Prevent Colds, Flu, and Allergies Naturally with Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, and Qigong

Understanding Allergies, Colds, and Flu

As the seasons shift, so does our vulnerability to environmental triggers — from spring allergies to winter colds and flu. Symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, cough, sore throat, and a runny nose can make daily activities uncomfortable. While over-the-counter medications are a common solution, more people are turning to alternative therapies like acupuncture for relief. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a time-tested, holistic approach to strengthen your immune system naturally through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Qigong.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. This technique aims to balance the body’s energy, known as Qi, and promote natural healing.  

Acupuncture: Stimulating the Body’s Natural Defense System

In TCM, a strong immune system depends on healthy Wei Qi (defensive energy), which protects the body from external pathogens like wind, cold, and dampness.

Specific acupuncture points help regulate and strengthen this energy:

• ST36 (Zusanli): Boosts overall vitality, digestion, and Wei Qi — great for long-term immune support.
• GB20 (Fengchi): Clears wind and pathogens from the head/neck; relieves allergy symptoms and early cold signs.
• DU10-13: Located along the upper spine, these points help regulate immunity, clear heat, and support the lungs.

These points are commonly used in seasonal tune-up sessions to prevent illness and optimize resilience during times of change. By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture encourages the release of chemicals that bolster immune defenses. It also reduces inflammation, which can be helpful to calm down allergies.  

Herbal Allies: Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder)

This classic herbal formula, known as Jade Windscreen Powder, is your go-to for building up natural defense:

• Huang Qi (Astragalus): Tones Qi and boosts immunity.
• Bai Zhu: Supports digestion, which in TCM is closely tied to immunity.
• Fang Feng: Expels wind and fortifies the body’s outer defenses.

Ideal for those who catch colds easily or suffer from chronic allergies, this formula can also be customized in a consultation to fit your constitution and seasonal needs.

Recover Faster, Naturally

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help your body recover from a cold or flu more quickly by supporting your natural immune response and clearing lingering symptoms. Specific acupuncture points are selected to reduce fever, open the sinuses, soothe sore throats, and relieve body aches — all while promoting circulation and restoring your body's internal balance.

Time-tested herbal formulas are tailored to your symptoms and constitution, helping to release the exterior (expel pathogens), clear heat, transform phlegm, or support your energy if you're feeling depleted. Together, these treatments not only ease discomfort but also strengthen your recovery and help prevent secondary infections or post-viral fatigue.

Qigong: Move Your Qi, Strengthen Your Shield

Qigong (pronounced "chee-gong") is a gentle movement and breath practice that cultivates Qi (vital energy), supports organ function, and clears stagnation.

Practicing Qigong regularly can:

• Enhance lung capacity and breath control, crucial for both immunity and allergy management.
• Stimulate lymphatic and circulatory flow, helping the body detox and respond to pathogens.
• Calm the nervous system, reducing stress — a major factor in immune suppression.
  

Simple Qigong exercises like “Lifting the Sky”, “Eight Brocades”, or “Immune Boosting Breathwork” are powerful tools for daily self-care.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

When used together, acupuncture, herbs, and Qigong create a synergistic approach to health — not only helping you recover faster but also preventing illness in the first place. Consider incorporating dietary changes, herbal supplements, and breathing exercises into your routine for a holistic approach to managing allergies, colds, and flu. By preparing ahead of time and integrating this ancient practice into your wellness routine, you might find yourself breathing easier this allergy, cold, and flu season.

Ready to strengthen your system naturally? Book your seasonal acupuncture tune-up, herbal consultation, or Qigong intro session today. Your body will thank you — every season of the year.