When your child is coming down with a cold or a flu, you probably wonder what you can do to help it go away as fast as possible. In some cases, children’s colds when left untreated can turn into a sinus infection or long-term cough so there can be a risk of letting colds linger.
Both acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas can safely and effectively speed healing from colds, and treatment is appropriate both when your child is on the verge of getting sick, and when the illness is in full swing.
Studies have shown that stimulation of acupuncture points results in increased immune system activity. There are a set of standard acupuncture points that are used at the onset of or during a cold, and specific points can be added if your child is suffering from a sore throat, coughs, sinus congestion, or body aches.
Children benefit directly from the immune system support from acupuncture as well as the symptomatic relief offered by acupuncture. I also recommend that if one sibling is sick and the other siblings are still healthy, that the healthy children come in for preventive treatment at the same time to ensure that they stay well.
There are several brilliant Chinese herbal formulas for illness. Some Chinese herbs have been shown to be antiviral and antimicrobial, so some of the herbal formulas work directly to address the pathogens that are making your child feel ill. Other formulas address some of the formulas, with herbs that soothe and relax the throat, help the body expel phlegm, drain sinus congestion from the nasal passages, and release body aches. Of course, any of these formulas can be combined together to treat any combination of symptoms and causes of childhood illness.
For children who get sick frequently, both acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas can be used to enhance overall immunity and decrease the likelihood of getting sick. This work also helps kids bounce back faster if they do get a cold. For more information, send me an email at janet@janetacu.com, or call the clinic. I look forward to answering your questions!
