## Please read our COVID-19 update

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# Boosting Immunity

Author: Paul Gourguechon posted: Nov. 25, 2020.

Chinese Medicine has a deep understanding of epidemic disease having endured many pandemics and epidemics throughout history. Before the advent of modern drug therapy, the Chinese identified thousands of plants, animals and minerals having medicinal actions on the human body. These medicinal materials are classified into groups of herbs with specific actions on the body.

For example, there are herbs to strengthen immunity, promote respiration, clear fever, stop cough, and dissolve phlegm, among others. Most formulas consist of 10-12 herbs with similar actions to be taken 2-3 times a day in pill or capsule form.

Similar to the medicinal action of herbs, precise locations on the body called acupoints have specific actions to treat specific conditions. Acupoints can treat internal diseases via channels linking them to specific tissues and organs. Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into acupoints to elicit these effects In today’s world there are two main applications of Chinese Medicine for Covid-19. This first strategy uses acupuncture and herbal medicine as prevention by strengthening the immune system.

The second uses herbal medicine only to treat the disease itself. Modern understanding of the virulence and respiratory transmission of Covid prevents us from safely using acupuncture to treat active Covid-19 infection.

Here at the Acupuncture Clinic of Missoula we provide preventative treatment with herbal formulas and acupuncture to boost immunity. We also dispense emergency herbal medicinal formulas to keep on hand to treat active Covid-19 infection. Please note that these herbs are to treat the symptoms of acute infection only and must be taken together with conventional therapy. If you seek preventative care, a different class of formula can be provided.

If you are experiencing any typical Covid-19 symptoms (fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea) you are advised to get a Covid test immediately. If you test positive, seek treatment from your primary care physician. Those with active Covid infection can obtain herbal medicine remotely, and only after conventional treatment. Acupuncture and herbal treatment both require an initial consultation. Herbal consults are provided by telephone, while acupuncture consults are done in person before the first treatment.

We follow all CDC and Missoula County recommendations regarding social distancing, masking, and sanitary practice. We feel that this is the best way to continue to provide Chinese Medical care safely to the community.

The Covid death toll in the U.S. is currently over 245,000 and rising at a record rate. The danger is real. It is easy to feel overwhelmed about how to protect yourself. Using Chinese Medicine is one concrete way to reduce your risk of contracting the
Covid-19 virus, and to reduce your risk of dying if infected.

You are invited to set up a 15 minute phone consultation with a Licensed Acupuncturist at 406-721-1600.

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## Office Hours

Missoula Location

Monday:

8:30 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

Closed

Wednesday:

8:30 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-3:30 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed