Qi Mail™
The Acupuncture Newsletter
November 2013
Julee Miller AP, DOM, BS, LMT
Health Pointe Jacksonville, LLC
3840 Belfort Road, Suite 305
Jacksonville, FL 32216
904-448-0046/www.hpjax.com

Staying Healthy during Cold and Flu Season

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While the misery of cold and flu season might be inevitable, one thing is changing: where

we look for relief. The easiest way to protect against the flu is to have a healthy immune

system. However, that doesn’t mean you still won’t come into contact with airborne virus

particles.  That’s why your first line of defense against the flu, or any other illness, is to

strengthen your immunity.

When it comes to staying healthy during cold and flu season, acupuncture and Oriental medicine

have a lot to offer. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help prevent colds and flu by

strengthening the immune system with just a few needles inserted into key points along the

body’s energy pathways.

In Oriental medicine, disease prevention begins by focusing on the protective layer around the

exterior of the body called Wei Qi or defensive energy. The Wei Qi involves acupuncture points

known for strengthening the circulation of blood and energy to boost your body’s defenses.

Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can also provide relief and faster healing if you have already

come down with a cold or the flu by helping to relieve symptoms you are currently experiencing

including chills, fever, body aches, runny nose, congestion, sore throat and cough. While bringing

some immediate relief, treatments will also reduce the incidence of an upper respiratory tract

infection and shorten the length of the illness.

Boost your immunity and Stay Healthy

Seasonal changes affect the body’s environment. With wind, rain and snow come the colds, flu

viruses and the aches and pains that accompany them.

If you catch colds easily, have low energy and require a long time recuperating from an illness

your Wei Qi (or immunity) may be deficient. Through the process of evaluating subtle physical

signs as well as the emotional condition of a person, practitioners of acupuncture and Oriental

medicine can detect health problems in their earliest stages, before a person becomes gravely ill.

Once the nature of an imbalance has been determined, a customized program can be created for

you. Your treatment may include acupuncture, herbal therapy, as well as food, exercise and

lifestyle recommendations. 
Schedule a Seasonal Tune-Up:
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can prevent colds and flu by building up the immune

system with just a few needles inserted into key points along the body’s energy pathways. These

points are known for strengthening the circulation of blood and energy and for consolidating the

outer defense layers of the skin and muscle (Wei Qi) so that germs and viruses cannot enter

through them in the first place.

Wash Your Hands:
Good lifestyle and hygiene habits are also proven to reduce your risk of getting sick. Studies have

shown that one of the main reasons that we catch colds and flu in cold weather is that we are

indoors and in closer vicinity to others. Protect yourself from picking up germs by washing your

hands regularly and remembering not to touch your face.

Sleep In:
The Nei Ching, an ancient Chinese classic, advised people to go to sleep early, rest well and rise

late, after the sun’s rays have warmed the atmosphere a bit. This preserves your own Yang Qi for

the task of warming the body. Even busy, working people can boost their health by sleeping in on

weekends.

Stress Less:
Find a release valve for your stress. According to Oriental medicine, stress, frustration, and

unresolved anger can play an important part in throwing the immune system off and allowing

pathogens to affect the body. Find a way to relax and release stress on a daily basis. Such methods

may include yoga, meditation and exercise. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in the

treatment of stress, anxiety and depression.

Eat Better and Supplement Well:

Everyone knows better foods lead to better health. This time of year, however, it is imperative to

eat well. By eating a variety of foods from all basic food groups will ensure you are getting enough

vitamins,minerals, and macronutrients your body needs to support a healthy immune system.

Boost leafy greens, garlic, onions, ginger, and oranges while avoiding (or at least minimizing)

cheese, dairy, sugars and alcohol.

Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc are three power houses to supplement in addition to eating well

during this season as well as taking a quality probiotic daily to support healthy digestive tract.

Seasonal acupuncture treatments also serve to tonify the inner organ systems and

can correct minor annoyances before they become serious problems. Call us at

(904) 448-0046 today to see how acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help you

stay healthy this season!

Sick Mixed Race Woman Wearing Winter Hat and Gloves Blowing Her Sore Nose and Holding Cup of Hot Tea Isolated on White.

 

So You’ve Caught a Cold. Now What?

Not sure if you should keep your Acupuncture appointment if you’ve got a

cold or flu? In a word or two: KEEP IT! Unless you have a very high fever

and are laid up in bed, having Acupuncture can help to naturally boost your

immune system and help you recover quicker. Better yet, by  continuing your regular maintenance

acupuncture treatments before, and during, the cold and flu season will actually help to keep you

protected.  And maybe, just maybe, you’ll avoid it all.

 

Tips and Remedies if you do catch the “ick”

  • Homeopathic “flu shots”: Engystol® is an immuno-stimulating homeopathic remedy

which has been scientifically proven to significantly reduce the duration and severity of symptoms

during an acute viral infection and help protect against subsequent infections and can strengthen the

natural immune response in case of viral invasion, resulting in milder symptoms and SHORTER

recovery times. Read more on biopuncture benefits here.

  • Get Acupuncture: Acupuncture will not only boost the immune system naturally, but will also

lessen the discomforts of being sick by decrease congestion, alleviating body aches, reducing fevers,

reducing headaches and sore throats.

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  • Hydrate. Drink LOTS of fluids especially water and electrolytes. Pass on the alcohol for now
  • Rest up. Your body needs to recuperate so get as much sleep as you can

 

Acupuncture does not interfere with Western medical treatment. On the contrary, it provides a

welcome complement to it in most cases, and with its emphasis on treating the whole person,

recovery time for illness is often shortened.

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is an art and a science that takes years learn and many more

to master. It is a post-graduate degree and practitioners not only hold state licenses but national

certifications as well. In order to be certain you are receiving the best care, look for a Licensed

Acupuncturist  with experience in the treatment of colds and flus in your area on www.Acufinder.com

 

“Qi Mail™ is an acupuncture newsletter provided by Acufinder.com