Understanding Wind in TCM: Is It a Concern for Postpartum Recovery?

We often hear the term ‘wind’ mentioned during the postpartum confinement period. One common practice is avoiding bathing and washing hair to prevent ‘wind’ from entering the body. If not, it’s believed that this can lead to issues like rheumatism and headaches as one ages. But is there any truth to this saying, and should we be concerned about it?

To answer this, we first need to understand what 'wind' refers to in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

The Concept of Wind in TCM

In TCM, ‘wind’ is not just the moving air we experience in nature. It’s also a metaphor used to describe certain conditions and symptoms in the body that resemble the characteristics of wind — quick, changeable, and capable of generating movement. Some common conditions associated with wind include nasal obstruction (like the quick onset of a cold), headaches (which come and go), migratory pain, and skin rashes (which appear and disappear quickly). Because wind is light and airy, it often affects the upper part of the body, including the face, skin, sweat glands, and lungs.

Wind can be classified into two types:

1. External Wind – This refers to the invasion of wind from the environment into the body, often triggered by extreme weather changes. Wind invasions usually don’t occur alone but are accompanied by other external factors like cold, dampness, or heat.

2. Internal Wind – Internal wind arises from imbalances within the body, often linked to the Liver. It can be caused by factors such as emotional stress, poor diet, blood deficiency, or prolonged illnesses.

   
   

External and internal wind can interact, with external wind sometimes influencing or triggering internal wind.

Now that we understand what wind is in TCM, let’s explore how it can affect the postpartum body.

How Wind Affects the Postpartum Body

A healthy body relies on a balance between Yin and Yang, with the functions of various organs working harmoniously. This balance allows the body to withstand external factors and maintain stability in the face of environmental influences.

After childbirth, however, the body loses a significant amount of Qi and Blood, which disrupts the balance of Yin and Yang. This makes the body’s defense mechanisms weaker, compromising its ability to resist environmental influences such as wind, cold, and humidity. As a result, the body can easily become overwhelmed by sudden changes in the surroundings, especially when exposed to drafts or cold air from fans or air conditioners.

Sources of wind influence include strong outdoor winds as well as indoor drafts from fans or air conditioning. These external factors often bring additional influences, such as cold from the air and dampness from rainy or humid weather.

However, internal factors also play a role in postpartum wind issues. The main internal causes include deficiencies in Qi and Blood, as well as weaknesses in organs like the spleen, liver, and kidneys. These imbalances can disrupt the smooth flow of blood and lead to improper nourishment of muscles and tendons. Common symptoms of internal wind include dizziness, numbness, muscle spasms, joint pain, as well as aversion to wind and cold. The added challenges of lack of sleep, physical strain, and emotional stress from adjusting to new life with a baby further exacerbate these issues.

Ways to Prevent Postpartum Wind

In TCM, it is essential to observe a period of rest and adopt specific lifestyle practices to prevent illness and support the restoration of the body’s balance. This period is often referred to as “doing the month” or zuoyuezi 坐月子.

During this time, the new mother is encouraged to rest as much as possible, stay warm, and consume nourishing foods and herbs to rebuild her strength. Tonifying herbal soups and a nutritious diet help replenish Qi and blood, while also supporting the proper function of the body’s organs. It is also important to avoid cold foods and drinks, as they can weaken the body’s ability to recover.

In addition to the above, it is crucial to avoid direct exposure to wind, particularly from fans or air conditioning. If a person catches a cold, she must stop consuming tonifying herbal soups, as they can aggravate flu symptoms and make the condition worse. This hinders the person from receiving the benefits of the herbal soups, which are meant to nourish and strengthen the body.

While staying warm is key, it’s important not to overheat. Excessive warmth and profuse sweating should be avoided as this will drain the body's Yin. TCM emphasizes balance, so it’s important to adjust warmth according to what feels comfortable for your body. Using a fan or air conditioner is fine, as long as they’re not directly blowing on you. A well-ventilated room is also essential to maintain comfort and help prevent infections.

Should I Avoid Taking a Bath or Washing My Hair During Postpartum?

This is a common concern, but the answer is no, it’s not necessary to avoid bathing or washing your hair. Maintaining personal hygiene is crucial, especially if you have wounds from a caesarean section or other incisions, to prevent infection. Additionally, as a breastfeeding mother, keeping yourself clean helps prevent the transfer of germs to your baby.

The practice of avoiding bathing and washing hair during postpartum dates back to a time when conditions in places like China were different — clean water was harder to access, the weather was cold, especially during winter and in the northern regions, and toilets were often located outside the home.

However, it’s important to shower with warm water and dry your body immediately after. Bathing with herbs such as ginger, lemongrass or mugwort can be beneficial to help dispel wind and remove dampness during this time.

Conclusion

Understanding wind in TCM and how it affects the postpartum body helps us make informed decisions about our care. While there’s no need to completely avoid personal hygiene, it’s important to practice balance — staying warm and comfortable, avoiding direct exposure to cold and wind, and nourishing your body with the right foods and rest. By doing so, you can help ensure a smoother postpartum recovery while keeping yourself healthy and strong as you adjust to life with your newborn.

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