Learn how Acupuncture can help with Immunity

18 Feb 2016 Your Overall Health

Prevention, Acute Stage, & Recovery

It is important to note that Chinese Medicine is extremely effective as a preventative measure.  Regular acupuncture can help to balance the body thus decreasing frequency of illness.  Our recommendations listed below are useful for prevention, and can also help to kick a sickness out once it begins, shortening down time.  Once immunity is compromised, it is important to rebuild it. Simply adding certain foods and herbs into your regular diet can help you remain healthy and happy all year long.

What Chinese herbs help boost immunity?

Listed below are two examples of herbal formulas that may be prescribed by a Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist.  The formula chosen will reflect the patient’s presentation of symptoms.

  1. Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps)
    This formula boosts immunity by increasing number of white blood cells which act as our body’s first line of defense once pathogens enter the body.  Cordyceps aid our body in fighting various infections.
  2. Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder)
    It is a classic formula that boosts immunity when patients present symptoms such as chills and fever and spontaneous sweating. It’s a great formula for patients that are prone to catching colds and great for prevention and for rebuilding immunity after illness.

Individual herbs can be added to water for tea or to bone broth (see below) for an extra boost.

What foods can I eat to strengthen immunity during the cold and flu season?

• Foods rich in Vitamin A—Liver, beef, eggs, butter, and cheese.
Vitamin A strengthens immune response and mucus membranes.

• Foods rich in Vitamin C—Broccoli, citrus fruit, greens, and strawberries.
Vitamin C fights inflammatory diseases and infections

• Garlic and onions—These foods have a natural antibiotic effect.
• Drink plenty of fluids and eat soup to prevent dehydration and flush the body.

Immunity Tea Recipe
1 Tsp of Goji berries
5 Da Zao (jujubes)
3 slices of ginger (peeled & bruised)

Bone broth
Bone broth has numerous health benefits, one of which is improving immunity.  It is jam-packed with nutrients which heal the body from the inside out.  On top of boosting immunity, it also benefits connective tissue, bones, and digestive system to name but a few.  Bone broth is an excellent tool for recovery from sickness, injury, and surgery as well.

Bone broth can be bought or made from scratch.  If you want to make your own, try this recipe: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/beef-bone-broth-51260700

Pre-made refrigerated: http://www.kitchenwitchbroth.com

Both of the bone broth companies mentioned above are owned and operated by Licensed Acupuncturists as this superfood is widely known for its healing qualities.

Tips
• Try to layer your clothing making sure hands, feet, and neck are covered.
• Take measures to boost immunity before traveling by plane or other public transportation.
• Drink room temperature or warm water with half a lemon squeezed in every morning to start your day with a dose of vitamin C and cleanse the body.
• When running the heat in your home and elsewhere, use saline spray to moisten the nasal passages and avoid dryness.

7 Tips to Keep Your Immune System High

18 Feb 2016 Your Overall Health , , ,

Exercise
Exercise increases circulation throughout the body. This means the white blood cells which are the integral part of the immune system, are able to scan the body more quickly and more frequently. This will allow them to find a pathogen early and rid of it before you get a chance to notice any symptoms.

Vitamin D
During the winter months when your exposure to the sun is reduced, it is important to supplement with Vitamin D. Our bodies need 1,000 IUs of Vitamin D per day. This vitamin not only plays a key role in your bone health but also controls an exorbitant amount of genes associated with cancers, autoimmune disease, and infections.

Keep sugar intake low
A spoonful of sugar may help the medicine go down but it will also give your body another disadvantage. Sugar impairs your immune system by suppressing the white blood cells’ ability to consume pathogens. As little as 3.5 ounces can depress your immune system by 50%. This effect of sugar on the immune system can last up to 5 hours.

Stress
Chronic stress has a negative impact on all aspects of the immune system. Finding the time to do something for you will actually make you better equipped to help others later and perform better at work. One of the best remedies for stress is laughter. Laughter not only decreases stress hormones but it boosts immune function. Seek comedy in all its forms.

Sleep
Sleep deprivation wreaks havoc on your immune system by reducing the number of killer cells which fight germs. Studies have also shown that lack of sleep promotes early aging. Fortunately, following some of the tips mentioned above will improve your sleep as well. If you are consistently having difficulty getting enough rest, seek help. Acupuncture would be one way to address your sleep needs.

Vitamin C
Nature’s wisdom put in season some of the fruits highest in Vitamin C, a highly effective antioxidant, right when we might need it most. Californians will see citrus trees full of their fruit as well as persimmons. Pomegranates are also in season now which are also known to be full of antioxidants. Eating fruits and veggies high in Vitamin C and antioxidants will help protect white blood cells from oxidative damage.

Zinc
Being deficient in zinc makes you more susceptible to infectious agents. However, too much zinc is not healthy either. Luckily you can test to see if you have an adequate amount of zinc easily and inexpensively.

During flu season, you can protect yourself from infection by taking the homeopathic preparation muco coccinum. One tablet should be taken every two weeks. This is a safe, natural, and gentle way to activate your body’s defense mechanisms.

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