ACUPUNCTURE FOR COLD & FLU
You might think of acupuncture for relieving your aching back or chronic headache. But the practice, a form of traditional Chinese medicine that is over 5,000 years old, could also help you avoid colds and flu this winter – or at least send them packing sooner.
In this Q&A, licensed acupuncturist Julia Proctor explains how the treatment works against these respiratory illnesses.
Q: How does acupuncture work?
A: From an Eastern medical philosophy, acupuncture works by balancing and harmonizing qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital, life-force energy. All pain, stress and disease in the body occur when qi has become blocked within the body and/or depleted. By placing tiny hair-thin needles along the meridians (which also correspond with the nervous system) to unblock and revitalize qi, natural healing, pain relief and emotional balance can occur.
Western medicine views acupuncture as a form of therapy that releases hormones into the bloodstream, sending signals to the nervous system. Hormones, such as dopamine and serotonin, have a positive effect on the body by reducing pain, balancing emotions, strengthening the immune system and regulating organ systems.
FIRE CUPPING IS CHINESE
FOR “FLU SHOT”
Did you know there are many beneficial uses for cupping besides recuperating muscles post-workout? One of our favorites is to boost immune strength.
When winter rears its ugly head, it's time to talk immunity. At Elm City Wellness we are already thinking about preparing our bodies to make it through the cold seasons like champs, in other words...without getting sick. Our first order of business, is cupping.
To boost immunity we focus treatment the focal point of the immune system: the neck, upper back, and shoulders. Keeping this zone free, clear and flowing is an absolute must in all treatments for those with chronic colds and flus, sinus infections, respiratory infections, and cough.
The reverse is true too. If these areas of your body are subject to the stagnating effect of chronic tightness, you may find yourself vulnerable to the onset of a cold or flu. Ever notice how right before you go under the weather your neck and shoulders ache like crazy? And shortly after your nose starts running? This is the perfect moment to schedule a cupping session.
Cupping's suction action liberates stagnated circulation in tissues and pulls toxins out to the surface, where they are properly metabolized and removed from the system. This leaves many with the famous mark of Chinese detoxification - red or purple hickies.
Read full article HERE.
Q: How can acupuncture help during the cold and flu system?
A: Studies have shown that patients receiving acupuncture have elevated immune-enhancing hormones and blood counts for up to three days after treatment. If you begin to feel the symptoms of the cold or flu coming on, it is important to visit your acupuncturist right away to get the most benefit from your treatment. Acupuncture can:
Prevent colds and flu by boosting the immune system
Help you get over the cold or flu faster if you already have it
Reduce chills, fever and body aches
Relieve sore throat and congestion
Q: What else can I do to fight against colds and the flu?
A: This simple soup is an ancient Chinese remedy that is used when someone is experiencing a fever with cold symptoms. Cook this broth as soon you feel a fever coming on, with symptoms of chills and a runny nose:
Green Onion, Garlic and Ginger Soup
2 green onions (use only the white part) cut into several pieces
1 piece of ginger the size of a thumb, cut into slices
2 to 3 cloves of garlic, cut into slices
1 to 2 teaspoons of brown sugar or honey
Put the top three ingredients into a pot and add about 2¼ cups of water. Boil it for 10 minutes and then add the brown sugar or honey. Drink the soup while it is warm or hot. After drinking the soup, curl up into a warm blanket and rest. After a few minutes, you may begin to sweat while your fever and cold symptoms dissipate.
Julia Proctor, LAc, is a licensed acupuncturist with the Connor Integrative Health Network at University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center.