The Common Cold

We’ve all heard of the Common Cold, but have we ever stopped to think of what it actually is or where it comes from? You can’t take modern medicine to cure yourself of a common cold, and once you get them you have to suffer through it until your body fights it off. Let’s take a look at the symptoms, causes, and steps you can take to prevent yourself from getting sick.

Condition & Symptoms: The Common Cold

The common cold is actually a viral infection and although there are over 200 different types of viruses that can cause the common cold, one viral strand, in particular, the rhinovirus, is responsible for causing upwards of 50% of these illnesses. Other viruses that cause colds are the respiratory syncytial virus, coronavirus, parainfluenza, and influenza virus.

You can usually tell that you have a form of the common cold if you suffer from any of the following symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Scratchy or sore throat
• Watery eyes
• Stuffy nose
• Low energy
• Mucus in your nose and throat

It’s important to understand how colds are spread so that you can help prevent obtaining them. Be aware that touching a surface that may have the germ could spread it- such as using a door-knob shopping cart handle, keyboard, and any other commonly used surface. Wash your hands often and wipe down surfaces with disinfectant when you can.

How Acupuncture can help

When acupuncture is used for self-healing, it contributes to the production of Wei Qi, which is helpful in rebalancing and rebuilding the power of your immune system. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture studies have been used on those that have had the common cold and the research suggested that a significantly positive benefit is obtained from the administration of acupuncture therapy” as well as suggesting that “getting acupuncture as prevention for colds and the flu… [decreases] your risk of getting a cold of the flu in the first place.”

3 Acupressure Points to Boost Your Immune System

• Stomach 36 (3 Leg Mile): Located roughly four finger widths below the bottom of your kneecap but also along the outer area of your shin bone.
• Large Intestine 11 (Crooked Pond): To find this pressure point, go to the top of the crease in your elbow and it’s located at the edge of the joint.
• KI-27 (Shu Mansion): This point is located in the depression near the breastbone, and just under the collar bone.

Stay Healthy Internally

The easiest way to start combating the likelihood of becoming ill is to treat your body well. Ensuring that you’re getting at least 8 glasses of water daily, adequate rest, exercising daily to help boost your immune system, limiting sugar intake, and even taking Vitamin C are all ways that you can stay healthy during the cold season.