Acupuncture for Cold and Flu

It’s that time of year, time to turn to acupuncture for cold and flu! By now, you have been inundated with commercials and signs telling you that you must get a flu shot. Western doctors and pharmaceutical companies are adamant that a flu shot is the best way to prevent yourself from getting the flu. Unfortunately, the flu shot is rarely effective. Since 2004, the Centers for Disease Control has been monitoring the effectiveness of the vaccinations provided in the United States. In 2014-2015, the overall adjusted effectiveness of the flu vaccine was just 23%. [1] In past years, it has been as low as 10%.

Although a flu shot may benefit individuals with compromised immune systems, acupuncture is a more effective method for fending off colds and the flu. The Chinese believe there is a cure for the common cold.[2] Acupuncture, gua-sha[3], and moxibustion[4] can assist the body in warding off illness and recovering more quickly. There are no negative side effects with acupuncture. Common side effects relating to the flu shot include headaches, aches and pains, fever, sore throat and runny nose. [5]

By measuring the deficiencies in your body’s channels, or meridians as they are sometimes called, a qualified acupuncturist can determine what energetic points need to be stimulated, or dispersed, to assist the body in restoring balance. Only a balanced system can properly heal itself. If your immune system is functioning properly, it can prevent viral pathogens from taking hold and it can expel pathogens more quickly.

A regular maintenance plan during this infectious season can help ensure that the immune system is prepared to handle external pathogens. If you do get sick, acupuncture can help you recover more quickly. It is best to get treatment as soon as you notice any symptoms. The treatment for colds and the flu is always more effective at earlier stages of the illness. The longer you wait for treatment, the longer it will take to clear the body of pathogens.

[1] http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/effectiveness-studies.htm
[2] http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/archives2004/may/05amaro.html
[3] Gua-sha is a scraping technique that intentionally creates redness in the subcutis to remove pathogenic blood stagnation.
[4] Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy in which certain herbs are burned near the skin.
[5] http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm

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