coughs, Colds, and flu

A disclaimer: In pre-pandemic times, when patients were experiencing a cough or cold they would often call, asking if they needed to cancel their appointment. Our response was always “if you feel well enough to get here, then come in because we can help”. These days it’s not that simple. Due to COVID precautions, patients with new symptoms are asked to stay home. That being said, we can still help with lingering symptoms after appropriate measures have been taken, and/or provide an herbal formula to be shipped to the patient’s home.

Coughs, Colds, and Flus

When a cough, cold, or flu hits, it’s never welcome. With numerous over-the-counter medications it may feel like you have an arsenal of treatments available to you, but many of these medications provide little if any relief. Chinese medicine has been around for millennia and this is an area of treatment in which much time and effort has been dedicated. Acupuncture, in conjunction with Chinese herbal medicine, is well-equipped to address a variety of coughs, colds, and flus. In some cases, Chinese medicine alone will shorten recovery time and ease symptoms as you recover. In other cases, an integrative approach that includes Western and Eastern medicine will be most appropriate. 

How It Works

Treating a cough, cold, or flu with Chinese medicine starts with a detailed intake. Unlike Western medicine, which typically treats individual symptoms, Chinese medicine takes a more holistic approach. Every sign and symptom that a patient experiences is a clue that helps to build a picture of the pathogen which has invaded the body and the imbalance that it is causing internally. Many details that are not considered useful in Western medicine help to inform treatment in the paradigm of Chinese medicine. For example: Are you sweating or not? Do you feel hot and feverish (regardless of whether you have a temperature)? Do you feel sensitive to wind, or get cold easily? Using this system, acupuncture points and Chinese herbal medicine can be selected to best treat each individual patient, and herbal prescriptions will be given when appropriate.

Herbal Consultation

Chinese herbal formulas can be immensely helpful in the treatment of coughs, colds, and flus. This is doubly helpful during COVID times as it provides a way to receive treatment without coming into the office. Herbal consultation is included with every acupuncture treatment at Gotham Holistic Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine. However, if you are experiencing cough, cold, or flu symptoms, please reach out to us to determine if you should attend your appointment or receive a telehealth herbal consultation. If you are a new patient currently experiencing a cough, cold, or flu, please contact us to inquire about a telehealth herbal consultation.

Preventing Coughs, Colds, and Flus

Getting Started With Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

If you have an active cough, cold, or flu please contact us so we can advise you on how to get started. Otherwise, schedule your appointment online to meet with our licensed and experienced acupuncturist. During the consultation we’ll go over your health history, current complaints, and health goals. We’ll discuss the best treatment plan for you to optimize your health and vitality. To learn more about our cough, cold, and flu services, do not hesitate to contact us today!