The Flu Season Issue

 

I have been following the news on the spread of the new flu, as have most people, I imagine, and am somewhat comforted by the early reports that while ubiquitous, it seems to be everywhere, it, thankfully, isn’t as serious as initially feared. Now we have to wait and see what happens in the next month with the combined influence of the regular flu and the new flu (I like this name better…less….animalistic!)

 

So, I’ll add my voice to the preventive side of the conversation.

 

In acupuncture, we think about two aspects of health maintenance; one part is referred to as “interior” or “nutritive qi” and the other part is called the “exterior” or “defensive qi.” Together, these could be likened to the immune system.  The stronger both of them are, the more likely we will maintain our health in the face of stress or adversity.

 

Nutritive qi is generated within us and is influenced by our choices in food, drink, rest, activity, and emotional expression. Defensive qi derives from this and can be supported by measures like dressing properly and maintaining a healthy environment.

 

Schools and newspapers have put out reminders to cough into a sleeve, hanky or tissue and to wash hands frequently. Extra precaution can be taken by wiping phones and door handles with alcohol pads if anyone is sick and/or coughing, avoid sharing food, eating utensils or drinking cups with anyone who is sick and washing sheets and towels frequently.

 

I am a big believer in the importance of keeping warm and staying away from cold drafts. The lung, with all its respiratory duties goes by the moniker, the “tender organ,” in acu-speak. By way of explanation here, when I speak of the lung as an acupuncturist, I mean something different that just the physical organ in the chest. The acupuncture “lung” includes the physical organ and extends to relationships with the skin, the defensive qi, and the body’s ability to move fluids properly (coughing, sneezing, and sinus congestion, for example, are aspects of the fluids not moving properly.) The lungs respond quickly to environmental changes. The meridians that pass through the head and neck relate to the healthy function of the lungs. If we are exposed to cold, or cold and wind together, like a draft of some sort, and our head and neck are unprotected, we might find ourselves experiencing a scratchy throat and the begin nings of respiratory illness within a few hours or days. My winter advisory includes keeping warm at all times and wearing hats and neck scarves. Even cool drafts in work places and restaurants can be problematic. A decorative scarf can be a stylish and healthy. 

 

I have also noticed that there is often a rash of illness after a period of unseasonal temperatures, like a warm spell in winter. My theory, derived from my acu-experience, is that our bodies go through seasons internally, in tandem with the external seasons.  If an unusually warm day appears in an otherwise cold season, it may not be wise to run around in shorts and a t-shirt. The body is calibrated to the current season and the resultant confusion can engender sickness.

 

Food wise, there is an inherent wisdom in eating with the seasons. The food that grows naturally in any season is cleverly suited to our nutritional needs for that season. The vegetables and grains that are abundant in the fall and winter require cooking, which warms them, which is yang, to nourish us in the cold (yin) weather. Summer fruits, like melons, strawberries and such, are full of water and are very cooling (yin), which is good in the summer heat (yang).

 

Nutritional supplementation can be a tremendous aid in keeping up a strong immune system during the winter season. My protection-pack is a daily dose of vitamin C, multivitamins and OPC’s. These are available at www.karenjohnson.nutrametrix.com. There is also an Immune Maximum Defense Formula under the General Health category. If you want to research the products, the site provides a lot of useful information. Look at the “benefits” section under each product.  

 

And regular monthly or seasonal acupuncture treatment can do a great deal to keep your system strong and resilient.

 

So here’s wishing us all a safe and enjoyable fall and winter and I hope to see you soon!

 

All the best,

 

Karen Johnson L.Ac, RN

 

Karen-johnson-acupuncture.net

Karenjohnson.nutrametrix.com

Certified Transitions Lifestyle Coach