Acupuncture for all seasons: combating allergies, cold or flu through Eastern Medicine
- Posted on: Oct 13 2020
This is the time where it is difficult to distinguish between allergy, cold and flu symptoms. All three begin with respiratory signs and symptoms, so catching it early, regardless of what you feel, will be in your favor. In Chinese medicine we address those signs and symptoms as an “external invasion” so we mount a defense attempting to subdue and/or expel the pathogen through acupuncture and supplemental/herbal remedies before the attack on our body takes hold. Acupuncture does this by encouraging the natural defenses of your immune system to show up and stay strong.
With the additional concern of Covid19, everyone should be more diligent in securing a defense against these external attacks, but know that just like other respiratory illnesses, when caught early, a road to combating it, or any other pathogen, can be accomplished if your immune system is working in “tip top” condition.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) common symptoms of cold, flu and allergies are:
- Snuffy nose or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat or cough
- Headache
- Fatigue
NOTE: fevers and body aches (102-104F more than 48 hours) are present during the flu or viral/bacterial infections and are rare for colds and absent for allergies unless coupled with a sinus infection.
Covid19: Signs and symptoms may appear between 2-14 days after exposure and can have any of the above with the addition of shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, diarrhea, and extreme fatigue. This makes it difficult to diagnosis on your own but fuels the need to stay healthy, so your system is better equipped to fight and win the battle.
Complications: If gone untreated,
Allergies can lead to sinus infections, sinusitis, bronchitis, nasal polyps.
BE MINDFUL OF ENVIRONMENTAL TRIGGERS
Colds can lead to sinus congestion or infection and/or earaches.
KEEP HYDRATED, STAY RESTED, Chicken soup all the way.
The Flu can lead to bronchitis, pneumonia and can become life-threatening if not treated within the first few days.
KEEP HYDRATED, STAY RESTED, EAT WARM and NUTRITOUS, Sweat it out.
Covid19: Unfortunately, the complications for this can be quite alarming, however if you are healthy and/or manage any prior health issues well, the outcome is amicable. If you feel like you are coming down with something and signs and symptoms progress, get tested to rule out the possibility of having Corona virus, if you are positive and sent home, take precautions, treat it like a bad flu and add lots of vitamin C, zinc and plenty of rest.
Your best prevention is to eat well, move well and be well through healthy lifestyle, habits, and a balanced immune system.
Make an appointment with one of AOSMI’s wonderful Acupuncturists for treatment and to consult about our vitamin and supplement offerings. Get ahead of the season to enjoy it.
Eileen M. Egan-Russo, L.Ac., LMT
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