Clinical studies have suggested that using acupuncture to treat colds and flu can reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections and shorten the length of the illness. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine work by rebalancing the body’s systems, regulating the body’s healing energies and enhancing the immune system.
Even though germs, bacteria, and viruses are everywhere, they can only lead to illness when our bodies are weakened and unbalanced, then a hospitable environment is available for them to thrive leading to a cold or flu. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine through its balancing and strengthening of the body’s systems is a good preventative approach to illness.
One of the main theories supporting acupuncture and its treatment of colds and the flu is the concept of Wei Qi. Wei Qi is similar to the Western concept of the immune system. It functions as a barrier protecting and defending the body against foreign substances, which can cause illness and disease. When Wei Qi is strong and abundant, we remain healthy. When the supply becomes inadequate, health is compromised and we become vulnerable to outside invaders.
Throughout our lives, a variety of factors affect our health and well-being. Although most of the time we recover quickly and regain our health, when these factors are numerous, our internal mechanisms become compromised and weakened, our Wei Qi becomes depleted and we get sick. By the time illness occurs, the body’s self-regulating, self balancing and healing systems have already been affected.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine support and strengthen the systems of the body that are involved in the production of Wei Qi, and can help rebalance and support the immune system and stimulate Wei Qi energy. By building the supply of Wei Qi, and facilitating the smooth and free flow of it throughout the body, the body’s organs and meridian system become strong, enhancing their ability to effectively fight off illness and disease.
Tips for Staying Healthy:
- Consume 8-10 glasses of filtered water daily
- Exercise regularly to support the immune system
- Eat a healthy, organic diet, including foods with beta carotene (carrots, broccoli, sweet potato, garlic and tomatoes)
- Limit sugar intake. Sugar taxes the immune system, especially when feeling under the weather
- Take vitamin C and herbs to support the immune system, especially in the “cold and flu” season
- Get plenty of rest
- Enjoy fun and relaxing activities
- Stimulate specific acupuncture points that support Wei Qi
- Enjoy regular acupuncture treatments to support the body’s self-regulating, self-balancing and healing systems