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Acupuncture for the Common Cold and Seasonal Illnesses
Acupuncture is sometimes used as a complementary
approach to care during cold and flu season.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), many
acupuncture points associated with respiratory
symptoms are located on the upper body.
Practitioners select points based on a person’s
symptoms and TCM pattern.
Acupuncture has not been shown to redirect the
immune system toward the nose, eyes, mouth,
or ears. It should not replace medical care,
rest, or other recommended measures.
Common Seasonal Illnesses and Symptoms
Common Cold
Common colds can occur throughout the year,
including during spring and fall.
Respiratory viruses spread more easily
when people spend time close together
indoors, particularly in spaces with
limited ventilation.
Symptoms may include:
- Runny nose
- Mild or no perspiration
- Headaches
- Body aches that move around
- General fatigue
Some patients report feeling more comfortable
after acupuncture, but rest and time
remain important for recovery.
Flu
Flu activity often increases during
the colder months. Spending more time
indoors with others can create
opportunities for the virus to spread.
Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Profuse sweating
- Vomiting
- Cough, with or without phlegm
Fatigue-Related Colds
Long work hours, stress, poor sleep,
and overexertion can leave people
feeling run down. In TCM, a practitioner
may consider these factors when assessing
someone who experiences repeated colds
or fatigue.
Watch for:
- Frequent colds
- Chronic fatigue
- Weak voice
- Occasional shortness of breath
Summer Flu
Influenza can occur outside the usual
flu season, although other respiratory
viruses can cause similar symptoms
in summer. Over the years, I’ve treated
about five patients with illnesses
described as summer flu, and some
experienced intense symptoms.
Symptoms may include:
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Heavy sweating
- Vomiting
- Extreme fatigue
One patient became so unwell that their
doctor ordered a CAT scan to rule out
cancer recurrence. The patient recovered
and returned to work after receiving
two acupuncture treatments.
This individual experience does not
establish that acupuncture treated
the infection or caused the recovery.
Interested in Acupuncture as Complementary Care?
Contact our answering service or use our online
scheduling system to book an appointment.
You can also complete your first-visit form
and submit your insurance information online.
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Call our answering service:
(203) 693-3425
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Text our office manager:
(203) 772-9224
.
Please include your full name and question. -
Schedule online:
Use our online scheduling system to book
your visit and complete the required forms.
Serving Connecticut Communities
Thank you for visiting Acupuncture Connecticut!
We welcome patients from Orange, Milford,
West Haven, New Haven, Stratford, Bridgeport,
Fairfield, and nearby Connecticut communities.
We also accept HUSKY Health Plans.
Please contact our office to confirm your
specific plan’s coverage and benefits
for acupuncture services.