Seasonal Wellness: Supporting Your Body During Cold & Flu Season

As temperatures drop and cold and flu season approaches, it's a great time to be intentional about supporting your overall health and wellness.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has used acupuncture and acupressure for thousands of years to help support the body's natural balance. While neither acupuncture nor acupressure prevents or cures the flu, they can be useful complementary approaches for managing certain symptoms, promoting relaxation, and supporting overall well-being.

The best part? You can even try a few simple acupressure techniques from the comfort of your own home!

🌿 3 Acupressure Points to Know This Season

Acupressure uses gentle finger pressure on specific points throughout the body. You don't need any special equipment, and it only takes a few minutes.

1. LI4 – Large Intestine 4 (Hegu)

For: Headaches, facial tension, and general discomfort.

This is one of the most commonly used acupressure points.

Where to find it: On the fleshy area between your thumb and index finger, approximately in the middle of the muscle.

How to use it: Apply gentle, steady pressure with your opposite thumb for 30–60 seconds. Repeat on the other hand.

2. LI20 – Large Intestine 20 (Yingxiang)

For: Nasal congestion and sinus discomfort.

This point is commonly used in traditional acupuncture for nasal symptoms.

Where to find it: Just beside each nostril, in the small groove where the nose meets the cheek.

How to use it: Use your index fingers to gently massage both points in small circular motions for 30–60 seconds.

3. PC6 – Pericardium 6 (Neiguan)

For: Nausea and digestive discomfort.

This point is especially well known for its traditional use in helping relieve nausea.

Where to find it: Turn your palm upward. Measure approximately three finger-widths down from your wrist crease, between the two prominent tendons.

How to use it: Apply gentle, steady pressure for 1–2 minutes on each wrist while breathing slowly.

Tip: Acupressure should feel comfortable, not painful. Avoid pressing over injured, irritated, or swollen skin. If you're pregnant, consult your healthcare provider before using therapeutic acupressure points, particularly LI4.

💆‍♀️ How Can Acupuncture Help During Cold & Flu Season?

Acupuncture is a personalized treatment that uses very fine, sterile, single-use needles at specific points on the body.

Research suggests acupuncture may help with certain types of pain, headaches, and nausea. It is also being studied for its potential role in managing some upper respiratory symptoms, although evidence is still developing.

Some patients incorporate acupuncture into their seasonal wellness routines to:

• Promote relaxation and help manage stress.

• Support better sleep and overall well-being.

• Address tension headaches and facial discomfort.

• Complement other approaches to managing seasonal symptoms.

Acupuncture is not a substitute for flu vaccination, medical evaluation, or appropriate treatment when you're sick.

✨ Make Your Wellness a Priority

You don't have to wait until you're feeling under the weather to make your health a priority.

Whether you're interested in learning more about acupuncture, exploring acupressure techniques, or incorporating additional wellness practices into your routine, I'm happy to help you find an approach that fits your needs.

Interested in trying DNFT, acupuncture, or NAET?

Schedule an appointment and let's talk about how these techniques can complement your wellness routine this season.