Avoiding colds and flu with Chinese medicine

We all know that exercise, fresh air, and whole foods are key factors in supporting our immune system, but did you know that it is possible to use Chinese Medicine to prevent colds and flu from happening altogether, or to prevent them from becoming full-blown infections.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs can help lessen the severity and hasten the recovery of your illness. If you visit your acupuncturist at the first signs of cold and flu, such as chills, fatigue, body ache or sore throat, they will work to repair immunity and fight symptoms so that your body can fight the infection. Also, if an illness is lingering treatment will help stop the pattern on re-infection and weakening immunity so that you can finally get over your cold or flu.

Using Acupuncture and Chinese herbs during the recovery stage of infection is a good way to ensure that you are completely over the infection and your immune system is intact and ready to ward off the next illness that finds its way into your home. Two or three weekly treatments after an illness will help restore balance in your immune, respiratory, and digestive systems. Symptoms such as a lingering cough, phlegm, or a disruption in your elimination are common complaints after a severe bout of the flu. Acupuncture and Herbal treatment will help resolve the condition and eliminate any lingering symptoms.

See the following links for more information on Alice Maguire and Acupuncture.

Five Tips for Avoiding Illness This Winter

1. Exercise a little bit everyday.  Exercise moves the lymphatic system, helping to detoxify your body. Regular massage can also help with this process.

2. Keep warm.  Make sure your neck and chest are protected from wind, drafts and cold.  Use a scarf around your neck when going outside. Always keep your feet warm and dry.

3. Get adequate sleep and rest.  Your body is vulnerable to stress if you’re tired. Think about using stress-reduction methods like Massage, Reflexology or Reiki.

4. Eat sensibly.  In cold weather it is important to eat warming foods like soups and stews. Try eating fresh, seasonal, organic foods and less processed food. Our naturopaths and acupuncturists can give you more advice on this.

5. Have regular maintainance treatments . When you have regular treatments it boosts your immune system.  To see what therapies we offer click here.