Common Cold
Here you will get an overview of the pathology, the ability to treat diseases with Oriental medicine, and with acupressure therapies along with other therapies combined.
The information is updated gradually and regularly. For reference only, not a substitute for your doctor.
Introduction:
Common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract. It is a highly contagious illness that can be caused by more than 200 different viruses. Common colds are more prevalent during the colder months of the year, but they can occur at any time. In this article, we will discuss what common cold is, its causes, risk factors, symptoms, prevention, treatment, and the possibility of oriental medicine, acupuncture, acupressure, etc.
What is Common Cold?
Common cold is a viral infection that affects the nose, throat, sinuses, and upper respiratory tract. It is a highly contagious illness that can spread through the air or by direct contact with an infected person. The common cold is caused by different types of viruses, and it is the most frequent viral infection in humans. Most common colds resolve on their own within 7-10 days.
Causes and Risk Factors:
The common cold is caused by more than 200 different types of viruses. The most common cause of the common cold is the rhinovirus, which is responsible for up to 80% of all colds. Other viruses that can cause the common cold include coronavirus, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The risk factors for developing a common cold include:
Weakened immune system
Exposure to infected individuals
Age (children and the elderly are more susceptible)
Poor hygiene
Smoking
Allergies
Stress
Vitamin deficiencies
Symptoms:
The symptoms of a common cold typically include:
Runny or stuffy nose
Sneezing
Sore throat
Cough
Congestion
Headache
Body aches
Fatigue
Mild fever
Prevention:
Preventing the common cold involves adopting healthy habits and reducing exposure to infected individuals. Some of the ways to prevent the common cold include:
Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
Avoiding touching your face, especially your nose and mouth
Disinfecting surfaces that may be contaminated with viruses
Staying home when you are sick
Getting enough rest and staying hydrated
Quitting smoking
Treatment:
Most common colds resolve on their own within 7-10 days, and treatment is usually aimed at relieving the symptoms. Some of the ways to treat the common cold include:
Getting plenty of rest
Drinking plenty of fluids
Using over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as pain relievers, decongestants, and cough suppressants
Using saline nasal sprays or drops to relieve congestion
Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air
Gargling with saltwater to relieve a sore throat
Oriental Medicine:
Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure are alternative treatment options that are believed to be effective in relieving the symptoms of the common cold. Oriental medicine is based on the principle that the body's energy (qi) flows through channels or meridians, and when this flow is disrupted, illness can occur. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points along these meridians to restore the flow of qi and promote healing.
Acupressure is a similar technique that involves applying pressure to these points using fingers, thumbs, or other objects to relieve pain and other symptoms. Some of the acupressure points that are believed to be effective in treating the common cold for example Hegu LI4, Lieque LU7, Dazhui DU14, Fengmen BL12 ect.
While there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of these techniques in treating the common cold, many people report experiencing relief from their symptoms after undergoing acupuncture or acupressure treatments.
Conclusion:
Common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract and is caused by more than 200 different types of viruses. The symptoms of the common cold include runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, congestion, headache, body aches, fatigue, and mild fever. Preventing the common cold involves adopting healthy habits and reducing exposure to infected individuals, while treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms. Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure are alternative treatment options that may be effective in relieving the symptoms of the common cold. If you are experiencing symptoms of the common cold, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
References :
"Common cold" by Mayo Clinic Staff (2022). This online article provides an overview of the common cold, including its symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatment options. It also discusses ways to prevent the spread of the virus that causes the common cold.
"Acupuncture for the Common Cold: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" by Myeong Soo Lee et al. (2015). This study reviews the efficacy of acupuncture in treating the common cold. It concludes that acupuncture may be effective in reducing the severity and duration of the symptoms of the common cold.
"The Effectiveness of Massage Therapy for the Treatment of the Common Cold: A Systematic Review" by Tiffany Field et al. (2015). This study reviews the effectiveness of massage therapy in treating the common cold. It concludes that massage therapy may be effective in reducing the symptoms of the common cold.
"Acupressure for the Common Cold: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" by Hae Mi Lee et al. (2017). This study reviews the efficacy of acupressure in treating the common cold. It concludes that acupressure may be effective in reducing the severity and duration of the symptoms of the common cold.
"Herbs for the Common Cold" by University of Maryland Medical Center (2019). This online article provides an overview of the herbs that may be effective in treating the common cold, including echinacea, elderberry, and ginseng.
"Yoga for the Common Cold: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials" by Romy Lauche et al. (2016). This study reviews the efficacy of yoga in treating the common cold. It concludes that yoga may be effective in reducing the severity and duration of the symptoms of the common cold.
"Ginseng for the Common Cold" by Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2014). This study reviews the efficacy of ginseng in treating the common cold. It concludes that ginseng may be effective in reducing the incidence and duration of the common cold.
"Echinacea for the Common Cold" by Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2014). This study reviews the efficacy of echinacea in treating the common cold. It concludes that echinacea may be effective in reducing the duration and severity of the symptoms of the common cold.
"Vitamin C for the Common Cold" by Hemilä H. (2017). This study reviews the efficacy of vitamin C in treating the common cold. It concludes that vitamin C may be effective in reducing the duration and severity of the symptoms of the common cold.
"A Systematic Review of Traditional Chinese Medicine for the Treatment of the Common Cold" by Xianhe Liu et al. (2019). This study reviews the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating the common cold. It concludes that TCM may be effective in reducing the severity and duration of the symptoms of the common cold.