Conditions That Acupuncture Treats

The Common Cold

At some point in our lives, we have all had a common cold and flu. Also known as respiratory viral infections, the common cold is an infection the infiltrates the upper respiratory tract and is the dominant cause of mortality throughout the world. The common cold is characterized by a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, headache, fever, and nasal obstruction. So far, there have not been many studies done into the effectiveness of acupuncture with fighting off the common cold and flu. However, with the few studies that have been done, research has indicated that patients receiving acupuncture have increased immune-enhancing hormones and blood counts for up to three days after the treatment, which can greatly help reduce cold and flu-like symptoms while combating the infection at the same time.

Acupuncture is reported to also help prevent future colds and flus by boosting a patient’s immune system, helps them get over a cold or flu faster, reduces symptoms such as fever, chills, and body aches, while also relieving a sore throat and congestion. Acupuncture is also believed to have a detoxification effect on the body through the amelioration of antioxidant defense systems, helping to not only fight off a cold but prevent it from developing as well.