Keeping the "Cold" Away

It can be a challenge to stay healthy during the winter months, especially in this day and age of running ourselves ragged. Here are some tips to help ward off the germs and have an enjoyable winter:

• Follow winter's "sleep cycle". During the winter months, the sun sets early and rises late. Do the same to avoid the coldest parts of the day.

• Expose yourself to the sun to help warm your body and elevate your mood.

• Seek warm areas and avoid cold areas.

• Do not expose your skin to the cold. Often, women will layer warmly on top, but wear just one layer on the bottom or worse yet, wear only thin stockings. According to a Chinese proverb, "Wind comes into the body through one's neck, the cold comes into the body through one's legs." Wear warm pants, warm socks, and warm shoes.

• Do exercises to improve circulation in your feet and legs which will help reduce the constant chill you may feel in them.

• Eat foods with a warm nature such as shrimp, ginger, garlic, pepper, and curry.

As always, healthy eating and exercise will help you remain healthy during the cold months. Acupuncture can also help keep your body in balance and relieve cold symptoms. For an appointment, call Karen Giles, Five Element Acupuncture.

Ward Off That Cold!

It seems as though just about everyone is complaining about having a cold or not feeling well. January typically brings with it a rash of colds and flus. The hectic schedules surrounding the holidays has worn us down and we spent a lot of time in close proximity with friends and family who graciously shared their germs. This year the weather has been unpredictable and ever changing to make matters worse. 

To help you survive this germ filled season, here are some helpful tips:

• Know the first signs of a cold; feeling chilly, a stiff neck, and a dry or scratchy throat.

• At the first sign of a cold, eat a bowl of miso and scallion soup and bundle up.

• Induce a sweat at this early stage and it is likely to keep the symptoms to fully developing into a cold.

• Stay hydrated with non-caffeinated beverages and warm teas.

• Enjoy warm, cooked foods which are easier to digest and energetically warmer than raw foods.

• Rest, rest, and rest some more.

• Keep your neck warm by wearing scarves or turtlenecks.

I hope these tips help keep you healthy! Call me to schedule an acupuncture appointment too!