Condition at a glance
- Recurring colds describe a pattern where colds, sore throats, sinus symptoms or cough keep coming back more often than usual, or linger for weeks.
- Adults typically get around two to four colds per year, while children may have several more, so feeling sick far more often than this can be exhausting.
- Support from your GP is essential to rule out underlying issues; acupuncture and Chinese medicine are usually used alongside, not instead of, standard medical care.
What is the condition?
Most colds are short viral infections of the nose, throat and upper airways. Typical symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, sore throat, mild fever, cough, tiredness and muscle aches. In many people, these symptoms settle within one to two weeks.
Recurring colds are less about one bad infection and more about a pattern. You might notice you “catch everything going around”, pick up every virus the kids bring home, or feel as though you never quite recover before the next bout begins. Some people have clear gaps between episodes, while others feel like symptoms drag on or move from the nose into the sinuses or chest.
In children, several colds per year can be expected as their immune system matures. In adults, frequent colds, repeated infections that move to the chest, or illnesses that are unusually severe or slow to clear should always be discussed with a GP.
Impact on daily life
When colds keep returning, the impact usually goes far beyond a sore throat or runny nose. Many people describe a constant feeling of being “run down”, with dips in energy every few weeks. This can interrupt exercise plans, make it harder to stay productive at work, and reduce the energy left for family, hobbies and social life.
Sleep often suffers when nasal congestion, post-nasal drip or a lingering cough wake you through the night. Some people lose confidence in their body’s ability to bounce back, or worry about letting colleagues and loved ones down when they are sick again.
Parents may feel overwhelmed when colds seem to circulate through the whole household, leaving little time for anyone to fully recover. Over time, this can contribute to fatigue, irritability and a sense of burnout.
Modern medicine overview
From a modern medical perspective, most colds are caused by respiratory viruses such as rhinoviruses, coronaviruses and others. These viruses spread easily through droplets and hands, especially in crowded places, childcare centres, schools and workplaces. Colds are among the most common human infections and a major cause of time away from work and school.
Doctors usually become more concerned when infections are unusually frequent or severe, when you have repeated ear, sinus or chest infections, or when recovery takes much longer than expected. In these cases, they may check for factors such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, chronic sinusitis, reflux, iron deficiency, low vitamin levels, or conditions that affect the immune system.
Depending on your situation, your GP might order blood tests, allergy testing or imaging, or refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist or immunologist. They may also talk about vaccination, smoking cessation, inhalers, nasal sprays, or other treatments. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice, and to seek urgent medical care if you experience high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, very low energy or symptoms that suddenly worsen.
How acupuncture may help
Many people come to see me for acupuncture when they feel stuck in a cycle of recurring colds and want to support their general resilience. While acupuncture does not replace medical treatment for infections, it is often used as part of a broader plan to manage symptoms and support wellbeing.
In clinic, people commonly report that acupuncture helps them feel more relaxed, sleep more deeply and manage stress better. Because stress and poor sleep can influence how often you get sick, working on these areas can be a useful part of the picture. Some people also notice changes in muscle tension, sinus pressure, headaches or a sense of heaviness in the chest.
Current research suggests that acupuncture may influence nervous system activity, circulation and some immune markers. Results vary from person to person, and more high-quality research is still needed, but these findings help explain why some people choose acupuncture as a supportive therapy while they continue to work with their GP.
If we decide acupuncture is suitable for you, I will always encourage you to keep up regular medical care and to return to your doctor if symptoms change or worsen.
Traditional Chinese medicine view
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), frequent colds are often seen as a sign that the body’s protective or “defensive” Qi is not doing its job as strongly as it could. This defensive layer is thought to sit at the surface of the body, guarding the skin, nose and lungs from external “wind” and other environmental factors.
Several patterns can sit behind recurring colds. One common pattern involves a weakness of Lung Qi, where the lungs are not dispersing and protecting as effectively as they should. People might experience shortness of breath on exertion, a tendency to sweat easily, spontaneous sweating during the day, or a lingering cough. Another pattern involves Spleen Qi deficiency, where digestion and energy are not robust. This may show as tiredness, heavy limbs, poor appetite, loose stools or bloating.
TCM also looks at how quickly you recover between infections, whether symptoms tend to be more “cold” (chills, clear mucus, aversion to wind) or “heat” (sore throat, yellow mucus, fever), and any underlying patterns such as long-term stress, grief or overwork. Treatment aims to strengthen your overall Qi, support the lungs and digestion, and clear any remaining pathogens so your body is better able to cope with seasonal bugs.
Research summary
Conventional health sources note that colds are extremely common. Adults are often reported to experience around two to four colds per year, while children may have six to eight or more, particularly in the early school years. These infections are a leading cause of time off work and school across many countries.
In paediatric research, “recurrent respiratory infections” are sometimes defined as six to eight or more documented airway infections per year, depending on the child’s age. This does not automatically mean there is a serious problem, but it can prompt doctors to look more closely at immune function, allergies and environmental factors.
