I hope you are doing well and staying safe and healthy. In this uncertain time, please know that even though we aren’t together in the clinic, you are still my patient and I am here for you.
Doctors and researchers around the world have been mobilizing, researching COVID-19 and using acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine to treat coronavirus in China. Chinese medicine has been used in the treatment of diseases and epidemics in China for 2,000 years, and can provide many benefits in prevention of disease, treating the symptoms in addition to the underlying root cause, and subsequent recovery.
Right now if you are otherwise healthy, focusing on prevention is the most important thing you can do. This is where Chinese medicine shines – it is great for supporting the immune system and keeping your body healthy and strong at this time.
Here are some practical Chinese medicine health tips for keeping your immune system strong:
- Stick to healthy nutrient rich foods, especially warm and cooked foods, lots of veggies and leafy greens.
- Add lots of alliums – garlic, green onion, regular onions, chives, leeks, and shallots for their antibacterial properties.
- Drink plenty of water (room temperature, warm or hot preferred!) and other liquids like bone broth and soups to keep your digestion running optimally and your mouth and throat moist.
- Add garlic, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon or cayenne pepper to your meals for an anti inflammatory and antiviral boost.
- Minimize sugar, alcohol, processed foods, dairy and fried foods – in Chinese medicine, COVID-19 is a damp pathogen, causing phlegm in the lungs that leads to symptoms of cough, congestion, shortness of breath, and the more severe stages of the disease. It is very important to avoid these foods at this time to keep your body strong.
- Aim for moderate exercise – move your body, but don’t overdo it. Bonus points if you’re outside too for some sunshine and Vitamin D. Walks, home workouts or yoga, and stretching are good ways to exercise and also allow you to maintain social distancing.
- Make sleep and rest a priority and minimize stress.
I will be sending more practical tips and advice in future emails, including recipes, recommendations for stress reduction, acupressure protocols and other tips for staying well at this time.
**Next week, I will also begin offering virtual health consultations via phone or video call. Stay tuned for more details, I look forward to connecting with you all again soon.
I’m continuing to closely monitor the situation based on CDC recommendations and state and local ordinances, and my office will be closed for in person appointments until it is deemed safe to re-open. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or want to chat. We are all in this together, and I am thinking of you and sending love.
Yours in health,
Jennifer