Us parents are now preparing for the return of our children to school. There is much consideration going into appropriate social distancing within the classroom. Many people have been traveling out of state for a getaway from the trapped feeling, doing the best they can to feel safe. Many out-of-state travelers have come to Vermont to carefully explore or visit family. College students are returning to campuses. We will soon be closing windows and spending less time outdoors. As Fall comes, the concern is the possibility of more people in our community getting sick, which is typical during the change of season anyway. Like Vermonters do so well, we can think in terms of preparation for the upcoming season. Chinese Medicine is an inherently preventive approach to health care, one which seems like a wise strategy to take at this time.
Early View of Immunity
The earliest text in Chinese Medicine, The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine, is known to have been written around 2600 BC. It’s a continuous conversation between the emperor of China and his chief advisor and physician. Dealing with environmental pathogens and influences was discussed thoroughly way back then. A main point that is made explains the immune system long before we understood it on a cellular level as we do today. Part of the conversation is describing our body’s ability to defend against any threatening influences. The general focus is on keeping ourselves strong in order to defeat any invaders and regulate against anything that disrupts the body’s normal functioning.
The preventive approach is to pay close attention to become aware of the vulnerable areas in the body. Chinese Medicine uses its diagnostic tools to determine where there is a lack of strength before there may be symptoms of disease. In the example of a virus, the goal is to keep our immune system functioning ideally so that if we are exposed, we can handle it most effectively. If exposed, chances are that one would have a much better overall result when the body is already working optimally.
Support the Body Now to Minimize Illness
Immune activity is happening in the blood and lymphatic system. Acupuncture is used to ensure that the circulation and nourishment of these body fluids is happening effectively, which then supports healthy immunity. Some of the points known to impact the immune system are also used to support healthy digestion, mental function, breathing, and blood circulation. Chinese herbs are used with a similar intention, typically in groups of herbs rather than individually. Three main herbs commonly used for immune support that you may be familiar with are Astragalus Root, Asian Ginseng, and American Ginseng. These are frequently seen in formulas for increasing energy levels and strengthening our immune systems.
Rather than simply taking these specific herbs, it may be helpful to seek the support of an experienced practitioner. There would be an evaluation to identify those weak areas in the body in order to choose the most effective points to stimulate or herbs to take. It is a time to speak to your primary care provider, your naturopathic physician, your acupuncturist, your herbalist and/or other trusted practitioners to learn further how to support your immunity and overall health during this particular seasonal change. The goal is to keep your body prepared for whatever “weather” may come. We do the same when we undercoat our vehicles, make sure we have enough firewood, or fill in the crack in the foundation of the house.