The media is saturated with news about the corona virus. Many people are anxious and running to the store to stock up on hand-sanitizer wipes, face masks, and Vitamin C pills. The hysteria is overwhelming. However, a healthy immune system is important, regardless of what illness is dominating the headlines.

Acupuncture can play an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the wei qi serves as the first line of defense for the body’s immune system. Our skin plays an important role in wei qi. Washing our hands and keeping our cell phones clean is part of the process.

Drinking water is critical for our health. Sixty percent of the human body consists of water. Blood itself is 90% water. Water helps the body function properly. It is preventative, but it can also help the flush toxins out of the body. The Mayo Clinic recommends that we drink 64 ounces (8 cups) of water. If you’re sick, try drinking up to a gallon per day to help your kidneys clean.

Eating foods that are high in antioxidants is also good for keeping a healthy immune system. Some of these foods include: blueberries, strawberries, dark chocolate, kale, and cabbage. Make sure your diet is full of greens.

A regular sleep schedule is important for good health. We live in a fast-paced world. Sometimes it can be hard to unwind at the end of a busy day, let alone get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep. Acupuncture can help relieve stress, and many of our own patients have told us that they feel rested after they have acupuncture.

Many Americans rely on Vitamin C pills to prevent and treat illnesses, such as the common cold, or even the flu. Natural sources of Vitamin C are actually better for the body than pills. Citrus fruit, such as oranges and lemons, are well-known sources of Vitamin C, but did you know that parsley, thyme, and spinach are also good sources of food to boost your immune system?

Finally, acupuncture can help reduce stress. According to Maureen Cromey, an acupuncture therapist who specializes in nutritional healing:
“Regular monthly acupuncture sessions support and strengthen immunity.  Scientific research shows that acupuncture increases the white blood cells in the body and moderates the immune system allowing it to react swiftly and strongly to threats.” If you have a compromised system because of cancer any other chronic healthcare issue, try to get acupuncture on a weekly basis to keep your immune system in tip-top shape

The Gathering Point Community Acupuncture is here to help you give your body the respect it deserves. Yes, the corona virus is newsworthy, but “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That’s our goal here at the The Gathering Point: helping you be the best you can be.