Cough, Cold & Flu

…focusing on expelling pathogens, strengthening the immune system (Wei Qi), and restoring balance to the body.

1. Acupuncture

• Boosts immunity: Strengthens Wei Qi (defensive energy) to prevent frequent colds.
• Clears congestion & phlegm: Opens the Lung and regulates Qi to stop coughs and improve breathing.
• Relieves body aches & fever: Releases the exterior to push out pathogens faster.
• Common acupuncture points:
  • LI4 (Hegu) & LU7 (Lieque) – Expel wind and relieve congestion.
  • GB20 (Fengchi) & DU14 (Dazhui) – Clear heat and reduce fever.
  • ST36 (Zusanli) & SP6 (Sanyinjiao) – Boost immunity and energy.

2. Herbal Medicine

Herbs are prescribed based on the stage and type of illness:

• Wind-Cold (chills, sneezing, clear mucus, body aches)
  • Ginger tea, Cinnamon (Gui Zhi), Ephedra (Ma Huang) – Warm the body and release cold.
  • Herbal formula: Ma Huang Tang or Gui Zhi Tang.
• Wind-Heat (fever, sore throat, yellow mucus, thirst)
  • Mint (Bo He), Mulberry leaf (Sang Ye), Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua) – Clear heat and cool the body.
  • Herbal formula: Yin Qiao San (for early-stage sore throat) or Sang Ju Yin (for cough).
• Phlegm & Cough (lingering mucus, chest congestion, fatigue)
  • Pinellia (Ban Xia), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Licorice (Gan Cao) – Transform phlegm and soothe the throat.
  • Herbal formula: Er Chen Tang (for damp-phlegm) or Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan (for heat-phlegm).

3. Cupping & Gua Sha

• Helps expel cold and dampness from the lungs.
• Reduces muscle aches and congestion.
• Stimulates circulation and immunity.

4. Food Therapy

• Warm broths (chicken soup with ginger and garlic) strengthen digestion and immune function.
• Pears & honey moisten dry coughs.
• Avoid cold/raw foods (dairy, sugar, iced drinks) to prevent mucus buildup.

Early treatment helps clear the pathogen faster and prevent complications like lingering cough or sinus infections. Are you dealing with a cold or cough right now?