Within the Shaolin Temple medical system, it is understood that bodily orifices sometimes expel toxins during illness as part of the body's natural defense against disease. There is no need to rush to seek medical help at the first sign of symptoms. Premature medical intervention can cause our immune mechanisms to remain dormant for extended periods, making us overly reliant on external factors for health. This gradually leaves us vulnerable to disease like an egg with cracks. So, for minor ailments, is it necessary to see a doctor?
Coughing
is one of the most common symptoms in the respiratory system and serves as a protective measure beneficial to the body. When the respiratory mucosa is irritated by foreign objects, inflammation, secretions, or allergic factors, it reflexively triggers coughing. This helps expel foreign substances or secretions that have entered the respiratory tract from the outside and eliminates irritants.If cough suppressants are used immediately upon coughing, they may trap inflammatory debris in the airways, hindering the resolution of inflammation.
When coughing occurs, stay warm and drink plenty of fluids while avoiding irritants like pepper or onions. Seek immediate medical attention if frequent coughing is accompanied by fever, chest pain, or weight loss.
Vomiting
is also a defensive reflex to expel harmful substances and reduce their absorption. Using antiemetic drugs at this time may cause harmful substances to remain in the body, posing a health risk. For simple vomiting, replenish fluids appropriately to prevent water and electrolyte imbalance.If accompanied by gastrointestinal discomfort, massage the stomach and abdomen while rehydrating. Avoid eating immediately after vomiting; engage in light activity to relax the body before eating. Seek immediate medical attention if vomiting recurs or is accompanied by abdominal pain, fever, or other symptoms.
Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds can be viewed as the body's way of releasing excess heat.When people drink insufficient water, consume excessive spicy foods, or experience dry environments and internal heat, the body often chooses the fragile nasal mucosa as a release point. Therefore, nosebleeds are generally nothing to worry about and will typically stop on their own within a short time.
However, if bleeding persists after a period, seek medical attention promptly. During this time, you can lean forward to allow the blood to flow out naturally, gently blotting it with tissue paper.For heavier bleeding, pinch the soft part of the nostrils for several minutes or raise the arm opposite the bleeding nostril to aid clotting. Seek immediate medical attention for severe, unstoppable bleeding, as this may indicate conditions like vascular hardening or high blood pressure. Diarrhea Especially when stools emit an unusual odor, this often indicates the body expelling toxins from food or other sources.When diarrhea occurs, avoid common treatment pitfalls such as: taking anti-diarrheal medication immediately; assuming diarrhea is inflammation and requiring antibiotics; using painkillers to relieve discomfort; stopping medication abruptly once symptoms subside; drinking excessive water to replenish fluids; eating less during diarrhea and more afterward.When experiencing diarrhea, adopt a supportive approach. For instance, drink a cup of warm water to help the intestines expel toxins more quickly. If severe diarrhea occurs—characterized by frequent urges, small stool volumes, spasmodic anal pain, bloody stools, or accompanied by abdominal pain, fever, or vomiting—seek immediate medical attention.
Fever
A temperature exceeding 37°C (98.6°F) is considered a fever. Medical research confirms that immune cells' combat effectiveness increases with rising body temperature. Simultaneously, elevated temperatures reduce iron ion concentrations in the blood, limiting the supply of trace iron ions essential for pathogen growth and thereby inhibiting their development. These natural processes are the primary defense against illness; medication serves only as supplementary support.Therefore, administering fever-reducing medication at the onset of fever may actually worsen the condition. If the temperature remains below 38°C (98.6°F) and the patient's energy levels and appetite are unaffected, placing ice packs on the forehead can alleviate discomfort. Additionally, increasing fluid intake, supplementing with vitamins and minerals as needed, and consuming light, nutrient-rich foods are recommended.If the temperature exceeds 38.5°C (100.3°F), persists as a low-grade fever, or is accompanied by rash, severe headache, joint pain, or convulsions, seek immediate medical attention.