An Acupuncturist Tips on Cold & Flu Prevention

Tips for Cold and Flu Prevention

As the season has been shifting and the cold season starts, it’s important to keep our health in check to cope with the cold and flu season. Prevention is key.  Here are some tips to consider:

–  Have layered clothing and a scarf handy to protect your neck when that west coast wind and cold approaches unexpectedly.  The neck area is vulnerable to getting cold, as are your ankles and lower back. These areas are vulnerable to the wind if you are not dressed to protect yourself from the elements.

– Taking time to rest and breathe.  As we shift from ‘yang’ active summer with many activities, we are now entering ‘yin’. The days are shorter, calling for a time to settle in for more rest and sleep to be in tune with the season.  Deep breathes, walks, gentle yoga or Feldenkrais movement can all help to increase your vitality and ward off illness.

– Add in some bone broths or vegetables broths as part of your everyday.  A simple but important remedy, bone broths are a Chinese Medicine staple and in many cultures worldwide. Not only can it help prevent or ease colds and flus, but it is a nutritious broth with minerals, collagen and amino acids that can strengthen whole body system.  A traditional recipe adds ginger, garlic and the white part of green onion into the broth.

– Acupuncture has been shown in studies to prevent and relieve colds and flu.   Acupuncture treatments help boost the immune system by balancing and unblocking stagnant Qi, thereby enhancing your immunity and hormone regulation. Acupuncture can prevent cold, flu and reduce symptoms such as chills, fever, sore throat, congestion if you already have it. Cupping Therapy can draw moisture from the body and soothe aching muscles from coughing. Cupping Therapy will stimulate stagnant Qi in the body to facilitate blood flow and healing when the immune system is weak.

– Try Acupuncture this fall and winter and be ready to ward off flu and colds and enjoy the season, while staying healthy. Prevention is the best time take care of yourself for the season ahead.

Bone broth is highly nutritious, rich in nutrients, helps fight osteoarthritis, reduces inflammation and heals the gut naturally!

Ela’s Bone Broth Recipe

INGREDIENTS IN HOMEMADE BONE BROTH

2 lbs bones from a healthy source

1 gal of water

2 TBSP apple cider vinegar

1 onion

2 carrots

2 stalks of celery

1 bunch of parsley (optional)

1 TBSP salt (optional)

1 tsp peppercorns (optional)

Herbs and spices to taste (optional)

2 cloves of garlic (optional)

ENJOY!