Colds and flu often appear when the weather changes, the body is tired, sleep has been poor, or the body has been exposed to cold. The first signs may be mild: a scratchy throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, headache, body aches, or a feeling of coldness from within.
At the early stage, the most important thing is to help the body warm up, rest, and circulate better. Dien Chan Multi-Reflexology can be a simple self-care method to support the body during the first days of a cold.
Dien Chan Multi-Reflexology is a reflexology method based on reflex zones on the face and body, developed by Professor Bui Quoc Chau in Vietnam in 1980. For mild cold or flu symptoms, you can begin with the technique of warming six reflex zones to support body warmth, ease nasal discomfort, relax the head and neck area, and help the body recover more naturally.
🌿Note: This is a supportive self-care method and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have a high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe cough, extreme fatigue, symptoms that continue, or if you are caring for a young child, an older adult, a pregnant person, or someone with an existing medical condition, please consult a healthcare professional.
You can use this technique when the body first begins to show signs such as:
feeling cold or sensitive to wind;
nasal congestion, runny nose, or sneezing;
mild sore throat or hoarseness;
headache or heaviness in the head;
aching in the neck, shoulders, or back;
tiredness or cold hands and feet.
The purpose of this practice is not to force the body to recover immediately. It is to create the right conditions for the body to feel warmer, more relaxed, and better supported during its natural recovery process.
You can use:
clean fingers;
a Dien Chan Multi-Reflexology “Sao Choi” tool;
a smooth, rounded tool made of wood, horn, plastic, or stainless steel;
a small amount of warming balm.
Choose a warm, thick balm that stays on the skin. Avoid very liquid oils that evaporate quickly, as they may leave a cool sensation on the skin.
If you are new to this practice, begin with moderate pressure. If the body feels very cold, you may rub a little faster to create warmth, but never to the point of pain, irritation, or scratched skin.
You can practise 1–3 times a day, for just a few minutes each time. Rub until the skin feels warm, slightly pink, and comfortable.
Rub upward from under the chin. In Dien Chan Multi-Reflexology, this area is associated with the legs and the lower part of the body. Warming the chin area may help the body feel warmth rising from below, especially when the hands and feet are cold or the body feels tired.
Gently rub both sides of the nostrils. This area is often used to support the nose and respiratory passages. If you have nasal congestion, runny nose, or mild nasal irritation, this area may feel sensitive. Work slowly, evenly, and within your comfort level.
Rub along the bridge of the nose, moving upward. In Dien Chan Multi-Reflexology, the bridge of the nose is related to the spinal axis. Warming this area may help the body feel more open and clear, especially when the head feels heavy or the back feels cold.
Continue rubbing from the bridge of the nose up to the centre of the forehead. This area is commonly used to support a heavy head, mild headache, and the comfort of the ear, nose, and throat area.
Rub along the eyebrow line, from the inner eyebrow toward the outer end. If this area feels tender or sensitive, reduce the pressure and slow down. For many people, this technique helps the head feel lighter and the body more relaxed.
Warm the area in front of the ears, behind the ears, and the entire outer ear. The ears are sensitive and often warm up quickly. When the throat, nose, or head feels uncomfortable, spend a little more time around the ears while keeping the touch pleasant and gentle.
After finishing, drink a few sips of warm water and rest for a few minutes. If you sweat lightly, dry the skin and keep the neck, back, and feet warm.
When the body feels clearly cold, the hands and feet are cold, or there is a deep internal chill, you may add a cup of warm ginger water.
A simple preparation:
Grill or pan-roast a small piece of fresh ginger until fragrant and slightly charred on the outside.
Remove the charred skin and rinse quickly.
Crush the ginger.
Simmer it with about 300–350 ml of water for 5–10 minutes.
Strain and drink while still warm.
If drinking in the evening, you may add a small pinch of salt. Sip slowly and avoid drinking it once it has become cold. People with stomach problems, high blood pressure, those taking medication, or pregnant people should consult a healthcare professional before using it regularly.
When you have a cold or flu, the body needs less burden and more support. A few simple habits can help:
rest early and sleep enough;
drink warm water in small sips;
keep the neck, back, abdomen, and feet warm;
avoid late-night showers or going to bed with wet hair;
avoid iced drinks, cold foods, and food taken directly from the fridge;
eat warm, soft, easy-to-digest meals;
do not force yourself to eat too much when the body has no appetite.
If you do not feel like eating, choose something light such as warm water, thin rice porridge, or warm soup. When digestion can rest, the body has more energy for recovery.
A cold is not only a temporary discomfort. It can also be a signal that the body needs to slow down: more sleep, warmer food and drinks, less stress, and steadier daily care.
Dien Chan Multi-Reflexology brings you back to something very simple: using your own hands to observe, warm, and support the body. Just a few minutes of warming the right areas, combined with rest, warm water, and proper warmth, may help cold days feel gentler.
When you learn to listen to the body’s small signals, you can care for yourself earlier, more gently, and more actively at home.
Dinh Huong Thao
Health Educator & Dien Chan MultiReflexology Educator
Self-Healing & Health Education Platform