Flus, Colds, and Winter Allergies
The historical and still practical Chinese medical texts devote large sections to the treatment of wind-cold and wind-heat. In fact, it is such a part of Chinese culture that lay people use these terms to describe ‘a cold’ and know some of the herbs to treat it. They also know that the acupuncturist can help them ‘release the exterior’ and thus restore health.
First we do what’s referred to as releasing the exterior through certain needle selections based on your particular presentation and constitution. We assess your current needs through a series of questions plus our usual pulse and tongue diagnosis. The depth of the pathogen is determined, and if it has recently invaded your body, then it usually needs to be released.
Herbs may be prescribed to assist in this process, and then altered to help build your system in the coming weeks. Similarly, your acupuncture treatment is altered according to how you’re doing and what is needed. Often a more building protocol is needed at this later stage, so we needle points to help boost your qi. By so doing, your inner strength is increased, and you can deflect those nasty pathogens the next time they come around!