Colds and Flus

How to beat a cold with acupressure:

In the past, when people called me with a cold, I told them to come in. Acupuncture is great for the immune system! Now, though, I have changed my policy. I now prefer you stay home if you’re contagious (how long is that?). I have patients who are immune-compromised*. This means I want to prevent their exposure, and also that I can’t work if I am sick at all – and losing a week or more of income is pretty rough (despite all the kitty snuggles).

So – here are some handy dandy acupressure points you can use for yourself. In all cases, press firmly with a fingertip for a few seconds, on both left and right sides.

LI-4 is great for all colds and flus, especially if you have sinus pressure or a fever (do not use if pregnant!). It's also great for headaches.

TB-5, below, is an immune booster – it’s two fingers past the wrist crease on the back of the forearm.

ST-40 is an anti-phlegm point.

Press on TB-17, just behind and below the earlobe, if your ears are plugged.

If you are JUST starting to get sick, try the point below, where the red star is, on the edge of the bone above the elbow. It has a brief window of usefullness and it’ll be sore if it’s active.

If your throat is sore, poke a fingernail into the lower outer (proximal lateral) corner of the thumbnail.

Drink lots of fluids. Remember to eat a little protein, to help your immune system make anti-bodies. Chicken soup made with bone broth is legendary for a reason! Add some garlic for a bonus boost.

Echinacea is well-known as an immune booster. Take it to prevent illness if you've been exposed (or in a situation with increased risk, like traveling), but not daily. It loses effectiveness if you take it all the time, so save it for when you need it.

Get up and move around now and then, even if it’s just for a few minutes every few hours. That helps your lymphatic system pump the immune response through your body.

Try to avoid dairy, fried food, and alcohol – they are Damp and will produce more phlegm.

Feel free to contact me to ask for more specific acupressure points for your symptoms. Good luck, and enjoy the cuddles with your furry friends! :)

*They may have immune disorders, or non-contagious diseases that require immune-suppressing drugs.

EDIT for the pandemic: If you have Covid, be sure to take antioxidants! They shut down the cytokine storm and are great against Long Covid. I use Adora Organics Resveratrol but other brands are fine too. And call your doc for a paxlovid prescription, if possible. It works best if taken very early in your infection.