Treating the Common Cold with Acupuncture

It’s that time of year when the “crud” starts making the rounds! Sick and tired (pun intended) of that stubborn cold dragging on? Instead of just waiting it out, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture can be a great option to help you recover faster and get back on your feet. By boosting your immune system, relieving congestion, and balancing your body’s energy, these ancient therapies can help you feel better sooner, naturally. Don’t let the cold season slow you down—give TCM a try and feel the difference!

What sets Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) apart in treating the common cold is its unique diagnostic process. Have you ever had a cough that’s deep, loud, and productive, or one that’s dry, weak, and non-productive? How about a cold that manifests with chills & fever with body aches vs. primarily a sore throat and a headache?? Most interventions would approach these colds the same way. Not TCM! Through an in-depth consultation about your specific signs and symptoms, TCM practitioners can identify the underlying pattern causing your discomfort. By understanding how these symptoms manifest in your body, TCM tailors treatment to address the root cause, ensuring a more targeted and effective recovery.

For example, various acupuncture points will be selected based on the presentation of a cough:

• LU 5: for a strong/loud/barking cough with a lot of phlegm and/or a sensation of fullness in the chest

• LU 9: for a weaker or drier cough

Two of the biggest differentiators in TCM when it comes to the common cold are determining whether the condition is caused by Wind-Heat or Wind-Cold. These two patterns represent different types of external pathogens invading the body, and the treatment approach varies depending on which one is present. The key to diagnosing Wind-Heat vs. Wind-Cold lies in the temperature and nature of the symptoms:

• Wind-Cold: Often presents with chills, mild or no fever, and more clear or white mucus. It’s treated by warming and expelling the cold.

  • Acupuncture points like LI 20, LU 7, & ST 36 may be chosen

• Wind-Heat: Is marked by fever, sore throat, redness, and thicker, yellow mucus. Treatment focuses on clearing the heat and cooling the body.

  • Acupuncture points like LU 10, LU 11 (bleed), & LI 11 may be chosen

By identifying which of these patterns your cold is following, TCM practitioners can tailor the treatment specifically to your body’s needs, helping you recover more efficiently and comfortably.