Colds, Flu and Your Immune System - Causes and Solutions

Colds and flu are common problems, but some people suffer more than others. Those with lower immunity can die from complications such as dehydration or pneumonia. Here you will learn about the causes of the infections and about things that weaken immune system function. You will also learn about the solutions.

What Causes Colds?

The common cold is a viral infection of the nasal passages and upper respiratory system. Usual symptoms include sneezing, coughing and a sore throat. There are hundreds of different viruses that can cause the symptoms. The one we know the most about is the rhinovirus.

When someone sneezes or coughs, the viruses fly through the air. They do not function as other life forms do. There is even some question about whether or not they are living organisms. Instead of reproducing, they replicate.

The viruses can remain active on surfaces for many days, possibly weeks. So, when someone in the house is infected, it can be difficult to prevent the condition from spreading to other family members.

What Causes the Flu?

Influenza is caused by a different family of viruses. The viruses are divided into three categories; A, B and C. The viruses infect birds and mammals. The symptoms include those associated with the common cold, along with chills, fever, headache, weakness and muscle pain. Influenza is more likely to progress into pneumonia. The viruses are transmitted in the same way as the cold.

What Causes Weakened Immunity?

Weakened immunity makes people more susceptible to infections of all kinds. Things that have a negative effect on immune system function include:

? Young Age-infants and young children have an immature immune system. We develop immunity to viruses and other kinds of infections after being exposed to them.

? Old Age-older people sometimes have weaker immune systems, although it is not necessarily a natural part of the aging process

? Poor Nutrition

? Disease-an existing disease of any kind can make a person more susceptible to infection

? Immunodeficiency-in immunodeficiency diseases, a person's immune system is dysfunctional. The diseases may be acquired (AIDs) or something one is born with.

? Treatments for disease

Some diseases are referred to as autoimmune diseases. They are characterized by an overactive immune system. In order to treat the autoimmune disease, doctors prescribe drugs that suppress immune system function. The treatments make the person more likely to catch colds and the flu.

Many cancer treatments destroy immune system function, temporarily. While a person is receiving those treatments, they are more susceptible to colds and flu.

Even being around people who are sick increases your risk of becoming infected.

What Are the Solutions?

There are no cures. Anti-viral medications are only somewhat effective. Flu shots are used to prevent people from coming down with influenza, but the shots are only effective against the specific virus believed to be most likely to cause an infection during that year. There are hundreds of viruses in the family. So, the shot does not guarantee you won't get the flu.

The real solution to colds and influenza viruses is to strengthen your immune system. You will learn how to do that in my next article.

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Healing Acupressure for Colds and the Flu Virus

In Eastern medicine, it is believed that the flu virus or the common cold are both due to an overabundance of cold moist energy, built up within certain points of the back of the neck. In keeping these particular areas warmed via healing acupressure, one can use holistic health treatments to better their wellness when colds or the flu occur. Completing these Eastern medicine acupressure treatments on a regular basis may even prevent colds and the flu virus from even weakening the body to begin with.

Simply apply acupressure to the appropriate pressure points, using either one of your fingers, or your palm. Apply a steady pressure to the point for only five seconds, to draw warm energy to that area. Repeat this healing acupressure three to five times per session.

There are many pressure points within the body that, as per Eastern medicine adherents, can better the overall wellness of the body when pressure is applied. Here are a list of the healing acupressure points, that when stimulated, may prevent colds and the flu virus with the body:

Poong-mun: This is said in Eastern medicine to be the most vulnerable area with respect to gathering cold energy. This point is located approximately two fingers width from the thoracic vertebrae, on either side.

Joong-bu: Just outside the upper breastbone area, there are two hollowed areas that lie directly below the protrusions of an individual's collarbone. Gently tapping this area, or pressing your thumb directly into it, in three second intervals, warms this area. Also, tapping directly over this area with a cupped hand, is a common healing acupressure practice.

Oon-mun: On either side of each shoulder there is a point directly below the collarbone. Gently tap or push into this point with the pad of your thumb or finger for a few seconds. Repeat three to five times in this area per session.

Dae-chu: When feeling directly below the seventh vertebrae, bend neck and head forward. There is an indentation wherein the neck and shoulder line meets, below the largest bone. Keeping that point stationary with your finger, return your neck and head back to an upright position. Tap over this healing acupressure point with a hand that is cupped.

It is important to remember that when practicing healing acupuncture as a method of holistic health in Eastern medicine, not to ever tap or press on: skin infections, scars, open wounds, varicose veins, broken bones etc. These methods are only to be used on healthy portions of the body, and should not cause intense pain when practicing.

These Eastern medicine methods can be practiced at any point of the day, wherever you are. Healing acupressure allows for the body to experience self-control as well as enhanced health.

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