Preparing for Cold & Flu Season: How Acupuncture Helps You Recover Faster
As cold and flu season approaches, many people turn to over-the-counter medications like Tylenol Cold, DayQuil, or Mucinex. These products may temporarily relieve symptoms, but they don’t necessarily resolve the underlying issue. Coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose are your body’s natural way of expelling external pathogens. Continue reading to learn how acupuncture can help you recover from cold and flu.
When symptom-suppressing medications are used, the illness may linger or return. As world-renowned Chinese medicine scholar Giovanni Maciocia noted, certain medications—including antibiotics—can sometimes trap pathogens inside the body, allowing them to re-emerge later.
A More Effective, Root-Cause Approach with Chinese Medicine
Chinese medicine takes a proactive approach by supporting the body’s natural ability to eliminate the pathogen, while strengthening immunity at the same time.
At our Edina acupuncture clinic, we create customized herbal formulas that may include:
- Herbs that encourage gentle sweating to expel pathogens
- Natural antibiotic and antiviral herbs
- Warming herbs to support circulation
- Tonifying herbs to strengthen your constitution
Each person’s body responds differently to viruses, bacteria, and allergens, so we tailor every formula to your unique condition for maximum effectiveness.
Early Treatment Makes a Big Difference
When symptoms first begin, we often recommend taking herbs every 4 hours. Cold and flu symptoms can progress quickly, similar to a runaway car—you need to “catch up” with the illness first, then slow down once symptoms improve.
Once your symptoms start responding well, the dosage can be adjusted.
For even faster results, we combine these herbs with our:
Acupuncture Immune Boost
This powerful treatment can accelerate the healing process, and many patients feel better even after their first session.
What You Can Do at Home to Support Recovery
1. Eat Warming, Easy-to-Digest Foods
- Brown rice or millet congee: A warm, porridge-like meal that strengthens the Spleen, boosts energy, and gently promotes sweating to release pathogens.
- Vegetables: Nourishing and light on digestion.
- Chicken soup & plenty of warm water: A time-tested remedy for hydration, warmth, and immune support.
2. Get Plenty of Rest
Just like your phone needs to recharge, so does your body. Adequate rest strengthens the immune system and speeds up recovery time.
Don’t Wait — Early Care Leads to Faster Healing
If you or a loved one is dealing with a cold, flu, or allergies, we offer a natural, effective approach that helps your body heal faster and more completely.
Call us at 952-831-8080
or complete our contact form.
