Do you get chilled easily, and your eyes water as the weather cools and wind swirls? That cold wind on the head and neck can often lead to headaches, migraines and even contribute to lowering our immunity. I’d like to take this newsletter opportunity to explain a bit more about that from a Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective.
In TCM there is a zone of the body called Wei or protective Qi. It lies between the skin and the muscles and in western medical anatomy would relate to the lymphatics, which have a lot to do with our immunity. This level helps us fight external pathogenetic factors such as wind or cold. It helps keep us warm by raising the hairs on our skin, or shivering to warm the muscles. It regulates the opening and closing of pores to allow us to cool of via sweating, or stay warm with closed pores and raised hairs. It circulates with movement rather than through the pumping of your heart as how the blood circulates.
There are actually Acupoints on the back of the scalp at top of neck called “wind pools” which address this. At this time of year I use these points often and encourage folks to wear scarves or toques to cover the back of their head and neck to support their immune system.
When one gets a cold, yes there very well may be viruses in circulation and you chanced upon them. Yet if your wei Qi and immunity are strong you are much less likely to “catch” the cold. There are other factors such as nutrition, quality sleep, enough but not too much exercise that all affect our immunity and I encourage you to consider all of these at this changeable weather time of year.
So in conclusion here are the tips for immunity enhancing for November:
-wear a coat, scarf and toque when out in the cold or wind
– eat for the season with colorful roasted veggies and quality proteins
– drink warm instead of iced beverages
-limit or reduce sugar intake as it leads to inflammation & lowered immunity
– reduce highly processed food and eat real and home cooked meals.
-socialize with folks that make you happy (and are not sneezing or coughing at the social gatherings).
-get enough rest and practice good sleep hygiene.
If you do get a cold this season, know that we have herbal and aromatherapy supports, cupping, as well as Acupuncture to help address it’s discomforts. Be well.
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