Do you find yourself cringing when one of your co-workers starts sneezing and blowing their nose?

Are you irritated with person at the desk next to you doesn’t have the courtesy to stay home with that nasty cold? At the height of winter here in Summit County we find ourselves at the time of the year where colds, flu and respiratory infections are more common.

We are taught that colds and flu are something we catch when we are around others who are ill.

Well, it is true that they are contagious. It is also true that not everyone who is exposed to these nasty infections catches them. I am sure you can think of someone who never seems to get anything while you may catch everything that is within 100 feet of you!

Why is this? The key is how strong our defenses are. By this I mean, is your immune system able to deflect infections that it is exposed to? If the answer is no, Chinese Medicine may have some good solutions for you.

There are 3 aspects to dealing with winter infections.

Build Up Immunity

First, it is important to build up your immunity internally so that you can confidently be in the same room with someone who is sick without fear you will get it. There are many herbal formulas that can be taken. A few examples are:

Jade Windscreen – an ancient formula that is best taken for a few months before cold and flu season. Usually it is best to start late August or
September, but even starting now can be helpful.

Astra 8 – one of the main herbs in this formula is astragalus, which has been shown to build up immunity (make sure you don’t take astragalus
if you have a fever). As with the previous formula it needs to be taken preventatively.

When a Cold Starts

Secondly, there is your first tinge where you think you may be getting a cold. This is a great opportunity for Chinese Medicine to shine. There is a formula called Yin Qiao that you can get inexpensively at my office or find it at health food stores under the name Cold Snap. This formula is most effective the earlier you take it with initial symptoms.

Clinically, I have seen countless people avoid getting sick by being diligent taking this at first signs of a cold. It is important to note that it should not be used preventatively long term or if the cold has been going on for 2 days or more.

The Virus that Won’t Quit

Lastly, there is the nasty cold or flu that has turned into one of its ugly relatives – a sinus infection, ear infection, bronchitis or the infection that doesn’t quit even after a few weeks. Chinese medicine also has effective answers here too. I have a personal past history of colds always turning into bronchitis. Growing up and into my 20’s I always took antibiotics.

As I neared age 30 they were not effective as they had been in the past and I was experiencing some unpleasant side effects. Instead I tried herbs and did acupuncture which allowed me to heal without antibiotics. I have not taken them in 14 years now – even with the infrequent bronchitis or sinus infection I do get. I regularly treat people for these maladies with herbs and acupuncture.

Of course, it is important to wash your hands frequently, minimize sugar, and get plenty of sleep.

Remember, acupuncture treatments and Chinese Herbal Medicine are a natural and very effective way to prevent or deal with these common winter illnesses. It is possible to not only avoid illness – you can feel vibrant and energetic!

Feel free to give me a call at 970-333-9027 if you have any questions or need an herb formula. Also make sure you download my free ebook “How to Thrive in the Modern World” , a layperson’s guide to Chinese medicine.