As an acupuncturist, I understand that not everyone is keen on needles.  That's okay.  Acupressure, instead of acupuncture, can be your first line of defense when you feel a cold coming on.  Acupuncture point Lung 7, or Lie Que, is an effective point for reducing cold-related symptoms.

You may choose to apply acupressure to Lung 7 when you are experiencing the following symptoms:  headache, cough, runny nose, sore throat, stiff neck, or headache.

Lung 7 is located on the palmar side of the forearm, above the thumb, 1.5 inches above the transverse crease of the wrist.

If you would like to apply acupressure to your right wrist, use your left thumb to press on the Lung 7 point.  Use the amount of pressure you would use if you were pushing an elevator button.  Hold for 60 seconds, then make small circular motions. After you've massaged the point on your right hand, switch to the left.  Go back and forth from right to left for five minutes.  Repeat as often as you like.  

Thank you for reading.  Stay healthy.

Tamara ZumMallen, L.Ac.

Source:  "The Foundations of Chinese Medicine" Giovanni Maciocia