Tips for Staying Healthy throughout Flu Season:

There is much concern right now about the H1N1 virus, otherwise known as swine flu. Some of the same prevention techniques apply as for all flu viruses. There is much you can do to stay healthy through proper nutrition, rest, relaxation and mindful hygiene. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have a lot to offer here as well. Historically, Chinese herbal medicine has been very effective against viral infections, even new strains. During the SARS outbreak in 2003, Chinese herbs were used to treat infected patients and protect the health care professionals from contracting the virus.

Additionally, did you know that someone receiving regular acupuncture treatment, even every other or every 2 to 4 weeks, is much less likely to get the cold/flu viruses that are going around? Acupuncture given for any reason, for example, back pain, headaches, menstrual imbalances, etc., has the effect of strengthening the immune system. I have clients who come regularly who tell me, "Y'know, I used to get one or two colds/flues every winter . . . I haven't had a single one since I've been coming to see you!"

Here are some tips to stay healthy during flu season (normally from October to March):

Wash your hands frequently, especially after you sneeze, coughs, or blow your nose. Try to avoid finger contact with the face, eyes, nose, and mouth unless the hands are freshly washed. Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds (1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi . . . ) in warm or hot water and soap will get rid of a lot of bacteria and virus potential.

Practice good health habits like getting decent amounts of good quality sleep (remember, acupuncture and craniosacral help insomnia, in case this is an issue for you). Getting at least 7 to 8 hours of deep sleep helps your body have the strength to fight off possible external invaders.

Be moderate in the use of alcohol, refined foods and sugars.

Be physically active. Oxygenation of the blood is one of the best ways to maintain health of the mind and body.

Manage your stress. Being overly stressed puts a strain on your entire system leaving you susceptible.  Find time to relax amidst the hectic pace of urban living. We are fortunate to have plentiful green spaces in which to unwind here in the City and the larger Bay area. Let nature assist you here.

Think Superfoods. Add some of these foods high in Vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants and other minerals to help your system be capable of fighting off a potential sickness: blueberries, broccoli, oranges, spinach, salmon, tofu/tempeh, oats, beans, pumpkin, turkey, walnuts, yogurt and tea, both green and black. And go organic!

Add some fiber and probiotics. Fiber and probiotics like Acidophilus or Bifidus are excellent to keep your intestines and elimination system healthy.  By having this system working well you are creating an environment where your body is working efficiently at ridding itself of wastes and toxins which might otherwise compromise the immune system.

Stay at home when you are sick! Getting sick is a natural reaction to external invaders, but few of us allow our bodies enough time to naturally fight off the pathogen.  Resting and allowing your body to do its work is key to getting over a sickness faster.

Avoid close contact. If someone you know is sick or if there is good chance that you will be around people that are extremely sick, avoiding the situation may be the best option for your health.  Advising the sick person to listen to their body may also be a wise choice.

Other ways to protect the body's Qi from invasion is to keep the neck and head covered in cold and/or windy weather. Traditionally Chinese medicine thought of wind and cold as “Evil Qi" that entered through the head and neck and caused the symptoms of colds and flues. While we now also have the germ theory to work with, there is a lot of wisdom here. When you are exposed to wind and cold, your metabolism has to work harder to keep it out and thus has less energy to fight external invaders.

Also, try not walking barefoot on the floor in chilly weather or when the floor is cold. Keeping the feet warm is an important way to protect the body's energies. The Kidney meridian, or channel of Qi (energy), begins on the soles of the feet.  Walking on a cold floor then can be a shock to the kidneys and thus your body. Important to keep in mind: the kidneys are the basis of all other energies of the organs in the body.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help when there are symptoms of cold/flu and can shorten the severity and duration of an illness. As I mentioned above, regular acupuncture helps keep the immune system strong. It also relieves stress and promotes deeper sleep.

In my pharmacy, I have a number of anti-viral formulas on hand, some formulas for prevention and some to take at the first sign of symptoms. As for prevention strategies, only those with true Qi deficiencies should be taking a prevention formula. It is best to be taking formulas that match your individual constitution and particular imbalances, and to have these properly diagnosed and prescribed. When you are doing that, you are strengthening the immune system naturally by shoring up your particular body's needs and coming into balance.

Otherwise, taking Yin Qiao or Gan Mao Ling can be of help at the very onset of symptoms (take double the dose suggested on the bottle for the first two days).  I have in my pharmacy a range of anti-viral formulas such as Cold Away (by Health Concerns) that have been adapted for our modern times. If you want to work on strengthening your immune system and wonder if Chinese medicine can help you, or if you are consistently getting sick despite your best efforts, you might do well to come in for a initial visit consultation to get an overview of your body's health and treatment of its imbalances from the Chinese medical perspective.