In our last chapter we discussed the current Flu epidemic and introduced ways to build up your immune system naturally to prevent getting sick in the first place. Be aware, these are not sexy, nor are they shortcuts. And they are going to sound a lot like stuff your grandmother used to yell at you (ok mine did). While I know in the US it has become normal to expect a cool high tech approach to wellness, I have to tell you that there really are no short cuts when it comes to the body.
Get enough sleep!
The body needs at least 8 hours and in the US we average about 5. (For a more detailed explanation on the importance of sleep, you can read my article Back To Basics: A Good Night's Sleep). This is one of the most important ways to restore the wei qi (pronounced Way - chee) of the body, so don't overlook this.
Clean up your diet.
This is helpful in so many regards, and we have been beaten over the head with all the different weight loss options available. There are many to choose from, my personal favorites are the South Beach Diet for those who have a few pounds to lose and are Blood Type O. Alternatively, as a former research biochemist, I like The Blood Type Diet by Peter d'Adamo for those who are already at goal or have immune issues. I particularly like the Blood-type Diet to help provide a cushion of vital energy so that if there is a hit to the system in the form of a virus, there are more resources available to defend it. (You can download food lists for each blood type here).
Mild to Moderate Exercise
Seems pretty straight forward, doesn't it? But there are deeper reasons biochemically as to why this is so important for the immune system. Elevated levels of stress create elevated levels of certain chemicals which, when unchecked, have a damaging effect on the immune system. Add to it the benefits of more restful sleep, and an elevated metabolism to help strengthen the body against external attack and maintain weight, you have a pretty important addition to the package.
The judicious use of herbs or supplements to help strengthen the immune system is a time-honored tradition in many cultures and ours is no exception. There are no magic herbs to recommend - what you need is as individual the color of your hair. If you are really concerned or more prone to exposure (from the kids, for example), cut to the chase and have an herbal consult with a licensed practitioner (such as an acupuncturist or naturopathic physician). You will save money over the long run by targeting herbs and supplements to your condition - and you prevent that pile of pill bottles in the kitchen with herbs you don't neeed. A competent professional should be able to help you prioritise which are the most important for you now, and will be able to advise you if your condition changes and new ones are needed. The body is not static - it changes over time, and your needs for supplementation will change with it. Also, you have the benefit of working with professional grade products, and can be assured of their quality.
A caveat: Beware of any practitioner who wants to charge hundreds of dollars for 'diagnostic testing' or herbs/supplements. Even my most physically challenged patients don't spend usually spend more than $25 per week. It is my job to help them prioritise so that this is a long term affordable addition to their health care.
Some of this may be disappointing for those of you used to Grey's Anatomy and ER, and it is hard to admit that Gran was right. You can read more about the benefits of acupuncture and alternative medicine on my website at http://www.acunut.com/.
Until next time, yours in health!
© Copyright 2003 - 2009 Jennifer Moffitt, Healing Arts Center Press, and AcuNut.com. All rights reserved.
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