Several studies have explored acupuncture for the common cold and respiratory health. A Japanese multicentre randomised controlled trial found that a specific neck acupuncture technique led to a statistically significant reduction in common cold symptoms compared with control, although results varied between centres and the authors called for further research. A later systematic review on acupuncture for the common cold suggested potential benefit for symptom reduction and duration, but highlighted that many trials were small or at risk of bias, so firm conclusions could not be drawn.
Other research has looked at acupuncture for chronic respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and breathing-related symptoms, with some studies reporting improvements in quality of life, breathlessness and functional measures when acupuncture is used alongside standard care. These studies relate to different conditions, but they contribute to the broader discussion about how acupuncture might support respiratory health.
Overall, the evidence base is promising in places but still developing. Acupuncture is best viewed as a complementary therapy, used together with medical assessment and treatment rather than as a stand-alone cure for infections.
What a session looks like
At your first appointment, we begin with a detailed conversation about your health history. I will ask about how often you get sick, how long symptoms last, whether they tend to move into the sinuses or chest, and what helps or aggravates them. I will also ask about sleep, stress, digestion, energy levels and any medications or supplements you currently use.
From a TCM point of view, I will look at your tongue and feel your pulse to help clarify the pattern. Based on this information, I create a treatment plan tailored to you. A typical session involves gentle acupuncture using fine, single-use needles placed at specific points on the arms, legs, back or torso. Many people find this deeply relaxing and often drift off during treatment.
Depending on your presentation, I may also suggest heat therapy (such as moxibustion or an infrared heat lamp) over the back or chest to support Lung Qi, or points that focus on calming the nervous system and improving sleep. Throughout, I explain what I’m doing and make sure you are comfortable.
You remain under a light blanket on a padded treatment table in a warm, quiet room. Sessions usually last around 45–60 minutes, including consultation time. The number of treatments varies from person to person; we will review progress regularly and adapt the plan as needed.
Other supportive approaches
In addition to acupuncture, your care plan may include other Chinese medicine–based approaches, depending on your needs and safety considerations.
- Chinese herbal medicine: Where appropriate, I may recommend a Chinese herbal formula aimed at supporting your Lung and Spleen Qi, helping clear lingering phlegm, or improving resilience. Herbal prescriptions are individualised and take into account your medications, allergies and medical history.
- Topical liniments and chest rubs: For some people, external herbal liniments or gentle chest rubs can provide a soothing sensation over tight areas of the upper back, neck or chest. These are used as supportive measures, not as a replacement for medical treatment.
- Diet and lifestyle guidance: Simple food-based strategies may be suggested to support digestion, energy and recovery, such as warm, cooked meals, adequate protein and fluids, and reducing excessive cold or greasy foods if they seem to aggravate your symptoms.
- Breathing and relaxation practices: Calming breathing exercises, gentle stretches or simple mindfulness techniques can help manage stress and improve sleep, which in turn may influence how you cope with recurrent illness.
All of these approaches are optional. We decide together what feels realistic and appropriate for you, and they are always intended to sit alongside your GP’s advice.
Self-care and lifestyle tips
There are several practical steps you can take at home that may help reduce the burden of recurring colds. These are general suggestions and are not a substitute for medical care.
- Work closely with your GP: If you are often unwell, ask your doctor whether further investigation is needed, and follow their advice on tests, medications and vaccinations.
- Prioritise sleep: Aim for regular bed and wake times, a dark, quiet bedroom and a wind-down routine without screens. Quality sleep is one of the strongest foundations for immune health.
- Supportive nutrition: Focus on regular, balanced meals with vegetables, fruit, whole grains and adequate protein. Warm soups, stews and congee-style dishes can be easier to digest when energy is low.
- Stay hydrated: Water, herbal teas and broths can help keep mucus thinner and more comfortable. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you on appropriate over-the-counter options for symptom relief.
- Hand hygiene and infection control: Frequent handwashing, avoiding touching the face, and staying home when unwell all reduce spread. This is important for protecting both yourself and others.
- Manage stress where possible: Chronic stress can affect sleep, digestion and immune responses. Even short daily practices such as walking, gentle stretching, time in nature or breathing exercises can make a difference over time.
- Avoid smoking and excess alcohol: Smoke irritates the airways and can make colds and coughs worse. If you smoke, your GP can support you with cessation options.
If you are unsure whether a self-care strategy is safe for you, check with your doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you have chronic health conditions or take regular medications.
Related conditions
Book an appointment
If you are dealing with frequent or lingering colds and would like supportive care at a calm clinic in Scarness, you are welcome to make an appointment.
You can book online any time using my secure booking link, or call the clinic during opening hours if you prefer to speak with someone first.
Book an appointment online
Clinic phone: (07) 4317 4349
References
Healthdirect Australia. Colds. Accessed 2025. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/colds
Ausmed. The Common Cold: Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment. 2025. https://www.ausmed.com.au/learn/articles/common-cold
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Common Cold – About. 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/common-cold/about/index.html
Schaad UB. Diagnosis and Management of Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections in Children: A Practical Guide. 2016. Article link
Cheng Y et al. Acupuncture for common cold: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine. 2018. Full text
Kawakita K et al. A multicentre randomized controlled trial of acupuncture for symptoms of the common cold. 2004. PubMed
Li G et al. Efficacy of acupuncture as adjunctive therapy for patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Medicine. 2025. Article link
