Acupuncture & The Common Cold

Black spa stone with set of acupuncture needles on tray

Winter has arrived and with the onset of weekly snow storms, more and more patients are coming in with cold and flu-like symptoms. Affecting the upper respiratory system, the cold is the most common infection.  To be more precise, it is a viral infection with symptoms that may include: cough, sore throat, sinusitis (a runny or stuffed nose), chills and fever, body ache and fatigue.

Most patients are unaware of the efficacy of acupuncture, cupping, gua sha and moxa to treat and relieve symptoms of the common cold, as well as how consistent acupuncture treatments throughout the year work to reduce the frequency of contracting it.  Acupuncture works to balance the bodies energy and boost the immune system, it can expedite the healing process, often relieving some symptoms immediately.  It has been scientifically proven that acupuncture can increase the production of natural killer cells which fight against viruses and bacteria, while also regulating white blood cells which fight against infection. [i]

The quickest and most sustainable results are achieved when patients begin treatment at the first signs of illness.  The longer one waits to address an issue, be it a cold or pain or something more severe the longer it may take to experience long-lasting results.  Upon starting treatment, a selection of points with the ability to strengthen the immune system and relieve pain/symptoms are needled.  Depending on the presentation and the patient, the practitioner may choose to supplement the treatment with cupping, gua sha or moxa to help expel the pathogen from the body.

Acupuncture works not only to alleviate the common cold, but regular treatments in conjunction with a healthy diet, proper sleep and regular handwashing can prevent frequent occurrences of it.

[i] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/229262702_The_effect_of_acupuncture_on_natural_killer_cell_activity