Ask the Acupuncturists

Q: Can acupuncture and/or herbs keep me from getting colds and flu?

A: Your best defense is to strengthen your immune system. Positive lifestyle changes such as improving your diet, increasing your sleep, and developing good habits such as frequent hand washing will all help. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can also help boost the immune system and have been used for centuries to prevent and treat cold and flu symptoms.

They work to nourish the underlying immune energy, called Wei Qi, which travels throughout your body. Acupuncture stimulates this energy through the insertion of hair-thin needles. Chinese herbs have shown to be anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory, and are hand prescribed by a licensed herbalist to ensure each formula is designed for the individual.

In addition to providing powerful protection against colds and flu, if symptoms do arise, acupuncture and Chinese herbs can also decrease their severity and speed up healing time. However, early intervention is key as the sooner treatment is received for flu-like symptoms the faster and more effective it will be

In most cases a two to four week course of herbal medicine or acupuncture sessions is recommended to boost your immune system and help keep you healthy this season.