Interview with Caspar van der Poel - social media day June 30
Out and about
The acupuncturist's toolbox - Thierry de Vlieg on Dr. Tan's balance method
The Fire of Summer - joy, connection, and vitality
The toolbox of the acupuncturist - Ineke van der Ham on Applied Channel Theory
Mastering the flu
Posted on 21/02/2020 in Current Affairs
Slogan: Acupuncture - Effective on Many Points
It seems that the flu is not as bad this year. Whether this is due to the mild weather or an improved vaccine is the question. In previous years, it was already bad in early January and there was an average of nine weeks per year of a flu epidemic.
Coronavirus
This year, our attention is quite distracted by a different virus than the one that causes the flu. The coronavirus has been holding the world in its grip for weeks, and governments are doing everything they can to limit its spread.
But as we know, a severe flu epidemic can claim a serious number of victims, especially among older and vulnerable population groups. So closer to home, it remains important to maintain our defense against germs. That is, even with the global unrest surrounding the coronavirus in mind, an excellent idea!
Improving Resistance
Traditional Chinese Medicine can help you resist viruses and recover more quickly from the flu if you do catch it. From a Chinese perspective, it is crucial to 'resolve the phlegm' and improve resistance.
Nutrition
The following foods improve immunity:
- lightly heated radish and radish (three minutes in hot water)
- onion, leek
- lightly cooked cabbage
- spicy foods, such as pepper and ginger
- hot lemon drink (dilute fresh lemon juice with boiling water, optionally with honey added)
- ensure sufficient vitamin C from fruits and vegetables, but avoid 'cold and raw'.
Foods you should avoid when you already have the flu:
- chocolate
- white flour products
- cold food and drinks
Acupuncture
Regularly massaging acupuncture points can also help maintain your immunity or overcome a virus more quickly.
To improve your resistance:
The point in the middle of the ball of the foot
and the inside of the ankle (the soft area between the Achilles tendon and the ankle)
And these points: the area between the metatarsals of the small and second smallest toe and the point just before the junction of the metatarsals of the big and second toe.
For relief from a blocked nose: the two points on either side of the nose, right against the cartilage.
To reduce the feeling of cotton wool in your head: the point in the middle between the eyebrows and the points that lie against the hairline, directly above the outer corners of the eyebrows.
To prevent a cold from getting worse: the point on the back of the hand, on the soft flesh between the thumb and forefinger, at the highest point that occurs when you press your thumb and forefinger together.
Rest, Cleanliness, and Regularity
This golden oldie is still relevant. Ensure enough sleep, wash your hands, and sneeze into your elbow (not your hand and definitely not in someone's face), skip the alcohol, and just be a bit boring for a while. Very good for your immune system!
Make an appointment
If you need some help boosting your immune system or can't seem to shake off that cold, make an appointment with an acupuncturist near you.
