Self-Treatment for Cold & Flu Symptoms

If you are suffering from cold & flu symptoms, then try out the following self-care steps:

1.  Acupressure Points:

Press on the following acupuncture/acupuncture points with your finger for 30 – 60 seconds to stimulate & promote the Qi circulation inside your body.

a.  Lung 7 (Lu 7) :

Location:  roughly 2 inches above the base of the thumb.

Function(s):  used for fever, chills, shivering, nasal congestion & discharge, sore throat, cough, and headaches & migraines.

Great point to press on when you feel a cold coming on.

b.  Lung 5 (Lu 5):

Location:  on the thumb side, at the elbow crease, just off the biceps brachia tendon.

Function (s):  useful for hot skin conditions, upper body edema, and tendonitis.

c.  Lung 1 (Lu 1):

Location:  on the chest, below the  collar bone, approximately 6 inches from the center of the chest.

Function(s):  used for asthma, the common cold, cough, and pain in the chest, shoulder & back.

d.  Lung 9 (Lu 9):

Location:  on the wrist crease, just below your thumb.

Function(s):  used for cough with our without watery phlegm, tightness of the chest, shortness of breath, asthma, digestive problems, and wrist pain.  Also used for strengthening the Lungs & immune system.

e.  Large Intestine 4 (LI 4):

Location: on the back of the hand between the thumb and the first finger.  In the fleshy part of the hand.

Function(s):  used for common cold with sweating, fever, headache, red & painful eyes, and nasal congestion.

Known as the ‘Master Pain Elimination’ point.

DO NOT USE DURING PREGNANCY.

f.  Large Intestine 20 (LI 20):

Location:  on the face, level with the bottom of nostrils, on the groove that is formed when you smile.

Function(s):  used for nasal discharge & congestion, rhinitis, loss of sense of smell, sneezing, nasal polyps, and nosebleeds.  Also used for itchy eyes, and facial pain with swelling.

2.  Aromatherapy:

a.  Eucalyptus:  opens up the nasal passages.

b.  Cedar:  clears the head and opens up the nasal passages.

3.  Dietary:

a.  Immune System Booster Soup:

Ingredients:

– 1 whole chicken

– 2 pints of water

– 3 slices of Huang Qi

– 1 tsp. of Olive oil

– 10 oz. of Shiitake mushrooms

– 1 tsp. of chopped ginger

– 4 chopped cloves of garlic

Directions:

– Place chicken and Huang Qi (Astragalus root) in water.  Bring to boil and simmer for an hour.

– Add Shiitake, ginger, garlic, and Olive oil.  Simmer for an additional 45 minutes.

b.  Pear & Almond Soup for Dry Cough:

Ingredients:

– 5 ripe pears

– 2 quarts of water

– honey

– fresh mint leaves

– 4 handfuls of almonds (chopped)

Directions:

– Cut pears in half and remove stems & seeds.  Chop into small pieces.

– Combine pears, almonds and water in a medium-sized saucepan.

– Bring to boil, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

– Remove from stove and let it cool.

– Add honey and mint to taste.

– Drink one to two cups daily to enhance the Lung function and prevent dry coughs.

c.  Cold Relief Soup:

Ingredients:

– 2 cloves of garlic

– 1 chopped scallion

– 1 Tbsp. of miso paste

– 4 cups of water

– 1 inch piece of fresh ginger

Directions:

– Add all ingredients, bring to boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.

– Dink 1 cup every hour.  You will begin to sweat which will help to alleviate the cold symptoms.

4.  Supplements:

Take time-release Vitamin C tablets and Zinc tablets to boost your immune system.

5.  Hydration:

Keep yourself hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water each day.

6.  Rest:

Have at least 8 hours of solid sleep to help your body fight the infection and recover.

7.  Relax:

Take this time to meditate and relax your mind & body.  Doing so will help strengthen your immune system to fight the infection.

Finally, there’s a saying that it takes 7 days to cure a cold without medications and a week to cure it with. There’s no other way to go about it besides drinking lots of water, and resting. Take this time to reflect and de-stress and pretty soon, your body will be strong & healthy again!