Each year, more than 100,000 people are hospitalized due to complications from the flu virus. Unfortunately, most of us get the “flu,” or “influenza,” virus at least once in our lifetime. The associated symptoms and signs are all-too-common: fever, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, muscle and body aches, runny nose, dry cough, sneezing and watery eyes.

Colds are much less severe than the flu, but like the flu, viruses and germs cause colds. Colds cause less severe symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and light headaches. Though it may make you feel lousy, getting a cold is not always a bad thing. Instead, it’s a sign that the body’s resources are strong and vital, working to return you to a state of good health. However, if your immune system is already compromised, a cold could further weaken your body, leaving you open to a more serious illness.

The flu, you, and Chinese medicine

Clinical studies have suggested that using acupuncture as a preventative approach to colds and flu can reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection and shorten the length of the illness. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine work by rebalancing the body’s systems, regulating the body’s healing energies and enhancing the immune system.

Even though germs, bacteria, and viruses are everywhere—in the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we drink—according to Chinese medical theory, they do not cause disease. Illness occurs when certain organ systems are weak and out of balance. When our bodies are in a weakened and unbalanced state, a hospitable environment is created for germs, bacteria and viruses to thrive, leading to a cold or the flu.

One of the main theories supporting acupuncture and its treatment of colds and the flu is the concept of Wei Qi.

What in the world is Wei Qi?

The concept of Wei Qi is similar to the Western concept of the immune system. Wei Qi functions as a barrier protecting and defending the body against foreign substances, which can cause illness and disease. When Wei Qi is strong and abundant, we remain healthy. When the supply of Wei Qi becomes inadequate, health is compromised and we become vulnerable to outside invaders.

Throughout our lives, a variety of factors affect our health and well-being. Although most of the time we recover quickly and regain our health, when these factors are numerous, our internal mechanisms become compromised and weakened, our Wei Qi becomes depleted, and we get sick. By the time illness occurs, the body’s self-regulating, self-balancing and healing systems have already been affected.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine support and strengthen the systems of the body that are involved in the production of Wei Qi, and can help rebalance and support the immune system and stimulate Wei Qi energy. By building up the supply of Wei Qi, and facilitating the smooth and free flow of it throughout the body, the body’s organs and meridian systems become strong, enhancing their ability to effectively fight off illness and disease.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are drug free, safe, natural and effective ways to support the body’s self-regulating, self-balancing and healing systems. If illness does occur, acupuncture can help you get back on your feet again, helping to stave off prolonged illness without the use of medication and over-the-counter drugs.

References:

Treatment of fever due to exopathic wind-cold by rapid acupuncture. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 1992 Dec;12 (4):267-71.

Preventive and curative effects of acupuncture on the common cold: a multicentre randomized controlled trial in Japan. Complementary Therapeutic Medicine. 2004 Dec;12 (4):181-8.

As far as ice cream goes, if you love it, and your going to eat it, then consider these Ice Cream Brands you can buy locally at Win-Dixie and Publix.

Often, patients ask me if eating organic foods really matters. My belief is that the nutritional value and safety of organically grown and prepared foods is superior to those commercially manufactured. This conversation always devolves into a battle over the costs of each. My answer is simply this; eat the best quality food you can afford to buy. It’s really that simple. Some choices are easier than others when it comes to buying food, so focus on fresh, seasonal items and avoid packaged and processed foods.

Now, my friends and patients know that I’m a fan of all things yummy and delicious – and that moderation is the key to balance in all of our lives. So, yes, I sometimes eat things that are hastily prepared for convenience – but I do so mindfully and try hard not to fall into bad habits and I urge all reading this to do the same. That being said, one of the hardest conversations I have with people about cleaning-up their diet is the inevitable despair that surrounds the loss of everyone’s favorite late night companion – ICE CREAM. So, since I am often confronted with patients anguish and anxiety at the thought of losing something so dear – I thought a couple of healthier substitutes might help ease this difficult transition.

Two, Better For You, Ice Cream Brands, that are Reasonably Priced.

Varieties of So Delicious coconut and almond milk ice creams are available at most major food retailers. There are many flavors and are available in both, pints and chocolate covered frozen pops. They are low in all the bad stuff and more importantly So Delicious is dairy-free and still lives up to its name. Visit the link below to see all the options available: www.sodeliciousdairyfree.com

Then we have Stonyfield Organic Frozen Yogurt. This is a real dairy option for those who tolerate dairy well. Stonyfield Dairy makes a variety of products including, frozen yogurts, bars and fruit flavored Greek and other yogurts. This company is seriously committed to quality ingredients. They have been around for years and have been a leader in setting high standards for organic dairy farming practices: www.stonyfield.com

When snacking, enjoying ice cream may not be healthier than choosing a small piece of dark chocolate. However, these ice cream brands are better for you than most other options, which use inferior and sometimes dangerous ingredients.

