Guest guest Posted November 3, 2009 Report Share Posted November 3, 2009 The holiday season is here again. With that comes preparing for holiday gatherings and dinners, and having fun with friends and family. But what are we doing to prepare ourselves for the season? With the parties, food, drink, and holiday shopping comes increased stress, and the dreaded cold and flu season. It is now more important than ever to take action to stay healthy during the holiday season so we can participate in every event feeling great. Acupuncture, herbal and nutritional therapy, and lifestyle modification will be sure to keep you healthy and happy. Specific acupuncture points powerfully strengthen the immune system, or Wei Qi, and balance the body as a whole, so that we have a much better chance at fighting off germs as well as the effects of stress when they attack our body. Everyone can realize great benefits from a series of weekly treatments. Because acupuncture treats the body as a whole, and not just the symptom of disease, it is an excellent way to combat a very long list of issues that most of us will face from time to time, including fatigue, stress, sleep problems, as well as an upset stomach from too much eggnog. Yu Ping Feng San is a very popular Chinese herbal formula that boosts the immune system, protecting the body from pathogenic factors. Literally translated, it means "Jade Screen" and forms a shield against bacteria and viruses. It is widely used for cold and flu prevention, as well as recovery from allergies. Another powerful immune enhancing nutrient is vitamin D. It can help prevent colds and flu. Vitamin D deficiency is a major factor in at least 17 types of cancer as well as depression, stroke, heart disease, and more. The best way to boost the body's stores of vitamin D is through exposure to natural sunlight. Even in the "Sunshine State" we are seeing increased D deficiency due to the use of sunscreens and lack of outdoor activity. Thirty minutes of sun exposure per day, without sunscreen, will help guard against deficiency. If you choose to supplement, it is very important that you use vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol, and that it be done under the care of a health practitioner. Cod liver oil is another great source of vitamin D. It is important to begin preventive measures early, as it usually takes about a month for the herbal and acupuncture treatments to strengthen the immune system. Always consult a licensed practitioner to determine a treatment plan that is best suited for you. Basic tips for staying healthy during the holiday season, or any season for that matter, include: 1. Get enough quality sleep: Quality sleep between the hours of 10pm and 2am are most regenerating for the adrenal glands, which control a large portion of the body's hormonal system. Too much stress hormone will decrease immune function. 2. Exercise: A natural stress and pain reliever. It also boosts the immune system. We were not created to be sedentary! For those with physical restrictions, Qi Gong or "breath practice" powerfully moves qi and blood in the body and can be done with minimal physical movement. Yoga is another great choice. 3. Eat Healthy Foods: What we feed our bodies determines how well they will function. Reduce or eliminate processed foods and sugars. Sugar decreases immune function and puts extra stress on the whole body. Eat whole foods and choose organic when possible. Shopping the perimeter of the grocery store works! 4. Feed Your Mind and Spirit: What we feed our mind and spirit determines how healthy we will be. Immersing ourselves in negative surroundings and thoughts will only promote a dim outlook on life. Our emotions and thoughts have a great impact on the chemical reactions that take place in our bodies. Choose peace, gratitude, compassion, faith and hope, and give it away to everyone you come in contact with. Wishing you a very healthy and happy holiday season!! Kathy Veon, AP, DOM is an Acupuncture Physician and Doctor of Oriental Medicine. She practices acupuncture and nutritional healing methods at Central Florida Preventive Medicine in Orlando, Florida. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Veon Suzi List Owner health/ http://360./suziesgoats What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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