Prevent Colds and Flu with Five Self Care Tips
Susan Wallace | January 27, 2010Even though the Fall’s cold and flu season has passed, school has started up again and this brings about the need to change how we prepare our self care activities to preserve and enhance our energy for the coming months.
To prepare for the cold and flu season, the Fall is the optimum time to build up the immune system. In traditional Chinese medicine the Fall is the time of harvesting, saving and storing what the abundant summer has produced. This principal applies to the human condition in that we have built strength and muscle and vitamin D stores to serve us through the less active winter months.
5 Means for Self Care
Consider all the activities you can do to promote your health during the Fall season:
1. strengthen your body’s immune system by seeing an acupuncturist
2. make sure you’re taking the right mix and dosage of vitamins
3. eat nutritious food at regular times throughout your day
4. exercising to strengthen the body and reduce stress
5. often overlooked, getting enough rest will generate more energy and mental focus
Since colds and flu’s are just beginning to be circulated, these activities all enhance your immune systems and make you less susceptible from the outset. In my practice I’ve found that my clients start reporting colds about 1-3 weeks after school opens.
To prevent colds and flu, I use two different kinds of formulas. The first compound is a Chinese traditional formula, called “Jade Wind-Screen” and is used for strengthening the immune system. It is very effective and has been in use for thousands of years. This will help protect you from catching colds. This formula should be started in late summer/fall and be taken for two to three months.
The second formula I use I call “Prevent a Cold” and it is based on Yin Qiao Formula. It is used at the first signs of a cold such as sore throat, runny nose, slight fever or chills and body aches. This formula can stop a cold from progressing into the lungs. It is taken 3-4 times per day for several days to chase the cold away. If you wake in the early morning with a scratchy throat or runny nose start taking the herbs and monitor symptoms throughout the day while continuing to take the formula. If the symptoms go away stop the formula but be ready to start the formula again at the first signs of a cold coming back. You can do this for several days but if symptoms do progress to a full blown cold then a more individualized formula will be necessary. Whenever you take herbs pay attention to how it effects your digestion. If you have any digestive upset should discontinue the formula.
In considering the H1N1 influenza virus that has been reported in the news the most important first step is being as healthy as you can. Using the Jade Wind-Screen formula will help this as well as getting proper rest and nutrition. If you think you have come down with the flu you should also call your doctor.
Want to find out more about how to use acupuncture and herbs to improve your health , then visit Susan’s website to find the best advice on colds and flu prevention.















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