Acupuncture to get you healthy this winter

Common symptoms in winter, sneezing, coughing, sore throat and headaches … does this sound familiar to you? Unfortunately winter isn’t all about Christmas and ski trips. The cold and damp weather brings a variety of colds and flus that can really put a damper on the season. Did you know that acupuncture treats and prevents colds and flus? Acupuncture has helped to keep people healthy for thousands of years.
On average, most adults need two to three sessions of acupuncture treatments at the change of seasons to increase immunity. Now is a great time to getting treatment just before the winter sets in. It is important to receive treatment prior to feeling the symptoms of the cold and flu, as this makes treatment easier and more effective. Studies show that acupuncture promotes the production of white blood cells which are key to our immune system. With just a few needles inserted into the points along the meridians, acupuncture strengthens the blood and energy circulation in your body. It also increases the outer defense layers of your body. 
What if you’ve already caught a cold or flu? Most of us think that there is nothing much to do about it rather than taking some pills and waiting for it to pass away.  You now know that acupuncture can help your body accelerate the healing process, and prevent illness. 

Acupuncture points for winter

  • ST36 – boost immune system (located on the lower leg below the knee)
  • LI4 – detoxify the body and encourage the expulsion of cold and flu viruses, relieve headaches and reduce body aches .(located in the webbing between the index finger and the thumb)
  • LI11 – relieve symptoms of cold and reduces fever. (located at the top of the elbow crease, at the edge of the joint)
  • TE5 – increase the body’s resistance to colds. (located three fingers width above the wrist crease, on the outer side of the forearm, between the two tendons)
  • LU11 -“The sore throat” point, relief sore throat and coughing. (located 0.1 cun posterior to the thumb nail on the radial side)
  • LI20 – clear congestion and nasal discharge. (located at the bottom and to the side of each nostril)
  • GB20 – relieve persistent cough, cold and flu. (located in the ridge of the occipital bone, half way between the ear and the spine, between the two muscles)

Tips for stay healthy in winter

  • Get acupuncture treatments at the change of seasons
  • Stimulate using acupressure (pushing firmly into the spot) the acupuncture points listed above
  • Avoid eating cold, raw food and eat more warm foods including soups, stews, cooked vegetables, garlic and ginger.
  • Keep warm and protect your skin and nose from the wind
  • Wash your hands often
  • Keep up your cardio and resistance training exercise
  • Get extra sleep, at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night
  • Drink ginger tea in the morning

Broth recipe to relieve cold and flu symptoms

  • 3 green onions (use only the white part)
  • 3-5 slices of fresh ginger
  • 2 to 3 cloves of garlic
  • 2 teaspoons of brown sugar

Put the top three ingredients into a pot and add about 1L of water. Boil them for 10 minutes and then add the brown sugar. Drink the broth while it’s warm.