It’s OK! Enjoy your favorite creamy frozen treats in moderation.

If you find that whenever you indulge with ice cream, you stress over it – Stop It! If you are otherwise maintaining a healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise, then don’t worry about the occasional treat. The stress maybe be worse for you than the ice cream itself. Whether you’re stressing or not, try these “better for you” choices. You might just find that you are able to stay true to your plan for healthy eating, while fully enjoying your ice cream too.

Best in health,
David Bibbey L.Ac, (Dipl. Ac – NCCAOM)

For a lot people simple activities that were once easy to perform or enjoyable are just too painful.  Folks are left to wonder if they will ever be able to enjoy these activities again.  Whether that means tennis and golf prevented by painful elbows and knees, or knitting and crochet prevented by painful hands and wrists; nobody wants to have their activity level reduced due to pain.  Even everyday tasks like getting the mail or picking up groceries can be a painful experience due to back, spine and hip pain.

Non-surgical and over-the-counter (OTC) oral options for treating pain are best taken and mostly intended for short term use.  What happens though when your pain is not a short term problem?   NSAID’s, and acetaminophen, as well as, prescribed opioid drugs are commonly recommended or advertised as options taken daily to reduce pain.  Unfortunately, these are also associated with risks, like stomach bleeding, kidney and liver damage, addiction and overdose when ingested longer than intended o when not taken as directed on the packaging.

This is why it is so important to read labels and understand how medications are to best used.  Just as important, is understanding what type of pain you are experiencing and why.   This is because not all pain is created equally, and determining why you have pain is the first step toward knowing how best to address it.  Is the pain related to a trauma or fall?   Is it a sudden complaint or has the pain been coming on gradually?  Is it due to progressive weakness in the body or is it due to a lack of flexibility?   Is it better or worse with movement, or heat or ice?  Is there swelling or bruising?   Has an ex-ray or MRI been taken and reviewed to rule-out a fracture, tear, or disease?  All of these particulars will inform how best to address or resolve your painful condition.

Whether your experiencing pain due to a strain or fall, pain that comes and goes, or it’s something you experience daily, you will likely benefit from one of the following treatment alternatives.

Massage

Massage therapy relaxes muscles and stimulates the production of certain chemicals in the brain that reduce how people experience pain.   Most licensed massage therapists are familiar with treating painful conditions.  If you are new to massage and considering seeing a therapist, then ask family and friends or a trusted professional healthcare professional to recommend an experienced massage therapist.  Ask if your therapist has any additional training in Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point, myofascial relief, or cranio-sacral therapy massage for chronic pain sufferers.  Regular massage therapy can do wonders to reduce pain, improve function and help keep you on the road to optimal health.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has long been recognized as an effective and long-lasting treatment for chronic pain, particularly low-back pain, neck pain, knee pain, and headaches. The NIH advises that patients to seek services from a licensed acupuncturist or a conventional medical practitioner with training in acupuncture. Additionally, acupuncture is covered under VA Care, BC/BS State and Federal Employee Plans, many self-insured plans, and Workers’ Compensation.

Yoga

Yoga combines the healing powers of meditation, stretching and strength-building; and it is well suited for those with chronic pain.  There are many styles of yoga so it is important that you talk with any prospective instructor to determine what is best for you.  There are many ways to enjoy yoga, from slow and gentle to fast-paced athletic yoga. It is easy to to get started and Chair Yoga is an excellent option for those with limited flexibility or for anyone who has difficulty getting-up from the floor.  A knowledgeable certified instructor should be able to help identify your best starting point to enjoy yoga.

Anti-inflammatory Diets

Inflammation can often be a hidden source of chronic pain.  Planning meals that limit or eliminate processed foods, meat, dairy, cheese, added sugars, and alcohol is an excellent way to reduce pain.  Replace these foods and beverages with colorful vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains and purified water.  These are the basics of any healthy diet.  Adjusting your diet can provide dramatic results that reduce and control chronic pain.  It should be considered your first line of defense in preventing and reducing chronic pain due to inflammation.

These four alternatives are well understood to be effective in reducing and preventing certain forms of chronic pain, but because everyone is a little different some of these options will be more or less effective.  Identifying what works best for you will help you establish a personal pain prevention and reduction strategy.  Of course, for some chronic pain sufferers, alternative therapies alone may not be sufficient, and conventional pain treatment must be included to provide effective pain relief. As with all healthcare decisions, individuals with chronic pain should consult with their doctor to discuss a pain management plan that’s safe, healthy, and effective for them.

By David Bibbey, L.Ac, (Dipl. Ac – NCCAOM)