Build Your Immunity Shield
Viruses are hitting people hard this year. We’ve seen a lot of you in the clinic looking for support and would like to share some ideas for boosting your immune system to prevent catching a virus over the next couple of months.
In Chinese medicine, your Wei Qi, akin to the immune system, is your body’s defensive energy. You can strengthen your Wei Qi by focusing on a balanced lifestyle, proper nutrition and the addition of specific herbs.
Get Regular Acupuncture: Regular sessions can help balance the body’s energy, enhance the immune function and reduce stress which is often a precursor to illness.
Keep Warm: Dress appropriately, especially around the neck and lower back to prevent the invasion of cold and wind. Your Uggs are a perfect way to keep your feet off the cold surfaces at home.
Get Regular Exercise: Take a walk in the sunshine. Thankfully, these wintery days still have a good amount of sun. Winter is a slower season, so no need for vigorous exercise, just get going enough to get your heart rate a little higher. Gentle exercises like Tai Chi and Qigong are great for this as well as they enhance the flow of Qi, supporting overall health and immunity.
Eat Warm, Nourishing Foods: We often advise eating like a peasant, as eating simply with easily digestible foods is a great way to provide all the essential nutrients while still being gentle on the stomach. Warm, simple, nourishing foods such as broth-based soups and stews are perfect for this. Even Congee! Add in ginger, garlic, mushrooms and scallions (green onions) as they are particularly beneficial for their warming and immune-boosting properties. Warm herbal teas like ginger, peppermint and chamomile can soothe an irritated throat along with general immune support. Avoid all cold foods and drinks. Cold weakens your digestive system making it more susceptible to illness.
Add in Some Immune Boosting Herbs: Reishi Mushrooms, Ginseng and Astragalus are known for their ability to fortify your Wei Qi. We’ve got these at Beattie Street Health in supplement form and are happy to guide you in taking them.
Focus on Your Strength: Breathe. Meditate. Remind yourself that you are strong, healthy and ready to take what comes.
Addressing the Symptoms:
If you do catch the flu or other viruses, Chinese medicine provides effective methods for alleviating symptoms and supporting recovery.
Book an appointment: Truly, come in. Chinese medicine helps and we want you to feel better. Your appointment will most often be a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas suited to expel the pathogen and get you on the road to recovery.
Rest and Hydration: Getting good rest and taking in warm fluids are essential for recovery. Avoid stress and strenuous activity. Rest and allow your body to heal.
We are available for acupuncture and Chinese herb sessions five days a week. Book in, keep your defences up and your well-being strong.
