To understand the meaning of the common cold and rhinitis, it’s essential to start with the premise that every “illness” is not a mistake of nature, but a “sensible biological special program” initiated by the body in response to an unexpected and dramatic shock. This shock triggers a process that manifests simultaneously at the level of the psyche, the brain, and the organ.
Far from being a simple viral infection caused by cold, the common cold is the manifestation of a healing phase. At the core of this condition is the “stink conflict,” a biological perception linked to the nose, our most sensitive organ.
This conflict can arise from an actual unpleasant smell or, more often, from a situation that “stinks to us,” meaning one we perceive as unpleasant, threatening, or intolerable. For example, “smelling” trouble, a potential threat at work or in a relationship, or even an annoying person.
How the common cold manifests
Active Conflict Phase (CA): When experiencing a “stink conflict,” the nasal (and paranasal sinus) mucous membrane reacts by ulcerating. This process causes no obvious symptoms and has a precise biological purpose: the ulceration widens the nasal passages, enhancing our sense of smell to allow us to “better sniff out” the danger or unpleasant situation. In this phase, the nose is usually dry due to the loss of mucus-producing cells. The ulcers do not bleed, but prolonged conflict can lead to crust formation.
Healing Phase (PCL A and PCL B): Once the conflict is resolved—that is, when the situation that “stank to us” resolves or we realize the danger has passed—the body initiates the repair process. The ulcers are filled with new cells, causing significant swelling of the mucous membrane. It is in this phase that the typical symptoms of the common cold appear:
- Blocked nose (congestion): Due to the swelling of the nasal mucosa.
- Runny nose and mucus production: Mucus serves to eliminate waste from the healing process and to “wash” the nasal passages. If the mucus is clear and transparent, the involved tissue is of more recent origin. If it is yellow and thick, it indicates the involvement of older tissue.
- Sneezing (CE): These are a kind of peak in the healing process.
- Headaches (sinus): Caused by edema in the brain.
- Fever: The body raises its temperature to accelerate the repair process.
- Fatigue: Occurs because the nervous system is in a state of rest (parasympathicotonia) to support resolution.
Recurrent colds and rhinitis
If a cold or rhinitis manifests repeatedly, it’s called a recurrence, which is not a slow succession but always and only the consequence of a new shock. This happens when the original conflict is reactivated by a “track” or “conflict track.” “Tracks” are additional aspects or perceptions present at the time of the original shock, such as a specific smell (hay, perfume, cigarette smoke), a taste, animal dander, or pollen.
When such a “track” is re-encountered, even if the emotional intensity is not the same as the first time, a recurrence of the conflict can be triggered. These “tracks” are often interpreted as “allergies.” For example, hay fever is a reaction of the nasal mucosa “allergically” triggered (by a track).
The common cold and rhinitis are manifestations of a healing process triggered by a “stink conflict”—a sensible biological reaction. Understanding this meaning can help us better manage these conditions and avoid recurrences, supporting the body in its natural repair process.
