We are all prone to colds and flu, and it’s not a pleasant thing to get into. Statistics show that adults usually get 2 – 4 colds a year, while children get as many as 5 – 10 every year. More than 200 types of viruses can cause colds. The symptoms of colds develop slowly, usually with a sore throat. It then develops into headaches, congestion, runny nose, fever and cough. On the other hand, flu symptoms start quickly, such as sore throat, cough, headache and high fever. People with flu may also experience diarrhea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and fatigue. The longer it takes for a person to treat these infectious diseases, the longer it will take to clear out the pathogens from the body.
How Acupuncture for Colds Can Help
Acupuncture balances the flow of energy in your body by inserting needles on specific acupuncture points. It can support your natural immune response and boost the immune system. This can help prevent flu or colds from affecting your body. As you undergo acupuncture, your licensed acupuncturist or therapist will most likely prescribe Chinese herbs to supplement your body’s natural defense and healing capacity.
If you have the colds or flu, undergoing acupuncture for colds will relieve various symptoms. These include runny nose, congestion, sore throat, cough, body aches, headaches, chills and fever. Acupuncture with a prescription of Chinese herbs can also speed up recovery. It can also lessen symptoms so as to prevent flu or colds from further developing.
Chinese healing methods such as acupuncture, moxibustion and gua sha can provide relief from cold symptoms. These techniques also expel the pathogen out from the body in a much faster rate. Practitioners insert hair-thin needles into certain points along the meridians of the body, activating immune functions. It will also relieve symptoms of colds and flu, while suppressing pain. Most patients usually experience quick relief when acupuncture points are needled.
Holistic Health Care
Herbal therapy can also effectively fight the infection and inflammation caused by colds and flu. Herbal formulas can destroy bacteria and viruses, thus alleviating symptoms. It also has a diaphoretic action which takes out the virus and flu bug out of the body. Do take note that it’s important to consult with your medical provider if you have flu-like symptoms before seeking out complementary treatments like herbal prescriptions and acupuncture for colds.
Every patient might have a different set of symptoms or infections, which different sets of acupuncture techniques and herbal formulas can address. One or two acupuncture sessions with a herbal prescription are typically necessary to treat colds and flu. If the symptoms are treated early, colds and flu can be completely resolved in a day or two.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
The most that you will feel during acupuncture is a dull ache, numbness or slight tingling feeling around the base of the inserted needle. Acupuncture is relatively pain-free. As the practitioner inserts needles into specific points on your body, you’ll barely feel them at all. Your acupuncturist may give you a little massage after taking out the needles to lessen any feeling of numbness.
Take the Next Step By Consulting with a Licensed Acupuncturist
Traditional Chinese Medicine aims to create and sustain a healthy balance in the body. In this healthy state, your body has a stronger immune system that can help keep illnesses at bay. Acupuncture for colds is a natural, safe and effective treatment to boost your immunity. It also tackles the root cause of your health concerns, and heals you holistically.
Book an appointment with our licensed acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine practitioner now to get a consultation and treatment that can improve your immune system. We also have a herbal pharmacy where you can get a prescription of Chinese herbs, and we ship out herbal prescriptions to your address. Our acupuncturist, Tram Pham, also does phone and video consultations if ever you can’t come by our Santa Barbara clinic.
References
Acupuncture Treatment For Flu and Common Cold. Patricia Pilot –
http://www.patriciapilot.com/symptoms/flu-chinese-medicine-acupuncture-flu-acupuncture-common-cold-chinese-medicine/
Colds and Flu Statistics | Health Direct –
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/colds-and-flu-statistics
Did You Know That Acupuncture Can Be Used To Treat Colds and the Flu? | Uptown Acupuncture –
http://uptownacupuncturedc.com/did-you-know-that-acupuncture-can-be-used-to-treat-colds-and-the-flu/
