Chinese medicinal clinical studies have suggested that using acupuncture as a preventative approach to colds and flu can reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection and shorten the duration of the illness. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine work by rebalancing the body’s systems, regulating the body’s healing energies, and enhancing the immune system.

Even though germs, bacteria, and viruses are everywhere—in the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we drink—according to Chinese medical theory, they do not cause disease. Illness occurs when our Wei Qi and our meridian organ systems are weak and out of balance. When this occurs it creates a hospitable environment for germs, bacteria, and viruses to thrive, leading to a cold, the flu, or worse.

What in the world is Wei Qi? One of the main theories supporting acupuncture and its treatment of colds and the flu is the concept of Wei Qi. The concept of Wei Qi is similar to the Western concept of the immune system. It functions as a barrier protecting and defending the body against foreign substances, which can cause illness and disease. When it is strong and abundant, we remain healthy. When the supply of Wei Qi becomes inadequate, health is compromised and we become vulnerable to outside invaders.

Throughout our lives, a variety of factors affect our health and well-being. Although most of the time we recover quickly and regain our health, when these factors are numerous, our internal mechanisms become compromised and weakened. Our Wei Qi becomes depleted, and we get sick. By the time we notice the symptoms of our illness, the body’s self-regulating, self-balancing, and healing systems have already been affected.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine support and strengthen the systems of the body that are involved in the production of Wei Qi, and can help rebalance and support the immune system and stimulate Wei Qi energy. By building up the supply of Wei Qi, and facilitating the smooth and free flow of it throughout the body, the body’s organs and meridian systems become strong, enhancing their ability to effectively fight off illness and disease.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are safe, natural, and effective ways to support the body’s self-regulating, self-balancing, and healing systems. If illness does occur, acupuncture can help you get back on your feet again, helping to stave off prolonged illness without the use of medication and over-the-counter drugs.

Tips for Staying Healthy:

• Consume 8-10 glasses of filtered water daily
• Exercise regularly to support the immune system
• Eat a healthy, organic diet, including foods with beta carotene (carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, garlic, and tomatoes)
• Limit sugar intake. Sugar taxes the immune system, especially when feeling under the weather
• Get plenty of rest
• Enjoy fun and relaxing activities
• Schedule regular acupuncture treatments to support the body’s self-regulating, self-balancing, and healing systems

The post The Flu & You – How Can TCM Help? appeared first on Tybee Acupuncture.

The flu, also known as influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that is caused by a number of viruses. To date, there are approximately 26 to 30 different known strains of the flu virus. This is one of the reasons the flu vaccine has only mild efficacy. The flu vaccine itself typically only covers five to seven strains of the flu.  Symptoms of the flu include fever, coughing, a sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches, runny nose and watery eyes.

The good news is we can avoid the flu by implementing healthy habits and taking care of ourselves throughout the year. Of course, the best way to treat a disease is to try and avoid it!

Chinese medicine is a great tool to have in the toolbox for preventing the flu. Utilizing acupuncture treatments can be very beneficial in keeping the flu at bay.

Regular acupuncture treatments help boost immunity, while balancing and regulating the body’s energy or Qi (pronounced “chee”). Several studies have shown acupuncture can reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections and shorten the length of time that somebody is ill.

Along with acupuncture, there are other things we can do to avoid catching the flu; regular exercise, ample sleep and a proper healthy diet are three of the best things anybody can follow to stay disease-free. Exercising enough to break a sweat without overdoing it has been shown to reduce the incidence of the flu. Incorporating practices like tai chi, qi gong and yoga can actually reduce physical and emotional stress, while strengthening the immune system and preventing disease.

Eating a healthy diet is essential for preventing any disease, not just the flu. This includes eating a very balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Foods that contain beta-carotene are especially helpful at boosting the immune system.  Carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes and garlic are good examples of beta-carotene rich foods. Also drinking at least 64 ounces of water on a daily basis is highly recommended; ample fluid intake helps the body flush out invaders and toxins, while keeping the mucus membranes and upper respiratory tract moist and healthy enough to fight off the virus.   I always tell my patients, “No SUGAR, DAIRY, or WHEAT”…..these can be mucus-forming and can lower your immune system, making symptoms worse if you are already sick.

Taking advantage of what Chinese medicine has to offer, while incorporating healthy daily habits, will ensure this upcoming flu season passes by without wreaking havoc on any of us!

The post Fighting Flu Season with Acupuncture appeared first on Tybee Acupuncture.