Acute Illnesses
Acute illnesses come on suddenly and usually resolve fairly quickly, sometimes by themselves and sometimes requiring treatment. Most viral and bacterial infections come into this category, which also covers allergic reactions, some types of headache, fungal infections, urinary tract infections, some skin problems (eg sunburn, insect bites), and simple digestive upsets (see ‘digestive disorders’) as well as the usual coughs, colds, sore throats etc. (see ‘respiratory complaints’).
There are also a range of minor injury problems which can come on suddenly including back pain (gardener’s back!), sore or strained muscles, severe bruising from slips, trips or falls. These all respond well to early intervention which can prevent the development of a chronic inflammation.
If you are unsure about the cause of your symptoms, or if they persist or become severe, you should seek advice from a qualified health practitioner.
Traditional Treatments for Acute Illnesses
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is part of a comprehensive system of medicine and has been used over many years by people for a broad range of … [expander_maker more="Read more" less="Read less"]
Chinese medicine (of which acupuncture is a part) has its own diagnostic system through which to understand the signs and symptoms and together with a western understanding of health, trauma, injury and disease enables the Acupuncturist to provide a truly individual treatment. Acupuncture treatments are directed both at reducing symptoms and also resolving the underlying imbalance for a more lasting effect.
Acupuncture can be used alongside conventional medicine and is suitable for people of all ages, including women in pregnancy.
Fact sheets can be found on the British Acupuncture Council website www.acupuncture.org.uk research section including those about Allergic Rhinitis, Back Pain, Bell’s Palsy, Dentistry, Dysmenorrhoea (painful periods), Frozen shoulder, Gastrointestinal tract disorders, Headache, Insomnia, Migraines, Nausea and Vomiting, Post-operative pain, Puerperium (6 week period after birth), Sciatica, Sinusitis, Sports Injuries, Tinnitus amongst others.
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Dr. Bach Flower Remedies
There is usually some degree of stress and emotional imbalance during acute illness. These flower remedies, taken orally, may help to reduce the stress. They are specifically made for emotional healing and support so are particularly helpful in a stressful situation or crisis.
Herbal Medicine
Many people these days think of herbal medicine as just being for chronic complaints, but in fact it can be surprisingly effective for acute conditions and first aid, especially when used early.
Herbalists are trained to detect serious illness, and if you ask advice for acute problems, they will ask you some questions designed to screen out the more serious complaints and avoid any problems with herb-drug interactions if you are taking any conventional medication.
Treatment for acute illness often involves taking larger doses of herbs, more frequently than for chronic conditions, but you may be able to use things you have in your cupboards – treatment for digestive upsets for example often uses herbs and spices you may already have, and coughs and colds respond well to simple remedies such as garlic, thyme and honey.
Reflexology
This treatment is not recommended during the crisis stage of acute illness. However, once stabilised, the treatment may help to boost your immune system to aid recovery and possibly reduce further illness. The treatment is particularly helpful after surgery.