How to Prevent Colds Naturally!

Did you know that Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is a great way to prevent and treat colds and illnesses?

Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and has been used very effectively to treat  all kinds of illnesses. I find in my practice that if a patient can come in for treatment in the first 24 to 48 hours of a cold or flu onset, that the illness can be stopped. This is great news, since most people don’t have time to be sick. 

In Chinese Medicine the action of the acupuncture brings the illness to the surface of the body where it can be “expelled” and not go deeper, such as in to the lungs causing respiratory illness. Usually one acupuncture treatment works great if given in the initial onset stage. One of the reasons it works so well is that not only does it “expel” the illness, the treatment also uses points that strengthen the immune system.

 Another treatment involves Chinese Herbs, and specifically I use Gan Mao Ling. Many of you may have this at home now, since the best time to use it is again at the onset of an illness, like when that first signs of a sore throat show up. Acupuncture also works great for sinus infections and sinus congestion, or the residual effects of a lingering illness.

Tips to prevent illness during flu and cold season:

• Always wear a hat or head covering when it is windy and/or cold. In Chinese Medicine it is the “Wind” that will drive the illness into the energy meridians of the body. Keeping the wind from entering through your head is a great preventative measure to take.

• Decreasing your sugar intake can help your immune system, since within hours of eating sugar your immunity lowers.

• I love the Traditional Medicinal line of herbal teas. You can find them at your local grocery stores and health food stores. I recommend Gypsy Cold Care for cold symptoms, Echinacea for boosting your immunity, and Ginger Aid for sore throat and stomach upset.