What you need to know
By The Health Connection
Ahhh. The changing colors of the leaves, the smell of pumpkin spice in the air, that cold chill in the morning. Fall is upon us and now is often the time to gather. As we begin to gather again, and see loved ones that we have dearly missed, colds and flus start to gather as well! In this article we will discuss how Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine can get you through this season staying as healthy as possible.
Things you can do to stay healthy and what to do if you get sick:
Moxibustion: Moxa can come in a variety of forms, but traditionally it is dried mugwort. This
can be a powerful immune boosting tool you can use at home! Moxa is used to stimulate
acupuncture points through heat. You can use it over the Stomach 36 (ST 36) acupoint to
activate your immune system. Ask your acupuncturist how you can safely do moxibustion at
home.
Chinese Herbs: Chinese herbs can be very beneficial in the prevention and treatment of colds and flus. Chinese herbs are something you will want to discuss with your acupuncturist, as not all colds and flus are treated the same!
Acupuncture: Acupuncture is also excellent in the prevention and treatment of colds and flus. Acupuncture can help activate your immune system through stimulating certain acupuncture points. The often added benefit from acupuncture is good sleep, and sleep is VITAL to a functioning immune system.
Nutrition and Supplements: Everything in moderation. I know for myself, this time of year can be very difficult to avoid sugary treats. I recommend trying to moderate how many sugary treats you are taking in. Sugar and alcohol are shown to lower our immune system, leaving us more vulnerable to getting sick. If you find yourself getting sick, be sure to avoid sugar, dairy, and alcohol. Eat soups with clear broths. Drinking bone broth can be very beneficial to your immune system and overall health. Also, Vitamin C is a great supplement to add to your diet this time of year. It can help prevent colds/flus as well as help shorten the duration.
When we get sick, it is usually our bodies telling us to slow down. Try to take a few minutes
each day to listen to your body, get plenty of sleep, and eat nutritious foods. When you do get sick, take some time to rest, recuperate and replenish yourself. You will be grateful you did.