Acupuncture, the Natural Cold and Flu
Remedy
This year there will be 1 billion colds
and 95 million cases of the flu in the
United States alone. While the misery of
cold and flu season might be inevitable,
one thing is changing: where we look for
relief.
Acupuncture to Get Better Faster -
If you have already come down with a
cold or the flu, acupuncture treatments
can help relieve symptoms you are
currently experiencing including chills,
fever, body aches, runny nose,
congestion, sore throat and cough. While
bringing some immediate relief,
treatments will reduce the incidence of
an upper respiratory tract infection and
shorten the length of the illness.
Acupuncture for Prevention -
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can
prevent colds and flu by strengthening
the immune system with just a few
needles inserted into key points along
the body's energy pathways.
In Oriental Medicine, disease prevention
begins with a protective layer around
the exterior of the body called wei qi
or defensive energy. There are
acupuncture points known for
strengthening the circulation of blood
and energy and for consolidating the
outer defense layers of the skin and
muscle (Wei Qi) so that germs and
viruses cannot enter through them.
If you catch colds easily, have low
energy and require a long time
recuperating from an illness your wei qi
may be deficient.
Acupuncture Point: Du 14
One particularly important point to
attend to is Du 14. Located below the
spinous process of the seventh cervical
vertebrae, approximately where the
collar of a T-shirt sits on the neck.
Du 14 activates the circulation of blood
and Qi to strengthen the outer defense
layers of the skin and muscle (wei qi)
so that germs and viruses cannot enter
through them.
This point is often used to ward off as
well as shorten the duration colds and
flu.
Seasonal acupuncture treatments just
four times a year also serve to tonify
the inner organ systems and can correct
minor annoyances before they become
serious problems. Call us to see how we
can help you stay healthy this season!
Staying Healthy
Seasonal
changes affect the body's environment.
With wind, rain and snow comes the
colds, flus and the aches and pains that
accompany them – Good lifestyle and
hygiene habits are proven to reduce your
risk of getting sick.
Wash Your Hands– Studies have
shown that one of the main reasons that
we catch colds and flu in cold weather
is that we are indoors and in closer
vicinity to others. Protect yourself by
washing your hands regularly and try not
to touch your face.
Sleep In -
The Nei Ching, an ancient Chinese
classic, advised people to go to sleep
early, rest well and rise late, after
the sun's rays have warmed the
atmosphere a bit. This preserves your
own Yang Qi for the task of warming the
body.
Stress Less -
Find a release valve for your stress.
According to Chinese medicine, stress,
frustration, and unresolved anger can
play an important part in throwing the
immune system off and allowing pathogens
to affect the body. Find a way to relax
and release stress on a daily basis.
Such methods may include yoga,
meditation and exercise. Acupuncture has
been shown to be effective in the
treatment of stress, anxiety and
depression.
Seasonal Tune-Up -
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can
prevent colds and flu by building up the
immune system with just a few needles
inserted into key points along the
body’s energy pathways. These points are
known for strengthening the circulation
of blood and energy and for
consolidating the outer defense layers
of the skin and muscle (wei Qi) so that
germs and viruses cannot enter through
them.
Seasonal acupuncture treatments also
serve to tonify the inner organ systems
and correct minor annoyances before they
become serious problems.
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