Every year, complications from the flu virus cause tens of thousands of people to be hospitalized. Regrettably, most of us do suffer with the “flu,” or “influenza,” virus at least once in our lifetime. The symptoms and signs linked with the virus are very familiar: fever, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, muscle and body aches, runny nose, dry cough, sneezing, watery eyes and generally feeling miserable.

Although colds are recognizably less severe than the flu, the same viruses and germs cause colds. The symptoms that colds produce are less severe and may include: nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and light headaches. Though it may make you feel miserable, getting a cold is not always un-beneficial. Instead recognize that it is a sign that the body’s resources are strong and vital, and working hard to return you to a state of good health. However, if your immune system is already depleted, a cold could further weaken your body, leaving you open to a more serious illness.

Strengthening You Immune System

Clinical studies have suggested that using acupuncture as a preventative approach to colds and flu can reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection and shorten the length of the illness should you become ill. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine work by re-balancing the body’s systems, regulating the body’s healing energies, which in turn enhances the immune system.

We are surrounded by germs, bacteria, and viruses. They are in the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we drink and are necessary for our Earth’s life balancing ecosystem. Illness occurs from these organisms when certain organ systems are weak and out of balance. When our bodies are in a weakened and unbalanced state, a hospitable environment is created for germs, bacteria and viruses to thrive, leading to the expression of a cold or flu.

One strong foundation supporting acupuncture and its treatment of the strains of the cold and flu virus is Wei Qi.

Understanding Wei Qi

The concept of Wei Qi is similar to the Western concept of the immune system. Wei Qi functions as a barrier protecting and defending the body against foreign substances, which can cause illness and disease. When Wei Qi is strong and abundant, we remain healthy. When the supply of Wei Qi becomes inadequate, health is compromised and we become vulnerable to outside intruders.

Gifts for Health:

• Drink a minimum of eight to ten glasses of clean water throughout the day.
• Exercise regularly
• Eat a healthy, balanced, and preferably organic diet, which includes foods with beta carotene (carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, garlic and tomatoes)
• Limit the amount of sugar. Sugar taxes the immune system, especially when feeling under the weather
• Take Vitamin C and herbs to support the immune system, especially in the “cold and flu” season. Please ask for assistance.
• Get plenty of rest
• Enjoy with fun and relaxing activities
• Stimulate specific acupuncture points that support Wei Qi
• Follow a regular acupuncture program to support the body’s self-regulating, self-balancing and healing systems

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are drug free, safe, natural and effective ways to support and be pro-active in strenghthening the body’s self-regulating, self-balancing and healing systems. If illness does occur, acupuncture can help you get back on your feet again, helping to stave off prolonged illness without the use of medication and over-the-counter drugs.

Dr. Jay Sordean and The Redwood Clinic in Berkeley, California can help you treat flu naturally. Call us at today (510) 849-1176 to set up a consultation.