Staying Healthy during Cold and Flu Season
While the misery of cold and flu season might be inevitable, one thing is changing: where
we look for relief. The easiest way to protect against the flu is to have a healthy immune
system. However, that doesn’t mean you still won’t come into contact with airborne virus
particles. That’s why your first line of defense against the flu, or any other illness, is to
strengthen your immunity.
When it comes to staying healthy during cold and flu season, acupuncture and Oriental medicine
have a lot to offer. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help prevent colds and flu by
strengthening the immune system with just a few needles inserted into key points along the
body’s energy pathways.
In Oriental medicine, disease prevention begins by focusing on the protective layer around the
exterior of the body called Wei Qi or defensive energy. The Wei Qi involves acupuncture points
known for strengthening the circulation of blood and energy to boost your body’s defenses.
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can also provide relief and faster healing if you have already
come down with a cold or the flu by helping to relieve symptoms you are currently experiencing
including chills, fever, body aches, runny nose, congestion, sore throat and cough. While bringing
some immediate relief, treatments will also reduce the incidence of an upper respiratory tract
infection and shorten the length of the illness.
Boost your immunity and Stay Healthy
Seasonal changes affect the body’s environment. With wind, rain and snow come the colds, flu
viruses and the aches and pains that accompany them.
If you catch colds easily, have low energy and require a long time recuperating from an illness
your Wei Qi (or immunity) may be deficient. Through the process of evaluating subtle physical
signs as well as the emotional condition of a person, practitioners of acupuncture and Oriental
medicine can detect health problems in their earliest stages, before a person becomes gravely ill.
Once the nature of an imbalance has been determined, a customized program can be created for
you. Your treatment may include acupuncture, herbal therapy, as well as food, exercise and
lifestyle recommendations.
Schedule a Seasonal Tune-Up:
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can prevent colds and flu by building up the immune
system with just a few needles inserted into key points along the body’s energy pathways. These
points are known for strengthening the circulation of blood and energy and for consolidating the
outer defense layers of the skin and muscle (Wei Qi) so that germs and viruses cannot enter
through them in the first place.
Wash Your Hands:
Good lifestyle and hygiene habits are also proven to reduce your risk of getting sick. Studies have
shown that one of the main reasons that we catch colds and flu in cold weather is that we are
indoors and in closer vicinity to others. Protect yourself from picking up germs by washing your
hands regularly and remembering not to touch your face.
Sleep In:
The Nei Ching, an ancient Chinese classic, advised people to go to sleep early, rest well and rise
late, after the sun’s rays have warmed the atmosphere a bit. This preserves your own Yang Qi for
the task of warming the body. Even busy, working people can boost their health by sleeping in on
weekends.
Stress Less:
Find a release valve for your stress. According to Oriental medicine, stress, frustration, and
unresolved anger can play an important part in throwing the immune system off and allowing
pathogens to affect the body. Find a way to relax and release stress on a daily basis. Such methods
may include yoga, meditation and exercise. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in the
treatment of stress, anxiety and depression.
Eat Better and Supplement Well:
Everyone knows better foods lead to better health. This time of year, however, it is imperative to
eat well. By eating a variety of foods from all basic food groups will ensure you are getting enough
vitamins,minerals, and macronutrients your body needs to support a healthy immune system.
Boost leafy greens, garlic, onions, ginger, and oranges while avoiding (or at least minimizing)
cheese, dairy, sugars and alcohol.
Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc are three power houses to supplement in addition to eating well
during this season as well as taking a quality probiotic daily to support healthy digestive tract.
Seasonal acupuncture treatments also serve to tonify the inner organ systems and
can correct minor annoyances before they become serious problems. Call us at
(904) 448-0046 today to see how acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help you
stay healthy this season!
So You’ve Caught a Cold. Now What?
Not sure if you should keep your Acupuncture appointment if you’ve got a
cold or flu? In a word or two: KEEP IT! Unless you have a very high fever
and are laid up in bed, having Acupuncture can help to naturally boost your
immune system and help you recover quicker. Better yet, by continuing your regular maintenance
acupuncture treatments before, and during, the cold and flu season will actually help to keep you
protected. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll avoid it all.
Tips and Remedies if you do catch the “ick”
- Homeopathic “flu shots”: Engystol® is an immuno-stimulating homeopathic remedy
which has been scientifically proven to significantly reduce the duration and severity of symptoms
during an acute viral infection and help protect against subsequent infections and can strengthen the
natural immune response in case of viral invasion, resulting in milder symptoms and SHORTER
recovery times. Read more on biopuncture benefits here.
- Get Acupuncture: Acupuncture will not only boost the immune system naturally, but will also
lessen the discomforts of being sick by decrease congestion, alleviating body aches, reducing fevers,
reducing headaches and sore throats.
- Hydrate. Drink LOTS of fluids especially water and electrolytes. Pass on the alcohol for now
- Rest up. Your body needs to recuperate so get as much sleep as you can
Acupuncture does not interfere with Western medical treatment. On the contrary, it provides a
welcome complement to it in most cases, and with its emphasis on treating the whole person,
recovery time for illness is often shortened.
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is an art and a science that takes years learn and many more
to master. It is a post-graduate degree and practitioners not only hold state licenses but national
certifications as well. In order to be certain you are receiving the best care, look for a Licensed
Acupuncturist with experience in the treatment of colds and flus in your area on www.Acufinder.com
“Qi Mail™ is an acupuncture newsletter provided by Acufinder.com
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About The Author: Julee Miller
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