Treating Cold and Flu with Traditional Chinese Medicine
~By Eric Hsiao, Licensed Acupuncturist
We are most vulnerable to colds and influenza during winter; many people suffer not only from respiratory symptoms of cold and flu, but can also fall victim to various complications of these diseases. Children, the elderly, and people with chronic illness or compromised immune systems are especially prone to complications. Parents worry about their children bringing home infections from school. Right now, the best way Western medicine has of dealing with these diseases is the widespread use of flu shots, which encourage the immune system to "gear up" for the most prevalent type of flu.
The common cold is an acute viral infection that generally causes inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. It is the most common infectious disease in humans and accounts for more time lost from work or school than any other disease. Flu is an acute and contagious infection of the respiratory tract. Its symptoms include runny nose, cough, chills, headache, fever and severe aching in muscles and joints. Although flu affects all age groups, schoolchildren have the highest incidence. Although colds and flu are generally of brief duration, they can lead to complications in the very young, the elderly and those with chronic diseases or compromised immune systems.
Because both cold and flu are viral infections, conventional medicine has no cure for them. Bed rest and increased fluid intake are generally suggested to make the patient more comfortable. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are quite a few teas and herbal formulas available for prevention purposes. In China, depending on the type of virus, special anti-virus teas are usually given to public school children to help prevent illness during the flu season.
Acupuncture can help rebalance energy, regulate the Qi and stimulate the immune system. Several clinical studies have demonstrated that acupuncture and herbal medicine, in particular, reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection and shorten the length of time one is ill. When you get sick with the flu, do not wait. Start acupuncture treatments and herbs in the early stages. It may help eliminate pathogenic influences.
