There are certain things you can do to help prevent and treat the common cold. Taking special precautionary steps, such as washing your hands, taking vitamins and even doing frequent exercise are all ways that you can prevent the onset of such an illness. Most colds need to run their course, with over the counter medications doing little to nothing in treating symptoms. What is most important in treating a cold is to reduce the intensity of the symptoms and the duration of the cold, as well as enhance the immune system. Acupuncture treatment to fight the common cold has been studied several times and we will briefly look at one of those studies and their findings.
The Purpose Of Research
A team of Acupuncture students and staff members across five different Japanese Acupuncture schools chose 326 patients to be a part of the research group. A specific needling (the “Y Point”) was used bilaterally on the neck in order to determine the preventative and curative effects of manual acupuncture in relation to symptoms of the common cold.
The Results
Of the 326 students and staff to originally partake in the study, five had dropped out meaning that 321 total individuals finished the 2-week, 4 treatment studies.What they found was that statistically “significantly fewer [common cold] symptoms were reported in the questionnaire group than the control group.”
Each person’s body is different and so are their symptoms. Those that were involved in this study mentioned that additional research should be done before any claims are made under this topic.
How does Acupuncture Affect the Body In This Study?
The point of the study was to see if acupuncture could decrease the symptoms of the common cold that were seen and felt by those being studied. Certain acupuncture points can help boost the immune system which is what this study was trying to induce.
If you find yourself unable to see an acupuncture specialist, you may be able to try acupressure at home! The following pressure points may help if you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms:
- Lung 7 – Broken Sequence
○ Relieves Chills, Fever & Cough
○ Soothes Sore Throat
○ Releases exterior wind-heat and wind-cold
○ Relieves Headaches
- Large Intestine 4 – Union Valley
○ Relieves Headaches
○ Clears Congestions
○ Clears Lung Heat
Other Ways To Stay Healthy
Acupuncture can be a great way to get your immune system flowing as it should be. Other ways to stay healthy and keep your immune system in tip-top shape are to take Vitamin C, get plenty of sleep each night, avoid alcohol and other hindering depressants.
Feeling under the weather? Let us help – give us a call today and we’ll get you on the way back to health!
