Tips for Fall!

Acupuncture Health No Comments
Dr Whitney wearing a scarf

Colder weather and more time indoors is upon us. It’s here to stay until late Spring. Keeping your immune system strong is important to prevent sickness and resolve symptoms quicker during the Fall and Winter months. In Chinese Medicine, we have many tools to help boost your immune system and prevent sickness.

Below are our top 6 tips to keep you healthy during the start of Fall.

1. Sleep

    Sleep is so important. Getting an adequate amount of sleep allows the body to rest, repair, and perform all its functions optimally. Not getting enough sleep has been shown to lower the body’s immune system. Research shows 7-8 hours of sleep per night can help lower inflammation in the body which in turn can strengthen the immune system.

    Dr Whitney wearing a scarf
    Dr Whitney wearing a scarf

    2. Wear a Scarf

      Not only do we love a good scarf, but its helps prevent illness! With colder weather, it’s easier for wind and cold to invade the body and cause sickness if we are not bundled up properly. Acupuncture point DU14 is located under C7 on the back of the neck. By keeping this area warm and protected, it prevents invasion of cold and wind through that point and strengthens our defensive Qi (Also know as our immune system).

      Point location image from Peter Deadman: A Manual of Acupuncture
      Point location image from Peter Deadman: A Manual of Acupuncture

      3. Stay Hydrated

      Drinking enough fluids can help flush out any pathogens that may enter the body. We recommend drinking room temperature or warm beverages. Aim for half your body weight in ounces per day to ensure you’re getting enough hydration.

      4. Avoid dairy, sweets, and raw cold foods

      In Chinese Medicine, dairy and sweets cause phlegm and dampness in the body. Raw foods are very cold in nature and bring cold into the body. These things make the Spleen work harder. In the colder months, it is important to nourish the body with steamed, cooked, and warm foods. Try to incorporate more soups and stews along with cooked vegetables. Utilize vegetables that are in season and grow during the Fall and Winter months.

      5. Vitamin

      Vitamin D helps activate the immune system so make sure you’re getting enough of it. In the colder months, we can be more deficient in Vitamin D due to less sunlight and less time outdoors. To counteract the limited sun exposure, try to go for a short walk at least once a day during your lunch break. 

      6. Clean hands

      Washing our hands is so important in the prevention of illnesses. We are constantly exposed to germs in public spaces. Be sure to wash your hands before touching your face and before eating.

      Of course Acupuncture and herbal formulas are amazing at boosting the immune system. Talk to your provider to see which herbal formulas would work best for you. Make sure to schedule regular acupuncture treatments during flu season.

      -Dr. Whitney Green Bautista Lac, Dipl. OM, DACM, MAcOM

      Acupuncture, Chiropractic, and Massage, all in on place! Schedule online with Dr. Alvin, Dr. Whitney, Laura, and Melissa! https://pinnaclepdx.janeapp.com/

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