Stay vital while aging with acupuncture!

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It is expected that by 2047, a quarter of people will be over eighty years old, and ten percent will even surpass ninety. The necessity to remain vital for as long as possible (longevity) is therefore becoming increasingly important. It is wise to look at how this is done in the East. In China and Japan, people have been reaching a very old age in reasonable condition for centuries. Are you familiar with the image of older people exercising in a park, alone or in a group? They practice Tai Chi to nourish their energy and keep moving.

Getting older doesn't have to be a problem
The Chinese find us a bit strange when we say, 'Old age comes with ailments, my complaints are just part of it.' They believe that someone is only old when their energy supply is depleted. A forty-year-old with burnout is considered 'old', while a fit grandpa playing soccer with his grandchildren is seen as 'young'. According to the Chinese, age doesn't say everything about how old you are. Traditional Chinese Medicine offers us many opportunities to stay vital and fit.

What can you do to stay vital well into old age?
As you age, you become more yin. Yin represents cold, slowness. Everything becomes stiffer and moving becomes a bit more difficult. To stay vital, it is important to stay active and keep moving to maintain metabolism. You may not need to keep up with the hectic pace of younger generations, but remember that inactivity leads to rust, both for your body and mind. Challenge yourself physically and mentally. Additionally, it is important to add extra yang. You can do this by adjusting your meals. Yang represents warmth, movement.

Nutrition
Because someone ages faster when they have more yin, it is important to use more foods that strengthen both your resistance and your yang energy.

• Use as little as possible acidic, bitter, and salty foods (contracting, yin effect)
  and cucumber, ice water, watermelon, orange juice from the refrigerator
  (too cold, reduces yang).
• As often as possible, consume bean sprouts, alfalfa, mashed potatoes, stewed meat, warm oatmeal and rice porridge, boiled egg, fried egg, and ham (strengthens yang).
• Regularly consume citrus fruits at room temperature, pepper, rice, chicken breast (boosts resistance).

Acupuncture Slows Down Aging Process
Acupuncture can be excellently used for pain relief and does not have the unpleasant side effects that chemical painkillers seem to have. In addition, an acupuncturist can help maintain your immunity so you can keep colds and flu at bay. Acupuncture can improve your quality of life by slowing down the aging process and reducing its effects. And can you join a Tai Chi class for seniors nearby? Go for it! It turns out to be a great form of fall prevention!

Want to know more? Contact a Knowledge Centre-acupuncturist near you.