Fortify for Cold, Flu and Covid Season

So many viruses going around right now!

How about some tips to give you a better chance at muscling through this winter healthy and virus free?

Acupressure:

While I of course advocate regular acupuncture for immune health, you can also stimulate the points at home without needles.  Just a minute on each point once or twice a day to activate your body’s defenses and healing system.

LI-4 Hegu

This point on the Large Intestine channel is in middle the meaty part of your hand between the thumb and forefinger.  Press and rub here – this is called the Command Point of the Face – and our face is usually where all those orifices are where viruses can enter and take over if our defenses are down.  So stimulating Hegu will be like making your immune cells do pushups and jumping jacks!  Note: this is also a major point used for headaches and one of the most powerful and important points in the body for balancing energy.

Uses for Large Intestine 4

• Release stagnant qi throughout the body
• Relieve low back pain (look for a sore spot in this whole area between the thumb and forefinger)
• Boost energy
• Nasal symptoms including congestion
• Headaches in the forehead and face
• Any facial pain or problems

LU7 Lieque

This point on the Lung channel of the hand and arm strengthens and activates the lung organ and the immune system.  It is related to the Large Intestine channel via the 5 elements, both are metal, and thus are the main channels for treating and preventing colds and flus.  This point is also called the Command Point of the Neck, and is very important for neck pain and for coughs.  Ladies, this point also works with our hormones and reproductive system!

A simple way to find this is by joining your hands between the thumb and forefinger.  Your index finger should be resting along the radius bone.  The tip of your index finger will come to rest in a small notch between two tendons that lie on top of the styloid process.

We sometimes use a light pinching-up motion on this point where you grasp and release the skin over the point quickly.  But rubbing will also work. This brings blood flow and stimulates its connection to the lungs, head, and neck.

Uses for Lung 7

• Opens the chest
• Treats issues in the head & neck
• Phlegm & mucus in the upper part of the body
• Headaches
• Treats first signs of cold/flu
• Regulates the movement of fluids throughout the body
• Activates the lung channel and relieves pain
• Gynecological Issues

Immunity Foods

Here are some foods traditionally used to circulate wei qi aka boost immunity, to clear pathogens, and invigorate intestines to clear waste): Chestnuts, raw onions, Asian pears, apples, garlic, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, mint, mushrooms, parsnips, green onion, congee rice, banana, almond, white sesame, broccoli.