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Acupuncture & Natural Health Solutions Newsletter
Providing Natural Health Care for the Entire Family
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Issue #2015-09c
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Germ Warefare
You never have to wonder when the cold and flu season is around the corner. The pharmaceutical industry will be sure that you are reminded of its arrival. The pharmaceutical industry and the medical community at large are depending on you to leave the fate of your health and well being up to the workings of chemical-laden pills and shots rather than the innate power that runs your body and the living world around you.
The reality is that germs don't make you sick. Rather, your body's inability to fend off germs and foreign invaders is what results in you succumbing to illness. Think about it... How is it possible that a family of 5 people living under the same roof can have completely different reactions during flu season? Assuming that everyone is exposed to the same germs and viruses, if the sickness were attributed completely to the virus, everyone would get sick and exhibit the same reaction and symptoms.
What happens in reality is that one or two family members get
ill while the others don't. Clearly the issue is not the germs,
but the body's response to them, caused by an individual's immune system.
Chances are the last time you got sick you were running yourself ragged, missing sleep, eating improperly, slacking on your nutrition, all stressed out from work, skipping your acupuncture sessions, and neglecting your workouts. This is a vicious pattern that many of us fall into and it's one that weakens the body and allows germs to take hold.
Your best defense against the flu, colds, or any other germ-borne illness is not to drug yourself, but to bolster your internal defenses. You stand your best chance of being at your healthiest when you have an optimally functioning nervous system and immune response.
So come in for an acupuncture tune-up, keep your lifestyle habits in good order, and maintain a positive attitude. Do so, and those pesky little germs don't stand a chance!
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4 Tips for Better Immune System
The immune system can get bogged down for a number of reasons,whether it is from being overworked, or chronic allergies, we all are looking for ways to improve our overall health and well being. Below are tips to improve and strengthen immune function to keep the body in its best shape and fight off illness.
Lemon and Peppermint oil:
Both of these oils have detoxifying and healing properties for the body. By adding a few drops of lemon oil to your water every day, the oil will help clean the blood and toxic buildup in your body. Peppermint oil is known for its healing properties for headaches, indigestion and a large variety of stomach ailments. Add peppermint oil or peppermint tea to your daily routine to aid digestion and help reduce cravings of sugary foods.
Probiotics:
Good bacteria, such as probiotics, are necessary for a healthy digestive system and as a result, overall immune function. Taking a probiotic supplement or drinking liquids with probiotics in it such as kefir and kombucha can help keep your digestive function in line and improve your body's food absorption. Quality probiotics are available for sale at the office.
Reduce Stress:
Emotional stress can cause a number of physical problems like insomnia, stomach pain and headaches. Because of this, the body can become very sick from chronic stress. Ways to reduce stress include exercise, meditation, yoga and deep breathing exercises.
Acupuncture:
Acupuncture has been shown to increase the white blood cell count in the body and stimulate the immune system.
By placing acupuncture needles in specific points on the body, acupuncture works by bringing the body back to balance and increasing blood and energy flow.
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Recipe Corner
Greens with Miso-Ginger Dressing
- A light coating of seasonings and soy sauce beings lots of flavor to grilled tofu.
- Romaine, cabbage, tomato, carrots, mushrooms and avocado, you could also mix the dressing with any variety of vegetables you have in your fridge.
- Or toss it with cold soba noodles or angel hair pasta.
Makes 4 serving, total time 35 minutes
** Ginger, garlic are good for immune system. **
INGREDIENTS:
Tofu:
- 2 pkg. (12 oz each) extra-firm tofu, drained
- 2 TBSP toasted sesame oil and 2 TBSP soy sauce
- 1 tsp light brown sugar
- ½ tsp cayenne and ½ tsp garlic powder
Optional:
- Thin slices ham if you like meat in your salad
- ½ Avocado
Dressing:
- 1/3 Cup white miso
- 2 TBSP mayonnaise
- 2 TBSP balsamic vinegar
- 1 ½ TBSP unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1 TBSP toasted sesame oil
- 1 / 4 tsp each minced garlic and fresh minced ginger
- 1 / 8 tsp pepper
Salad:
- 12 oz. romaine lettuce leaves (from 1 large head), coarsely torn
- 8 oz. thinly sliced red cabbage (1/2 small head)
- 4 button mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 carrot, coarsely shredded
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
PREPARATION:
- Heat a grill to medium-high (450 C°). Meanwhile, cut each tofu block crosswise into 6 slices. Lay slices between paper towels, press out excess water, then transfer to a rimmed baking sheet.
- Whisk sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, cayenne, and garlic powder together in a small bowl and pour over tofu slices, turning to coat both sides.
- Whisk dressing ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Oil cooking grate, using tongs and a wad of oiled paper towels. Transfer tofu slices to grill and cook until grill marks form on both sides, 2 to 3 minutes per side (move tofu slightly, otherwise tofu may stick a little).
- Mix lettuces, cabbage, mushrooms, green onions, and carrot in a large bowl. Toss with 3 quarters of dressing.
- Divide salad among 4 dinner plates and arrange 3 tofu slides, slightly overlapping on top of each.
- Drizzle remaining dressing over tofu and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Notes:
- Use a rack to drain tofu, put the rack on a big plate, then put tofu on top for a few hours to drain the water.
- You can also use the tofu marinated sauce, add them into the oil after step 4, and then drizzle the sauce on top of salad.
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Make Your Aromatherapy Immune Blend
Essential oils are nature's medicine. Completely derived from natural sources such as plants and flowers, essential oils have many healing properties with little side effects. Below are some oils to add to your daily routine to improve immune function
and overall health.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the most common oils used for boosting
the immune system and fighting infection. The oil contains
a variety of properties that can help keep the body healthy including antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral and other
properties. Tea tree oil can provide relief from colds,
coughs, congestion, improve absorption, heal wounds,
fight infection and boost the immune system.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus is known to specifically help fight colds and soothe
the respiratory system. Eucalyptus oil can break up respiratory congestion and be used to heal skin ailments like burns,
wounds, bites and infections.
Geranium Oil
Geranium works as an immune stimulant by increasing white blood cell productivity. Geranium can also improve mood,
relax the mind and nervous system.
Rose and Lavender Oils
These oils work to fight insomnia. Lowered immune function
can be a result of lack of sleep. Rose oil has properties to help with stress, relax the body and act as an antidepressant. Use these oils before bed to help fall and stay asleep.
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The information contained within the
newsletter is only used to educate
and inform. This newsletter is
not a substitute for the advice of a licensed
and registered health
care provider. Seek prompt attention for emergencies. Consult
a health care provider for specific health concerns, and before
starting a diet, cleanse or exercise routine.
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