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It’s estimated that each year, there are more than 60 million occurrences of the common cold. More than 20 million school days are missed, and some sources suggest that common colds and cold weather viruses cost the economy up to $25 billion annually in lost productivity. With the autumn and winter’s arrival comes increasing concerns about colds and flus. Acupuncture should be part of every person’s toolkit for preventing illness and treating it when it occurs
Strengthen the underlying immune system
Poor health during the colder seasons happens for a variety of reasons. In some cases, it’s due to cold weather exposure putting a drain on the body’s energy reserves. In others, it’s due to exposure to other people struggling with illness in the family, workplace, school, or day to day life. A regular acupuncture treatment regimen can help to identify weaknesses in the immune system and strategically address those. The stronger your immune system is, the more likely you are to fight off illnesses before they happen or recover quickly when they do. Clinical studies have shown that even in patients fighting serious diseases like cancer that regular acupuncture treatments stimulate and improve immune functions.
What studies say about the acupuncture – cold connection
A number of studies have also explored the connections between acupuncture and warding off colds. Studies have shown specifically that acupuncture enhances natural killer cell activity, which enables your immune system to fight off colds. It’s also been shown to reduce pain, improve congestion, decrease inflammation, and even reduce swelling.
The concepts of Chinese medicine explain that Chi, or the body’s energy, can stagnate. If Chi is not flowing smoothly or is moving sluggishly, the body is more prone to illness. As your acupuncturist identifies the location or source of any breakdowns, your treatment protocol can be customized to achieve your health goals.
How acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can help you
Whether you’re struggling with a cold that won’t go away or you’re determined to turn over a new leaf to remain healthy this winter, acupuncture can help. The first step is contacting a local clinician to arrange for a consultation. During your first visit, your acupuncturist may take a health history, listen to your pulse, and take a look at your tongue. These diagnostic steps will help reveal what’s happening with your health currently and identify the right pathways to take for promoting health.
Depending on your unique situation, your acupuncturist may recommend acupuncture treatments, herbal preparations, or specific behavioral steps you can take. A few visits may be enough to help you get through the cold or flu you’re facing and back to a prime state of health. Or you’ll be prescribed a longer-term treatment plan that helps build your immune capacity over time.
Are you living or working in the greater Salt Lake City area who is looking for new options to strengthen your immunity and stay healthy this winter? Contact Master Lu’s Health Center to arrange for a personalized consultation today.
