Since there is currently a severe shortage of flu shots, Traditional Chinese Medicine may be another alternative for helping to prevent catching a cold or the flu this season.

Are You Ready for the Flu Season?

Seasonal changes affect the body's environment.  When the hot days of summer give way to cooler temperatures, and the first windy and rainy days roll in, we become more susceptible to colds, flu and aches and pains – especially if we've forgotten to take a jacket or sweater to work with us.

Acupuncture for Prevention

Acupuncture and Oriental 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 consolidating the outer defense layers of the skin and muscle so that germs and viruses cannot enter through them. Seasonal treatments just four times a year also serve to tonify the inner organ systems, and can correct minor annoyances before they become serious problems. The ultra- thin needles don't hurt and are inserted just under the skin. The practitioner may twist or “stimulate” them once or twice, and they are removed within ten to twenty minutes.

Herbal Remedies

There is a Chinese herbal formula that forms a handy compliment to these immune-boosting treatments and it is elegantly named The Jade Windscreen Formula. It is made up of just three herbs: Radix Astragalus, Atractylodis Macrocephalae, and Radix Ledebouriellae. These three powerful herbs combine together to tonify the immune system, strengthen the digestive system (so that we can be sure to gain the full value of the nutrients from our food), and fortify the exterior of the body so that we can fight off airborne viruses and bacteria. This handy formula, which comes in pill, capsule or liquid form, can be taken for a few days each month to stave off colds or flu, or when there's been a challenging workload, or perhaps some loss of sleep.

Get Better Faster

If you've already happened to catch that cold, acupuncture and herbal medicine can also help with the chills, sniffles, sore throat or fever in a safe, non-toxic way that doesn't bombard your body with harmful antibiotics.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine has been around for over 5000 years and recently many Americans have begun to enjoy the healthful and calming benefits it has to offer. Besides colds and flu, acupuncture treats various other conditions, including arthritis and pain, digestive difficulties, men's and women's reproductive health problems, as well as mild to moderate psychological disturbances. Acupuncture helps balance the major systems of the body, including the hormonal, endocrine and nervous systems, and is excellent for stress and insomnia.