Acupuncture for the Common Cold
February 18th, 2009
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can effectively treat the common cold.
The common cold, or viral upper respiratory tract infection, is caused by more than 200 viral types. Common cold symptoms may include sneezing, sore or scratchy throat, cough, headache, and fever.
Common cold symptoms are often treated with over-the-counter medications such as cough syrups, cough drops, throat lozenges, antihistamines, decongestants, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can effectively treat the common cold without the use of over-the-counter medications, which can cause drowsiness and fatigue. Acupuncture can aid in prevention of worsening of the cold if treated in its early stages.
For individuals who already have a cold and have not received acupuncture earlier, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can strengthen the immune system and reduce symptom discomfort.
Due to the many different viral types that are responsible for the common cold, traditional Chinese medicine treats each cold manifestation with varying acupuncture point combinations and herbal formulas.
In traditional Chinese medicine theory, if qi (vital energy) is strong, pathogenic factors which cause the common cold can be resisted. Acupuncture strengthens the immune system functioning by increasing humoral and cellular immunity. Chinese herbal formulas can aid in combating the viral infection.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are particularly effective for treating the common cold preventively and are especially suited to individuals who catch colds often. Chinese herbal formulas are used in a similar manner to conventional antibiotics, but do not cause the adverse side effects that allopathic medications often do.
When we have insufficient rest, poor diet or high stress, pathogens may become more effective in causing the common cold. Acupuncture can improve the immune system’s defenses and repel these pathogens.
In addition to acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, common cold symptoms can be treated with vitamin C, rest, medicinal herbal teas, and Chinese food therapy.
As a form of preventative medicine for the common cold, be certain to get regular acupuncture maintenance treatments at the changing of the seasons and especially during the flu season.
For more information about acupuncture for the common cold call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
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