Colds and Flu

Colds and flu-like illnesses may include sore throat, cough, runny nose, chills, fever, body aches, sinus congestion, fatigue, or lingering weakness after illness. From a Western medicine perspective, these symptoms are commonly linked with viral infections and the body's immune response.

Traditional Chinese Medicine views acute respiratory illness through patterns such as Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat, Dampness, Phlegm, Heat, or a lingering pathogen with Qi deficiency. Treatment depends on whether the person feels chilled or hot, whether the throat is sore, the nature of mucus, sweating, body aches, thirst, and overall energy.

Chinese medicine can support comfort, recovery, and symptom management by working with the person's current presentation. Depending on the pattern, care may include acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine, dietary guidance, and rest strategies.

Research suggests that acupuncture and related therapies may influence immune and inflammatory pathways, but the wording for colds and flu should be cautious, as evidence varies, and many respiratory infections are self-limiting. Chinese medicine care is supportive and does not replace medical treatment when symptoms are severe.