So, you did EVERYTHING from my last post PREVENTING COLDS AND FLUS and you still get sick! Even with the best self-care and treatment, you are not going to avoid catching a cold or getting the flu forever, so now what. Turn to acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine of course! Practitioners have been treating colds and flus (and worse) for thousands of years and availing yourself to this medicine can greatly reduce both the severity and length of your cold or flu. How, you might ask? Well that is what I am here to tell you!
Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the immune system in several ways, essentially mobilizing your bodies innate ability to fight infections. Cold remedies do nothing to fight the infection while acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas can. The other great thing about getting an acupuncture treatment when you get sick is that you will leave your treatment feeling better. Often, we simply cannot ignore certain things like kids and work and have no choice but to do what needs to be done. Doing this with your sinuses full of gunk, a cough that just will not quit and a raging headache is just not fun. While your body does need time to heal and the best medicine in rest, an acupuncture treatment clear your head, get rid of your headache, and quite your cough so that you can function.
And how about Chinese herbs. Did you know that there are more than 50 different formulas to treat colds and the flu? A Chinese medical practitioner will ask you dozens of questions about your cold to narrow down and get the exact formula that you need to get better. Do you have a cough, is it productive, what color is the phlegm, do you have fever, chills, alternating fever and chills, do you have a headache, where is the headache located on your head, do you have a sore throat and on and on? These questions will lead to the right formula that will get you better. In addition, formulas can be modified in almost endless ways to further customize them to suite you. This takes a great deal of training and skill so make sure that you find an experienced practitioner to treat you. Or you can go to CVS and get one of four cold remedies that might help your symptoms but will not help you get better faster.
At Princeton Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, we carry Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa, an herbal cough syrup that is great for coughs and sore throats. The best part about it is that it is honey based so it tastes great. You can spoon it in or you can add it to tea and kids love it! It is something that everyone should have in their medicine cabinet.
I often have people who are being treated for other ailments (back pain, migraines, fertility, etc.) call in to cancel their appointments because they are sick and do not realize that I can help them get better. I tell them, “Don’t be silly, come in and we’ll get you back on your feet in no time”. It never fails that they leave amazed at how much better they feel!
Princeton Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Our patients know just how effective treatments are for these and a host of other problems. Steven Hoffman, a New Jersey Licensed Acupuncturist and Diplomate in Oriental Medicine, will provide you with a thorough intake and evaluation and a clear, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan that will insure that your goals are met or exceeded. Do you want to move past these or other problems? We will help you thrive not just survive!