“Immunity and You”, by Tanya Zhu L.Ac, M.Ac.OM
Posted in Patient Education, event-calendar on 12/09/2009 12:55 pm by janicki
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Whenever bad news strikes, people inevitably panic. Swine flu, deadly virus, serious illness, death. It sounds sensationalist, even there have been reports of people who have died from it. However, in these uncertain and hyped up media times, it’s important to take a look at what information is being disseminated and what you can do on a practical level to deal with it.
Despite what news outlets have said or not said, H1N1 is a strain of the common influenza A virus, which means one important thing: its form of transmission is the same as how anyone gets a viral flu. And that is how you can best protect yourself. According to the Center for Disease Control, four ways in which to protect yourself is through barrier protection:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
In terms of Chinese medicine, immunity begins with digestion. Food is digested in the Stomach, where the nutrients are then sent using the energy of the Spleen, and distributed throughout the body to nourish and strengthen it. If the body gets what it needs out of the food, then all organs will be stronger, including the organ directly responsible for protection from exterior pathogens: the Lung.
The Lungs expand and contract to take in oxygen from the environment and converts that into energy to transport nutrients throughout the body. While doing so, it also regulates the skin, which is a very important factor in defense from pathogens. Without skin, the human body would be unable to regulate temperature, rid of excess waste and have no form in which to shield from harmful substances. According to Chinese medicine, the Lungs manage the skin by fortifying its ability to protect, while creating enough moisture to keep it supple and malleable. When there is a serious pathogen lurking, the first method of defense is by skin.
If that is penetrated, the next line of defense is the Wei Qi, or Defensive Qi. This energy resides in the interstitial layers, between muscle and skin, and is nourished from the energy of the Spleen. When the first line fails, then it is up to the strength of Wei Qi to protect the body. When the Lungs are strong, and the Stomach and Spleen are strong, protection is at its height. While barrier methods are a good manner to prevent diseases from entering in the first place, it is also equally important to enhance and balance your body to fortify your defenses. Here are some suggestions for improving your chances against H1N1 this flu season.
1. Eat whole foods, using more seasonal ingredients. Stick to foods that come from the ground (grains, vegetables, fruits) versus from the manufacturing plant (boxed dinners, packaged meals, etc). Using whole foods will be easier on your digestive system and allow more nutrients to be absorbed into your body, thus nourishing your Defensive Qi.
2. Take the time to go outdoors for a short 30 minute walk after eating. Taking the time to relax and not think about the stresses of life will allow your body to properly digest your food, as well as provide some time for inhalation of fresh air, thus benefiting your Lungs and digestion.
3. Make the time for rest. Whenever stress becomes overwhelming, people begin to suffer from insomnia, which becomes counterproductive to management of stress. Rest and relaxation, whether through a full night of sleep or a 20 minute meditation, will allow the body to unwind and focus on what’s important: your health.
4. Come in for acupuncture. While acupuncture is seen as an energy medicine, it is rooted in the practical science of healing. Balancing the energies of the body is as important as washing your hands preventatively. For thousands of years, traditional Chinese medicine physicians have used herbal therapies and acupuncture to ward off illness, and have historically shown to have been able to protect from epidemics.
Ultimately, H1N1 is just a flu by any other name, and there are ways to protect yourself. Even if you do come down with something severe, know that there are ways to fight off and deal with the severity of your illness. Be informed and stay healthy!