Bounce Back and Breathe Clear are two wonderful herbal formulas that are indispensable after you get sick. One unique feature of these formulas is that they were also designed to be used together. When taken in combination, these formulas provide a unique two-step approach that can help support the body’s natural recovery process during seasonal challenges.

Let Chinese Medicine Guide the Way Back to Health

The secret to this two-step approach is that it is grounded in the fundamental principles of Chinese herbal medicine that focus on clinical presentation.  From the perspective of modern medicine, seasonal challenges can arise from various external factors, ranging from the common yearly bugs to those that are more rare. This diversity of causes would seem to make support impossible. 

But Chinese herbal medicine focuses on the presentation, and from this perspective there is a great deal of commonality in these ailments. The most important distinction for doctors of Chinese herbal medicine is not the cause of your illness but where in the body it is located. This determination is not made in a laboratory but simply by examining the patient and correctly understanding the presentation (a Chinese medicine concept). 

External Presentations, Wind and More

For doctors of Chinese herbal medicine, there are two very important “locations” to consider. First, cold season needs are understood as attacks by external factors, most importantly “wind”, but also other climatic factors such as “cold.” These attacks start in the “exterior” of the body, which means the need is primarily on the surface of the body and hasn’t moved deeper into the internal organs.

How can you tell if an ailment is in the “exterior?” The presentation tells us: fever, chills, body aches, headaches, congested sinuses – these are all signs that one’s need is primarily on the surface of the body and has not moved deeper.

Second, an illness in the “exterior” can move to the “interior.” According to Chinese herbal medicine theory, the “interior” of the body is a complex landscape, but for the purposes of cold season needs, there is one major consideration. Most conditions will migrate along the airways into the Lungs.” How do we know that this shift has taken place? Again, the presentation tells us: Occasional coughing and mild chest tightness may indicate that the body’s natural respiratory balance—described in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Lung Qi—may need support.

Bringing the Principles Together 

This basic understanding of this trajectory in Chinese medicine has guided our design of our new Cold Season Solutions formulas: Bounce Back is our recommendation for a cold season need in the “exterior.” Breathe Clear is a wonderful herbal blend for when the need is in the “Lungs,” as understood in Chinese medicine. And the two formulas together are a great combination when a bug is on the move, transitioning from exterior to interior.

Here's how you would use the formulas together:

Step One: From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, seasonal changes are believed to influence the body's surface defenses, often leading to sensations such as mild discomfort, nasal stuffiness, or throat irritation. During this time, we recommend using Bounce Back to support your body's natural resilience and promote overall well-being. 

Step Two: From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, when the body's external defences are challenged, it may affect the internal balance, particularly influencing the Lung system. This can manifest as occasional respiratory discomfort, including sensations of chest tightness or throat irritation. At this stage, incorporating Breathe Clear into your routine may support respiratory wellness. For convenience, consider taking one tablet of each formula, three to four times daily, totaling six to eight tablets per day.

Final wrap-up: From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, after initial seasonal discomforts subside, occasional coughing may persist as the body continues its natural rebalancing process. Continuing with Breathe Clear at this stage can support respiratory wellness and help maintain overall vitality.

Care Consideration: Just a reminder that the above information is not a substitute for medical care and is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations from a healthcare provider.  This information is not intended to treat, mitigate, or cure any disease.  That said, we encourage you to connect with an Acupuncturist in your community to learn more about this and other Traditional Chinese Medicine options.  If you’ve got questions about Chinese herbal medicine or getting started with an Acupuncturist, feel free to connect with us at hello@mydaolabs.com. 

Dr. Eric Karchmer is a practicing Chinese medical doctor, medical anthropologist, and co-founder and Chief Doctor of Chinese Medicine for DAO Labs. From 1995-2000, Eric studied at the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and today is both a licensed acupuncturist and professor at Appalachian State University. Eric can be reached at drkarchmer@mydaolabs.com.