Unexpected Ailments You Never Knew Acupuncture Could Tame

7. The Common Cold

At some point in our lives, we have all had a common cold and flu. Also known as respiratory viral infections, the common cold is an infection the infiltrates the upper respiratory tract and is the dominant cause of mortality throughout the world. The common cold is characterized by a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, headache, fever, and nasal obstruction. So far, there have not been many studies done into the effectiveness of acupuncture with fighting off the common cold and flu. However, with the few studies that have been done, research has indicated that patients receiving acupuncture have increased immune-enhancing hormones and blood counts for up to three days after the treatment, which can greatly help reduce cold and flu-like symptoms while combating the infection at the same time. Acupuncture is reported to also help prevent future colds and flus by boosting a patient’s immune system, helps them get over a cold or flu faster, reduces symptoms such as fever, chills, and body aches, while also relieving a sore throat and congestion. Acupuncture is also believed to have a detoxification effect on the body through the amelioration of antioxidant defense systems, helping to not only fight off a cold but prevent it from developing as well.

8. Asthma

Asthma can be a frustrating and challenging condition to keep control of. There are numerous medications that can help relieve asthma symptoms, including inhalers and antihistamines, however, many patients worry about their long-term health and breathing when it comes to using these medications for an extensive period of time. As a result, acupuncture may be a helpful remedy! Acupuncture is an ancient treatment that believes that energy flows through the body, containing both positive and negative forces. Conditions such as asthma are believed to be an imbalance of these forces, as energy flows through these specific paths, known as meridians. Specifically for asthma, needles are placed in the upper back and hand to help open up the lungs to allow more air to flow throughout the body and to the lungs as well. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been much research done to prove the effectiveness of acupuncture with treating asthma. Numerous studies have been done with mixed or less satisfactory results, with some research suggesting that acupuncture can help reduce a patient’s need for inhaled steroids, especially in children, but more research is necessary at finding how effective this type of treatment truly is.