I got sick this winter break, which is very rare for me, but I thought it was just me. When I started hearing from and reading several of my acupuncturist colleagues’ Facebook postings that they too were sick, I knew this one was not the run of the mill cold and not one to be messed with. (See, we acupuncturists have an arsenal of herbs, dietary knowledge, immune boosting exercises, cupping and acupuncture at our disposal to keep ourselves healthy while we treat the sick. The same prescriptions and treatment we use on our sick patients, we do onto ourselves!)
I came across this fantastic read on the non-flu flu-like viral infection that explains why this year’s respiratory infections are not to be messed with. I am not a homeopath therefore cannot comment on the gentleman’s homeopathic remedies. The information of the infection manifestation and progression is fascinating, however, and very informative, helping to explain some of the unusual expressions this infections is causing on people. For Southern Californians, the flu and this flu like infection is hitting our community particularly hard because our lungs have been assaulted from a year’s worth of respiratory pollution and attack. Within one year, we Los Angelenos have been bombarded with an unusual and toxic amount of environmental pollution that we didn’t have a year ago. It started with the rains earlier last year, which begot mold. Sinus infections were a very frequent complaint all of last year. Then, from the abundance of rain, plants blossomed during the spring which begot all kinds of pollen and other plant releases that LA has not seen most likely in 50 years and in the amounts we have not seen in a long time. Seasonal allergy issues were rampant in my office. People who normally don’t have seasonal allergies were even suffering from allergies last year. Then the fires. We had to inhale ash, debris, fire retardant, and environmental pollution and gases that came about from the burning of metal, gas, plastic, and other materials which are normally not in the air. On top of this, the dry air from the fires had weakened our lungs, making us even more susceptible to infections. Many people were already battling fire-induced respiratory issues, and then this virus and the virulent Aussie flu comes along! So we Southern Californians have been assaulted with all kinds of air particulates that, combined with the two viruses, is wreaking havoc to many and taking down not just individuals but whole families at a time. After notifying my patients of this virus, many of my patients reported that their entire families got sick over the winter break, and badly.
No wonder even I got sick!
Be careful people. Don’t take what seems like cold symptoms lightly because it could be what this gentleman is alluding to. Stay hydrated, wash your hands frequently, prioritize good sleep, abstain from sweets/carbs, alcohol and dairy, and load up on Vit c, d, zinc. And as the homeopath in the article states, this infection has a latency tendency, so really do be mindful of your body. If you still fill run down or tired even after the major flu-like symptoms are gone, rest, rest, rest, and rest more. Eat clean and bland foods to protect your gut to help build back your immune system. And of course, go see your acupuncturist to keep your immune system in top shape, too, with acupuncture and herbs..
Some tips to strengthen and moisten your Lungs:
- Consider incorporating humidifiers or diffusers to bring moisture to your home air. Do regular steams for you and your child.
- Eat foods that are moistening and protective to the lungs. A classic Chinese Medicine remedy for dry lungs and dry cough is steamed Asian pear drizzled with honey and cinnamon.
- I have more food lists and recipes for lung tonics and immune tonics here and here.
Disclaimer: The information here and on the Iyashi Wellness website in general is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with qualified health care professionals. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.