Every year, at this time of the year, people seem to be more vulnerable to catching colds and the flu. Many line up to get the flu shot year aft
er year as they want to avoid getting sick. There are alternative and natural ways to boost your immune system and protect yourself from these ailments. I would suggest that you:
l Frequently and thoroughly wash hands with soap.
l Avoid touching your mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose) prior to washing your hands, especially if you have been in contact with someone exhibiting cold and flu symptoms.
l Take Vitamin C frequently, it will help boost your immune system.
l Take Zinc, it also boosts your immune system (recommend that you take it with food).
As per Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture principles, weather elements such as wind, cold, heat, dampness and dryness are considered as pathogenic elements. For example, you may have noticed how your nose starts flowing when it is very cold and windy outside. There are many acupuncture points at the nape of your neck, shoulder and head; which are particularly sensitive to these pathogenic elements. When exposed to the elements, you become susceptible to colds and the flu. In line with TCM and Acupuncture principles, here are some additional recommendations to protect you from these ailments and help you get relief from them, if you do get sick:
l Avoid going out in the cold with wet hair.
l Wear a scarf and a hat when it is cold, windy or wet outside.
l Traditional chinese herbal therapies include the consumption of a specialty tea “Yu Ping Feng San” or “Jade Windscreen tea” to build your defensive qi (energy). This tea can be taken as a preventive measure and helps build your immune system.
l At the very first signs, symptoms or feelings of being under the weather, take “Ban Lan Gen”, a chinese herbal remedy, to detoxify your system and fight infection.
l Perform acupressure along the base of skull, nape of neck and top of thoracic spine. This is effective in relieving symptoms of colds and the flu.
