direct the Sports Medicine program at the Paley Institute. Dr. McVicker prides himself on treating the entire patient to facilitate the physical and mental well-being required to return to an active lifestyle.
Dr. Ari Yoder
Licensed Optometrist
Dr. Yoder graduated from The Ohio State University College of Optometry in 2012. He currently is a partner and practices in a multi location optometry practice in the middle of Amish country Ohio. Implementation of a proactive approach to eye health has been essential for Dr. Yoder in serving his patients, specifically those with diabetes.
Dr. Shahnoz Rustamova
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dr. Rustamova graduated from the Samarkand State Medical Institute in 1995. She works in New York, NY and Jupiter, Fl, and specializes in Obstetrics & Gynecology. Dr. Rustamova is affiliated with Mount Sinai St Luke’s Hospital.
Dr. Ronald Gazze
Executive Medical Director NextEra Energy/ FPL
Where he is responsible for providing primary care and coordinating other medical care for many of the corporation’s leaders and other team members with complex cases. He is also the corporate medical subject matter expert, including for the pandemic team.
Townley Peters, Psy.D, RYT
Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Florida and Bermuda
Townley Peters brings a wealth of expertise to Vell Health’s Mind/Body program, drawing from her extensive background as a psychologist committed to empowering individuals. Grounded in the belief that every person is inherently complex, Townley’s approach emphasizes collaboration and genuine care. Her professional demeanor is complemented by a human touch, ensuring a supportive and comfortable environment for those seeking growth and change.
Dr. Richard Zonderman
Licensed Psychologist
Associate Professor at Albizu University- Industrial/Organizational Psychology and Counseling programs.

Candidate screening for the Miami Dade College School of Justice Police Academy and local police departments.

Member of the Florida Psychological Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police Psychological Services section.
Russell Bourne, Jr., Ph.d.
(University of Virginia) Clinical psychologist on staff at Jupiter Medical Center
Former President Florida Psychological Association, Currently on the Legislative Affairs and Public Policy Board.

Former associate Dean Randolph-Macon College and The University of Virginia.

Former President of the Virginia Ericksonian Institute, Consultant to the Florida and Virginia Judicial Systems, municipal law enforcement departments as well as to various businesses and the media. Central Intelligence Agency for 24 years.
Bill Reichel
President at Reichel Realty & Investments, Inc.
Bill has deep expertise and a proven track record in virtually every facet of Florida commercial real estate — leasing, management, brokerage, receivership and workout of commercial properties throughout the state. He also has extensive experience in construction, development management services and real estate tax appeal work.

Since its inception in 1987, Reichel Realty has facilitated thousands of commercial transactions totaling over $2 billion of gross business volume.
John Mattessich
Chief Financial Officer Maroone USA
With over 20 years of extensive experience in procurement and purchasing, John brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our Executive Advisory Board.

John’s impressive journey began in 1996 at Mars Snackfoods, USA, where he served as a Commodity Manager. His dedication and passion for the field led him to Florida Crystals, where he took on roles of increasing responsibility, ultimately becoming the Vice President of Procurement in 2015.

We’re excited to have John on board as we continue our mission to elevate and innovate in the world of holistic health and wellness. Join us in welcoming John Mattessich to the Vell team!
John Hoctor
Chief Financial Officer Maroone USA
John Hoctor, the Chief Financial Officer at Maroone USA, has consistently demonstrated remarkable financial expertise and leadership skills. His extensive experience in financial management contributes significantly to Vell Health’s strategic development, showcasing a proven track record of driving financial success in his role as CFO.
Art Mandell
Director, MaxCyte Inc. Former Pharmaceutical & Biotech CEO
Art Mandell, serving as Director at MaxCyte Inc., is a distinguished figure with a rich background in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. As a former CEO in the pharmaceutical and biotech sector, Art has showcased outstanding leadership acumen and strategic brilliance.

His contributions to the field have been marked by a commitment to innovation, driving growth, and ensuring the advancement of cutting-edge technologies. With a deep understanding of the intricacies of the pharmaceutical and biotech landscapes, Art Mandell continues to play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of VELL Health.
Marshall Warner
VP Chesapeake Bank
Marshall Warner, a seasoned banking professional, has made significant contributions during his tenure as Executive Vice President at Chesapeake Bank. With a wealth of experience in the financial sector, Marshall demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a commitment to excellence.

His role involved overseeing critical aspects of the bank’s operations, contributing to its growth, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality financial services to clients. Marshall’s dedication to the banking industry has left a lasting impact on Chesapeake Bank and the broader financial community.
Ann Pace

Head of Legal, USA, World Gold Council

Ann Pace serves as the Head of Legal, USA at the World Gold Council, bringing extensive legal expertise to the organization. With a robust background in legal affairs, she plays a pivotal role in navigating the legal landscape for the World Gold Council in the United States. Ann’s leadership and legal acumen contribute significantly to the organization’s success in the dynamic gold industry.
Russell Bourne, Jr., Ph.d.
Clinical Psychologist
Since 2006, Dr. Bourne has played a crucial role at Jupiter Medical Center, contributing to the Medical Ethics Committee. As a licensed psychologist in Florida and Virginia, he brings a wealth of experience to Vell Health.

Dr. Bourne’s leadership goes beyond clinical practice; he was President of the Florida Psychological Association, Palm Chapter, and actively engages in legislative affairs. With a rich academic background and extensive consultancy work, including 24 years with the CIA, Dr. Bourne’s knowledge is a driving force in shaping Vell Health’s future.
Robecca Quammen
2nd Founder, HealthITq and Quammen Group
Robecca is a forward-thinking industry leader with a results-oriented approach, acknowledged as a champion for healthcare transformation through innovative information technology solutions. With a 30-year career in healthcare, she has held senior management roles in large provider organizations, the nation’s largest healthcare software vendor, and prominent healthcare consulting practices.

Renowned for spearheading organizational change initiatives, Robecca is committed to enhancing clinical care delivery and improving the bottom line in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Michael Viola

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Congruity HR

After more than 25 years in the Professional Employer Organization (PEO) space, Mike brings deep domain expertise and a proven track record to his role as CEO of Congruity HR.

As co-founder and Chief Sales Officer for Oasis Outsourcing, Mike and his team quickly grew Oasis into the largest privately held PEO in the United States, ultimately serving 9,000 clients and 300,000 worksite employees across all 50 states.

After Paychex acquired Oasis in 2018, Mike was an Advisory Partner in the Private Equity space and served on several boards until joining Congruity as its CEO.
Dave Frisbie
MBA from Harvard
As a Vice President of Hines Interests during the 1980’s he managed major downtown revitalization projects including I. M. Pei’s JP Morgan Chase Tower (the tallest 5-sided building in the world), Cesar Pelli’s Wells Fargo Center, and Philip Johnson’s One Detroit Center (the tallest office building in Michigan). He was also one of the leading visionaries to participate in the redevelopment of downtown West Palm Beach.

Download the App Now!

VELL for iOS
VELL for Android