Let’s get our bodies ready for winter!
With so much going on – children, parties, shopping, working, organizing and so much more, it is challenging for anyone to make health a priority.
This is why we often end up fatigued, worn out and sick in January!
For good reason, Christmas tends to be a time of excess and we can often forget the things that nourish our bodies and support our immune systems – like rest, healthy food, calm meditation and exercise.
It is important to keep our immune systems strong and functioning optimally – keep in mind these tips to help you make it through the winter healthy and powerful.
- Acupuncture – plays a role in supporting natural immunity through stimulating white blood cell production, T-Cell production, Natural Killer Cell production, strengthening the digestive function, optimizing blood flow, reducing stress and improving sleep quality.
- Minimize alcohol intake – enjoy the season as you wish, but always keep in mind that alcohol will weaken your body and will make you more susceptible to viruses and other pathogens.
- Eat well and regularly – especially more vegetables than you think are necessary and try to have the majority cooked – this will help your body to digest efficiently.
- Make sleep a priority – If you do nothing else, focus on getting better sleep – it is so important for all our bodily functions including hormone regulation, mood, appetite, immunity, energy, mental clarity, and metabolism.
- Get out for a walk whenever you can. Winter weather makes it challenging to keep moving, but movement is essential for good health and immunity.
- Do what you can to reduce stress – meditate, listen to music, walk, talk to friends and family, eat well and be good to yourself.
Acupressure Massage to Support Immunity
The following points are commonly needled in a clinical setting and when used in combination are a powerful method to both prevent disease and recover from disease.
Sean will include immune boosting therapy with all his treatments, believing that prevention is the best medicine.
STOMACH 36 – Zu San Li
This commonly used point is frequently used to strengthen and support the immune system. It is also used to strengthen the body after chronic diseases, to prevent attacks from pathogens such as viruses and bacteria and to support better digestion and absorption of nutrients. It is also useful for knee pain and lower leg pain.
LUNG 7 – Lie Que
This commonly used point is frequently used for the common cold and influenza, sneezing, headache, runny nose or nasal congestion. It is helpful for all types of cough, asthma or bronchitis. It is also useful for stiff necks and shoulders.
Massage each point 2-3 times a day using finger massage. You can also use the end of a pencil or pen, the back of a butter knife or any other smooth object. This will prevent soreness in your thumb or fingers.
Massage: up to 5mins each time – Press in deep and rotate
Simple Ingredients to Boost Your Immune System
Increase use of these simple foods that are regularly available at your grocery store and make most dishes more delicious and nutritious!
GINGER: Ginger has been used to treat many initial flu and heat symptoms like dry and sore throat, constipation and fatigue.
- At the first sign of a cold, simmer thumb-sized pieces of ginger and green onions in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes; drink the warm soup immediately.
- For cough, shortness of breath or phlegm, combine about 50g of ginger and 2 TBL of malt sugar into a soup and drink warm.
- Chewing a small slice of fresh or candied ginger is a great remedy for motion sickness or morning sickness.
GARLIC: Garlic has been widely recognized for its many antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects.
- For cold, cough or bronchitis boil several cloves of garlic, some ginger and 1-2 tsp of sugar. Drink warm.
- Regular intake of garlic shows a positive effect on stomach peristalsis and secretion – this means digestion improves!
