How Acupuncture can help you survive the autumn months and treat colds & flus

It is now definitely autumn and all the lovely crisp leaves are falling and the nights are closing in. It’s a time for soups and stews, scarf’s and snuggling up on the couch warm and snug in out of the elements.  It is unfortunately also a time for sniffles, coughs and colds.

Acupuncture for Prevention

Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese medicine can prevent colds and flu by building up the immune system with just a few needles inserted into key points along the body's energy pathways. These points are known for strengthening the circulation of blood and energy and for reinforcing the outer defence layers of the skin and muscle so that germs and viruses cannot enter into the body.

Studies have shown that certain blood counts and immune enhancing chemicals stay elevated for at least 3 days following an acupuncture treatment.

Already caught that nasty cold?

If you've already caught that cold, acupuncture can also help with the chills, sniffles, sore throat and fever in a safe, non-toxic way as an alternative to over the counter medication or antibiotics.  Acupuncture can also help you get better faster and does not interfere with prescribed medicine so even if you are on antibiotics it can help with any unwanted side effects that can arise, rebalancing the body’s natural flora & fauna and helping you recover from illness quicker.

Acupuncture has been around for over 5000 years and recently many of us have begun to enjoy the health benefits it has to offer. Besides colds and flu, acupuncture treats various other conditions, including arthritis, pain, digestive issues, men's and women's reproductive health as well as many many more conditions. Acupuncture helps balance the major systems of the body including the hormonal, endocrine and nervous systems and is excellent for stress relief, insomnia and pain management.

Do the treatments differ for children v’s adults?

The treatment of adults and children is different. Children respond much quicker to treatment than adults do. With adults we use acupuncture needles whereas with children acupressure techniques can be used along with fire cupping and where needles are used the needles are not retained but removed within seconds.  Parents can also be shown how to use acupressure techniques and exact point locations on how to help keep their children’s immune system good and strong.

So here are some simple tips to help you through the autumn months:

·         Wear a scarf, keep your neck 
          and shoulders warm

·         Stay hydrated, lots of warm beverages

·         Eat warm foods, stews, soups and good                   hearty mammy dinners

·         Use a neti pot/NielMed nasal rinse, to keep             the nasal cavities nice and clear so no nasty           bugs can brew

·         Give Acupuncture a go!

 

If you would like any more information then please feel free to contact Niamh at Anam Mai Acupuncture to discuss how acupuncture and Chinese Medicine could help you and your family