By: Matt Walton / Registered Acupuncturist
What a world we find ourselves in! While what’s happening world-wide is something everyone knows – but perhaps you didn’t know that there’s much more we can be doing about COVID from the comfort of your own (self-quarantined) home?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a millennia old system that has never missed a beat. In fact, it is currently being used in reportedly 90% of Covid cases in China! Hospitals throughout the country have seamlessly blended modern medicine with traditional – simply because it works and has the science to prove it.
So, while the actual data reporting coming from China may be dubious, rest assured that this medicine far pre-dates any of the current political climates and is surprisingly effective at both preventing and even treating the infection. While we’ll obviously skip the more advanced prevention/treatment methods, and instead let’s focus on general tips on boosting the vitality of your lungs and immune systems.
- Caring for your Lungs & Lifestyle – now more than ever!
Consider this a wake-up call to quit smoking! Besides this, if you have any lung related medical conditions, now is the time to really address them, especially with herbs and nutrition.
Because grief & sadness are the emotions ‘associated’ with the Lungs, now is also the time to let go of emotional attachments which may be blocking the vitality of your Lung Qi. Ensure you have healthy outlets or friends & family to talk to as… this is indeed a time of grief.
- Eat Right for your Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Diagnosis
I always like to say, ‘just because a food is healthy, doesn’t mean it’s in harmony’. This means, while some foods may be healthy for some of us, from the TCM perspective they may not be ideal for others as we all have unique “constitutions” and imbalances.
A body in balance is the key to total health – your weapon against infections and likely the single biggest variable in mild vs serious cases!
- Eat in Season
This is one of the most powerful wisdoms and longevity secrets of most Traditional medicines. The best way to keep our bodies strong and healthy is to eat the way our genetics and environments are designed to eat – by focussing our diet on what the seasons around us naturally provide.
As an example – bananas are tropical fruits and have only been available in cold climates for perhaps the last century or so. From the TCM view they are known to produce “Dampness” or mucus congestion when eaten in excess or out of season. And mucus – pneumonia is the biggest complicating killer in Covid.
- Use your Body & Play
Get moving! While I even use the common term “quarantine” in this article, that’s not what this is! Please stay safe but be active, enjoy your lungs, play with your children, and try to use your body’s full potential in the limited space you have during this quarantine. Its true – if you don’t use it, you lose it!
Further, now is the time to start small and reaching some of your fitness goals, as all aerobic exercise by-definition rely on the lungs and oxygen. (In fact, oxygen is likely one of the closest modern “equivalents” to the concept of Qi!
- Be Proactive
Lastly – in this time we find ourselves in, we need to think ahead. That’s why in general I’ve been strongly recommending a classical Chinese Medicine herbal formula called “Jade Windscreen” (Yu Ping Feng San).
Contagious air-borne diseases in ancient times were classified as ‘Pathogenic Winds’. Winds because of how rapidly they spread and how varied their symptoms might be from person to person, as well as quite literally spread through the air itself. This is what is meant by “Windscreen” in the formula name. And because of how revered and effective this combination of herbs is in protecting us from colds & flus, they named it after Jade – the most precious of stones!
While this formula is very safe for most people, if you are already sick, are experiencing menopausal hot flashes, or have any auto-immune conditions, please speak to your TCM practitioner to find out if this formula is right for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at matt@nexushealthclinic.com. I will be hosting a Q&A webinar in 3 weeks, so please email me your questions and your preferred time, and I’ll be sure to address it online.
I am also currently offering FREE 15 Minute Acupuncture Consultations if you would like to learn more. You can book your appointment https://nexusclinic.clinicsense.com/book/
References:
The Essence of Chinese Medicine by Matt Walton R. TCMP
The Inspired Health Handbook by Matt Walton R. TCMP
Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford
