Sinus Infections, Coughs and Colds

‘Tis The Season!

For flu, colds, covid, RSV and various other respiratory viral illnesses. Covid spikes tend to occur 3-4x a year and it never misses the holiday season. Overlay that with the regular cold and flu season and factoring in weakened immune systems from past covid infections and we have a respiratory and airborne illness stew waiting for us at the end of the year. This is our fourth year of covid and we have learned a lot. Chinese Medicine should be something we all look to to help with prevention, protecting ourselves, preserving long-term health and avoiding future health complications.

Prevention

Chinese Medicine always emphasizes prevention. The best case scenario is, not to have to treat an illness because you don’t get sick in the first place. Prevention includes using layers of protection such as: avoiding higher risk/exposure situations, using masks, taking supplements or herbal formulas, eating well and getting sufficient rest and sleep. Avoiding illness is always the goal, when possible. Many people seek acupuncture and herbal medicine for the prevention phase. Both modalities can help bolster your immunity, but taking other measures is also important as we know, nothing is 100%. I have created some herbal protocols for those who have been in higher exposure situations as a means of prevention or early stage treatment (aka, ‘just in case’). The sooner treatment can start the better chance you have for fighting off an illness. This idea can seem so foreign to the way we thought and lived before covid. It was previously the norm to let an illness run its course, but nowadays our immune systems are not what they once were. Having covid just one time can put you at further risk for contracting other illnesses. Many people at this point have had covid more than just once so we have to take this into consideration in regards to immunity.

Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is a great option in the prevention phase. Herbal formulas can be customized to your unique constitution in order to strengthen your zheng qi or upright qi. This is the qi that helps your body fight off illness and can determine whether a virus invades your body or not, as well as how long it takes to fight off an illness. Herbal formulas also come in handy in the early stages of catching an illness like flu, covid, rsv, or a cold. The early stages are important for those who want to shorten the time they are sick as well as preserve immunity. Having an illness like a stomach flu or covid wreak havoc on your system can have some long term consequences on your body. Because it is discouraged to go out when you’re sick in Chinese Medicine, during this state its important to stay home and rest but seek an herbal consultation that you can attend virtually. This allows you to rest and to control the spreading of any illnesses and viruses. Some of my favorite antiviral herbs are: isadis root, chrysanthemum, Japanese honey suckle and lonicera. Some of my favorite immune strengthening herbs are astragalus, codonopsis and different ginsengs. Please check with your providers before taking anything you have not taken before. Chinese herbal formulas are formulated on an individual basis and we rarely use single herbs in treatment.

Acupuncture & Cupping

Acupuncture comes in handy to strengthen upright qi and strengthen immunity to prevent illness. When you are in a contagious phase it is not recommended to go out and have acupuncture because you can spread your illness to others. After your contagious phase is over acupuncture can be hugely helpful when you have lingering cough, post nasal drip or sinus/nasal congestion, brain fog or fatigue. Acupuncture works to improve circulation locally. A lot of patients find relief from having acupuncture on or around their sinuses, cupping over their lungs in order to clear out any lingering mucus and congestion. Cupping is often used to help with a lingering cough or mucus stuck in the chest. Acupuncture can also be important for those who are feeling fatigue or general weakness after any illness.

Rest

Rest is always overlooked. It is an important part of getting better and preserving long-term health. It has also been shown that rest during covid-19 infections and during the recovery phase can help lower your chances of developing long covid. It is suggested to physically and mentally rest during covid-19 infections and refrain from strenuous activity and exercise for 6-8 weeks after your illness.

Written by Dr. Emily Siy, DACM 12/18/23

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