Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Chinese Medicine, is recognised worldwide as one of the most effective complementary therapies (Wang et al., 2023). Its holistic approach, focusing on the root causes of health issues rather than just their symptoms, offers unique advantages in boosting the immune system and alleviating symptoms of the common cold.
How Acupuncture Supports Immune Function
Acupuncture activates the body's inherent regulatory systems, stimulating self-healing without directly targeting pathogens (Ding et al., 2014). This non-specific stimulation aids in restoring immune homeostasis, a balanced state where the immune system effectively protects against infections while avoiding overreaction, which can lead to autoimmune conditions (Liu et al., 2024).
Unlike pharmaceuticals, which often have a unidirectional effect—either suppressing or enhancing immunity—acupuncture provides bidirectional regulation. For instance, it can bolster immune function in immunosuppressive conditions like cancer, while mitigating overactive immune responses in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (Liu et al., 2024).
Modern research has also shown that acupuncture enhances both innate and adaptive immunity. It influences macrophages, natural killer cells, T-helper cells, and cytokines, crucial players in fighting infections and maintaining immune balance (Ding et al., 2014; Li et al., 2021). This modulation strengthens the body's defence mechanisms, helping to prevent and manage a range of conditions.
Acupuncture and the Common Cold
IThe common cold, though usually mild, significantly disrupts daily life. It is caused by viral infections of the upper respiratory tract, leading to symptoms such as congestion, sore throat, and fatigue. While many people rely on rest and hydration for recovery, acupuncture presents a promising alternative or complementary therapy.
Early Intervention is Key
Research highlights the importance of early acupuncture treatment in alleviating cold symptoms. In a South Korean study, patients treated within 36 hours of symptom onset experienced a median recovery time of just three days, compared to six days for those treated later. They also had a 50% reduction in symptoms with no adverse effects (Heo et al., 2016). This rapid recovery underscores acupuncture's potential in shortening illness duration and reducing symptom severity.
Cumulative Benefits
Another study conducted in Japan found that regular acupuncture treatments significantly reduced the frequency and severity of cold symptoms. While single treatments had limited immediate effects, cumulative sessions led to noticeable improvements, likely due to sustained immune activation (Kawakita et al., 2004).
How It Works
Acupuncture combats cold symptoms by stimulating the neural-endocrine-immune network, which integrates multiple body systems. This activation enhances anti-inflammatory and antiviral responses, reducing nasal inflammation and improving respiratory function (Li et al., 2021).
Preventive Potential of Acupuncture
Chinese Medicine strongly emphasises disease prevention, and acupuncture is no exception. Preconditioning, or preventive acupuncture, has been used for centuries to strengthen the body’s resilience against illnesses (Liang et al., 2015). By regulating the immune system and maintaining homeostasis, acupuncture helps mitigate the risk of infections, including colds and respiratory diseases.
Scientific Backing for Acupuncture's Benefits
Modern research increasingly validates the ancient practices of acupuncture. Studies show that it reduces inflammation, modulates immune cells, and restores homeostasis (Pan et al., 2021). Additionally, systematic reviews confirm its effectiveness in managing respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), further demonstrating its anti-inflammatory properties (Li et al., 2021).
Acupuncture's unique ability to simultaneously regulate multiple physiological systems is unparalleled. This holistic, patient-centred approach positions acupuncture as a safe, efficient, and versatile therapy for immune system support and common cold management (Pan et al., 2021; Wang et al., 2023).
Conclusion
Acupuncture bridges ancient wisdom and modern science, offering a powerful tool to enhance immunity and treat common colds. By mobilising the body’s self-healing mechanisms, it provides a natural and effective alternative to conventional treatments. Whether you’re seeking to recover from a cold faster or fortify your immune defences, acupuncture may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
References:
Ding, S.S., Hong, S.H., Wang, C., Guo, Y., Wang, Z.K. and Xu, Y., 2014. Acupuncture modulates the neuro-endocrine-immune network. QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, 107(5), pp.341–345. https://doi.org/10.1093/qjmed/hct196.
Heo, J.-S., Yang, S.-Y., Lim, S.-A., Lee, J.-M., Kang, J.-Y., Sun, S.-H., Kim, H.-G., Kang, W. and Cho, J.-H., 2016. A manual acupuncture treatment attenuates common cold and its symptoms: a case series report from South Korea. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 36(6), pp.724–729. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0254-6272(17)30006-7.
Kawakita, K., Shichidou, T., Inoue, E., Nabeta, T., Kitakouji, H., Aizawa, S., Nishida, A., Yamaguchi, N., Takahashi, N., Yano, T. and Tanzawa, S., 2004. Preventive and curative effects of acupuncture on the common cold: a multicentre randomized controlled trial in Japan. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 12(4), pp.181–188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2004.10.004.
Li, N., Guo, Y., Gong, Y., Zhang, Y., Fan, W., Yao, K., Chen, Z., Dou, B., Lin, X., Chen, B., Chen, Z., Xu, Z. and Lyu, Z., 2021. The Anti-Inflammatory Actions and Mechanisms of Acupuncture from Acupoint to Target Organs via Neuro-Immune Regulation. Journal of Inflammation Research, Volume 14, pp.7191–7224. https://doi.org/10.2147/JIR.S341581.
Liang, F., Cooper, E.L., Wang, H., Jing, X., Quispe-Cabanillas, J.G. and Kondo, T., 2015. Acupuncture and Immunity. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015, pp.1–2. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/260620.
Liu, F., Wang, Y., Lyu, K., Du, X., Zhou, M., Shi, J., Na, R., Guo, Y., Wang, G., Xu, W. and Zheng, T., 2024. Acupuncture and its ability to restore and maintain immune homeostasis. QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, 117(3), pp.167–176. https://doi.org/10.1093/qjmed/hcad134.
Pan, W.-X., Fan, A.Y., Chen, S. and Alemi, S.F., 2021. Acupuncture modulates immunity in sepsis: Toward a science-based protocol. Autonomic Neuroscience, 232, p.102793. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102793.
Wang, M., Liu, W., Ge, J. and Liu, S., 2023. The immunomodulatory mechanisms for acupuncture practice. Frontiers in Immunology, 14, p.1147718. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1147718.
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