The effect of Cold on muscles in Cold-sensitive individuals

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The nature of Cold is to slow down and to cause contraction.

 

Cold, Wind, and/or Dampness invading the Exterior (head, neck,

limbs, skin, muscles, bones, and meridians) are the triggers for

arthritis and rheumatism, called Bi Syndrome (Painful Obstruction

Syndrome) in Chinese medicine.

 

Bi Syndrome can be acute/ semi-acute, or, it can be chronic. In

acute and semi-acute cases Wind, Cold, and/or Dampness temporarily

are stronger than the Protective Qi. The Wind, Cold, and Dampness

are confined to the channels.

 

In chronic Bi Syndrome, both channels and Organs are affected.

There is an underlying Interior weakness that makes the person more

vulnerable to invasion by Exterior Wind, Cold, and Damp. These

factors are Deficiency of Qi and Blood, Phlegm in joints, Blood

Stasis, and Liver and Kidney Deficiency. (Giovanni Maciocia, the

Practice of , P. 582.) The invasion of Wind, Cold,

and Dampness to the Interior (Organs)can further increase the very

factors which are causing the person to be so vulnerable to invasion

by Wind, Cold, and Dampness. A snowballing situation.

 

Blood Stasis can arise because of Cold. In addition, Blood Stasis

can create a localized Blood Deficiency. If the Blood can't get to

an area and perform the function of nourishing and moistening,

that's Blood Deficiency. When this process continues to snowball for

some time, the result is chronic Bi Syndrome. The person also

becomes more and more sensitive to Exterior Pernicious Evils. A

temperature which is not too cold for a normal individual can be too

cold for a person who is Kidney Yang Deficient. Socks and shoes and

coats which are adequate for a normal person are not adequate for a

person with unusual cold sensitivity.

 

Sensitivity to cold can result in chiropractic and DO adjustments

not lasting in some individuals. The muscles can stay so contracted

and the contraction can be strong enough to pull the spine out of

alignment again. (Magnesium deficiency is another reason why

adjustments don't last in some people. Muscles need adequate Mg in

order to relax.) Misalignment of the spine can further cause Qi

Stagnation and in some cases Blood Stasis.