Acupuncture + Treating The Common Cold
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be highly effective in both preventing and treating symptoms of the common cold and flu. The symptoms are well known: fatigue, fever, chills, headache, sinus congestion, and sore throat. From the biomedical perspective, the signs of the common cold are effects of different strains of viruses as they invade the body. From the TCM perspective, a person is treated according to a pattern of presentation characteristic of wind, damp, heat, or cold type pathogens. For example, the same strain of the influence of virus may present with more fever in one person (heat) and chills in another (cold). From either view, the key is to help the body defend itself and recover.
The following are some general suggestions for preventing and coping with the common cold and flu:
Get a quality full night's sleep.
Drink plenty of fluids and eat seasonal, organic food.
Stay warm in cool weather, including covering your neck from exposure to damp and drafts.
Vitamin C has been shown to shorten the course of the common cold and may also be preventative.
Zinc has antiviral properties and may also shorten the length of the cold.
(As with all supplements, consult your qualified healthcare professional for the best advice)
Many herbs in Chinese medicine have been found to contain antiviral and immune boosting compounds. For example: Astragalus (Huang Qi) has been shown in research to reduce incidents of and shorten the duration of the common cold. In TCM, it is typical to combine different herbs together into formulas to treat the whole person. This means each individual with the same flu may take a different formula specific for their condition. This is one reason it can be difficult to effectively self-treat colds and flu with over-the-counter supplements. Working with a trained practitioner to bring the body back into balance can improve the immune system and help prevent the recurrence of the common cold.
According to Chinese medicine theory, nutrition is the foundation for staying well and avoiding the common cold. Over eating or malnourishment can affect the digestive process. Eating a healthy and moderate diet is the source of the body’s energy, qi, blood, and the basis of the body’s ability to fight disease.
Though the immune system is very complex, evidence shows that acupuncture can boost certain essential components that create and build lasting immunity. This can happen even while the body is actively trying to fight off a cold. Even if you were scheduled to see your acupuncturist for some other condition, it is always a good time to strengthen your immune system. Early intervention can stop symptoms of a cold from lingering.
* This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a primary health care provider with questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.
