Acupuncture for Cold and Flu

Acupuncture is used as an alternative medicine to treat a number of internal disorders including depression, headache and many chronic diseases. It can be also be used to cure common colds and the flu.

Doctors believe that acupuncture can be used to control the functions of the immune system which not only develops a defense system but also helps you fight against it. It induces the release of body fluids and blood that provide a shield against harmful viruses and bacteria that cause seasonal ailments.

Symptoms of Cold and Flu

The symptoms of common cold and flu may look similar, but they differ in many ways. Common colds can make you feel miserable, while a patient suffering from flu might end up being hospitalized. So, it is important to know the differences.

The cold usually starts with a sore throat and grows slowly. Runny and stuffy nose, headache and mild fever are the common symptoms of cold. On the other hand, flu symptoms are quick and spread rapidly through viral and bacterial infection. It is accompanied by high fever, sore throat, cough, headache, and congestion. In some cases, the patient might suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness and feel ill for several days.

Types of Cold

The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) classifies cold into three types:

1.   Wind Cold: Minor fever, strong aversion to cold, sore and itchy throat, runny nose, sneezing and pain in limbs.

2.   Wind Heat: Severe headache, fever, runny and stuffy nose, aversion to the wind, sneezing, sweating, and coughing thick and yellow phlegm.

3.   Damp Heat: Headache, feeling fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, and a heavy sensation in the chest.

Role of Acupuncture in Curing the Symptoms of Cold and Flu

Acupuncture involves placing needles on certain parts of the body that improve the immune system and reduce the symptoms. When the acupuncturist targets the point where the nose meets the eye socket, it reduces headache and congestion. Targeting the outer end of the elbow would improve the immune system. As such, there are many acupuncture points that can be targeted to enhance the immune system.

Acupuncture is now used worldwide to cure many chronic diseases. If you are looking for treatment of Cold and Flu with Acupuncture in the South Denver area, contact Arapahoe Chiropractic today.