Protect the "Wind Gate"

It's a windy time of year. Also a time when layers of clothing start to come off as we enjoy warming temperatures.

So it's a good time to talk about wind protection.

The nape (base of the skull, neck, and upper back), an area often called the "Wind Gate" in Chinese Medicine, is especially vulnerable to wind disturbances. This is partially owing to its high position, but also, the Qi pathways run very close to the surface here.

There are several acupuncture points around the nape with "wind" in their name.

THE NAPE ("WIND GATE")

Wind easily disturbs the Qi at the nape causing pain, dysfunction, weakness, and even vulnerability to illness (the Taiyang pathways, home of the Defensive Qi that mobilizes when there's an infection, run through here).

The base of the skull, neck, and upper back should remain covered this time of year, until the winds subside toward summer. A light scarf does the trick, or perhaps a shirt with the collar popped.

But don't cling to your parka... other areas must be freed. The chest (heart center), especially, should be opened to the air (unless it's a cold day) so that heat generated over winter has a place to vent.

Protect the nape. Free the heart.