Ask The Acupuncturist – Staying Healthy During Cold and Flu Season
Written by Ryan Powell, LAc. at Life Chiropractic
Fall brings us an opportunity to slow down a little, and reflect upon the year we are living. Traditionally, it is a good time for letting go of habits and patterns that may no longer be serving us. In the natural world, plants are releasing their leaves and seeds in preparation for next year’s growing cycle. At the same time, Fall is also a good time to keep something beneficial for yourself. This can be a simple as reserving 20 minutes a day for meditation, prayer, or a walk around the neighborhood. Nature reflects this idea as energies turn inwards. Plants put most of their energy into their roots during the fall and winter months, and animals put on a few extra pounds, and prepare to rest.
Along with the opportunities to grow and develop come unique challenges. The body must begin producing more of its own warmth, as there is not as much in the ambient atmosphere. This makes us more prone to catching colds and flu. While it is normal to get “sick” once a year or so, it is problematic when an illness lasts longer than it should, or will not go away completely. I want to offer some sound suggestions on what to do should you start to feel like you are coming down with something.
1. If you are feeling chilled, stay warm. Take a hot shower or bath, and try to break a light sweat. After you have begun to sweat just a little bit, stay covered up, and once again, stay warm.
2. Use your probiotic (acidophilus and other beneficial gut bacteria). Good bacteria is competition for bad bacteria. A properly working digestive system is essential for immune function.
3. Avoid sugars, refined carbohydrates, and dairy. All of these food will feed an acute infection, and suppress your immune system!
4. Get plenty of clear fluids. When the body is fighting infection, your temperature goes up, and you require more water.
5. Good products to use for a few days to stimulate your immune system can be helpful also. Here are some that I like.
-X-Viromin by Apex Energetics (We carry this line at Life Chiropractic)
-For Sore Throat: Yin Qiao (A Classic Chinese Herbal Formula)
-More Severe Cold/Flu with Fever: Cold Quell by Blue Poppy
-Andrographis is an excellent stand alone herb to use when you are sick.
*Note: Traditionally, the herb astragalus, or huang qi is avoided during the early stages of an illness.
6. See your health provider! Traditional medicine is excellent at helping people fight colds and flu. Custom herbal formulas can be made for you.
Call our office today to schedule a free consultation, 303-678-1979.
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