Fall is a great time of year, the leaves change color, the sun sets earlier and the air gets a little cooler. Fall is a time when our bodies become more introverted or 'Yin' in nature--as we tend to spend more time indoors, making soups and stews, preparing for a cold (or wet!) winter. It is typically in Fall, that are bodies may be more susceptible to illness and our immune systems weaken as we adapt to colder temperatures. In chinese medicine, external pathogenic factors are responsible for invading the body when the immune system is down and make us more susceptible to viruses and influenza.
This is a perfect time to come in for an acupuncture treatment. A treatment can help build up the body's natural defense mechanisms, expel pathogens and help relieve that 'run-down' feeling. In chinese medicine, the Common cold is often seen as 'Wind- Cold invasion'. Symptoms of fever and/or chills, sneezing, white sputum, aches and pains usually arise. When this developes further to influenza -- this is often catagorized as 'Wind-Heat invasion' accompanied by symptoms of fever, sweating, flu, yellow sputum, sore throat and cough. Not only is it beneficial to come in prior to illness setting in but by coming in as soon as symptoms set in can also help expel it out of your system, alot faster.
Acupuncture, moxabustion, guasha and cupping are all techniques used to make one feel healthier, as well as Chinese herbs like; Yin Chiao (Honeysuckle and Forsythia Clean Toxin Pill) or Blue Poppy's 'Cold Quell' both are well-known cold formulas to help people get back on their feet. For more questions, ask your Registered Acupuncturist.
