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Acupuncture & Natural Health Solutions Newsletter  Providing Natural Health Care for the Entire Family
Issue #2014-9c
Germ Theory: 101

 

Why do some people always catch a cold, and others don't?

Viruses, germs and bacteria are everywhere. They are in the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we drink. According to Chinese medicine, they do not cause disease. 

 

When a certain organ system is already weak and unable to resist outside invasion, it is prone to attack by germs, such as viruses and bacteria. Illness and disease can only result when our body provides a hospitable environment. 




For example, let's say you inhaled influenza virus. Just because these germs are present, does not mean you will get the flu. There are several factors involved such as the health of your lungs, the vitality of your immune system, and your overall health.


 

Germs gather and thrive only in weakened parts of the body. When there is an imbalance of Qi, the normal functions of your body will ultimately be affected. This can change the normal immune system response and lead to illness.


 

A disease requires both a pathogen and a host. These nasty critters can only survive and flourish if circumstances are ripe. When the germs are strong, but the environment of the host (you) is stronger, the disease will be resisted. If the host is weak, however, then your environment can become a hospitable refuge for viruses, germs, bacteria and other microbes to set up shop.


 

Your Meridian channels control the flow of healing energy throughout your entire body, including your organs. The function (health) of your lungs, and the strength of your immune system all depend upon the quality, quantity and balance of Qi which flows within your meridian channels. 


 

The "true cure" of disease is simply NOT to kill germs, but to reestablish and build up the body's amount of healing Qi. This will ultimately provide the adequate amount of Qi in order to restore the integrity of your meridian and organ system. 


 

Schedule an acupuncture appointment today to boost your immune system before cold and flu season gets here.  


 

Germs simply cannot attach a strong and healthy body!

Kiss Sick Goodbye


 
Along with frequent acupuncture treatments, here is another way to boost your immunity in order to stay well through fall.


 

You can begin by taking astragalus (available in the office) throughout the winter. This is an herb that is revered for its first-class immune support. It is also useful if you feel tired, weak, apathetic or depressed.

 

Modern research suggests that astragalus is

"biological response modifier," increasing the function of the adrenal cortex, helping us adapt to stress easier, and increase the production of white blood cells.

 

If you have been around folks who are sneezing and coughing, try using maitake. This little mushroom can also help to stimulate the immune response. You can use this regularly, or after being exposed to some nasty bug.

 

If you have already caught a cold, you can try elderberry syrup.

 Elderberries are a tasty treat that have many medicinal properties such as immuno-modulating, anti-oxidant, and antiviral.

This herb can help to shorten the duration and severity of a cold.  

Start using it as soon as you feel under the weather and then 

stop using as soon as you feel well again.


 

Herbs are a powerful medicine. It is helpful to consult a practitioner that is educated in herbal medicine to make sure you are getting the right type of herbs and that there is no interaction with other drugs or herbs you may be taking.

Wet Sock Treatment 

 

The wet sock treatment is extremely beneficial at the first sign of cold/flu.  It boosts your immune system so you are able to fight off any bacteria or viruses you may have contracted.  It is best if repeated for three nights in a row, or as instructed by your physician.


 

Indications:

Sore throat or any inflammation or infection of the throat, cold, flu, neck pain, ear infections, headaches, migraines, nasal congestion, upper respiratory infections, coughs, bronchitis, and sinus infections.


 

Contraindications:

Use with caution in diabetes, Raynaudʼs phenomenon or syndrome, arterial insufficiency or advanced intermittent claudication. The warming phase is especially important for these patients. Please consult your physician.


 

Supplies:

  • 1 pair white cotton socks

  • 1 pair thick wool socks

  • Towel

  • Warm bath or warm foot bath

Directions:

  1. Take a pair of cotton socks and soak them completely with cold water. Be sure to wring the socks out thoroughly so they do not drip.

  2. Warm your feet first. This is very important as the treatment will not be as effective and could be harmful if your feet are not warmed first. Soaking your feet in warm water for at least 5-10 minutes or taking a warm bath for 5-10 minutes can accomplish warming.

  3. Dry off feet and body with a dry towel.

  4. Place cold wet socks on feet. Cover with thick wool socks. Go directly to bed. Avoid getting chilled.

  5. Keep the socks on overnight. You will find that the wet cotton socks will be dry in the morning.

Effects of the Wet Sock Treatment:

This treatment acts to reflexively increase the circulation and decrease congestion in the upper respiratory passages, head, and throat. It has a sedating action and many patients report that they sleep much better during the treatment. This treatment is also effective for pain relief and increases the healing response during acute infections.


 

Resources: Dr. Douglas Lewis N.D. 

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.
Acupuncture & Natural Health Solutions
Toni Eatros, Acupuncture Physician

239-260-4566

www.AcupunctureSolutionsOnline.com
Monthly Acupuncture Column Featured in SW Florida's Health & Wellness Magazine 

Toni Eatros, AP,

Acupuncture Physician, 
is the  featured acupuncture columnist in the popular SW Florida's Health & Wellness Magazine.
 
Be sure to check out September's issue, on stands now, which discusses the benefits of the balance method approach to acupuncture in relieving many health care disorders.
 
 about back pain.
Acupressure Points

Rubbing acupuncture points with your finger for 30 - 60 seconds can stimulate and promote the circulation of Qi within your own body, restoring health and well-being.

 

 

Kidney 27 (K 27): 

 

Location:

Located in the depression below the lower boarder of the collarbone, approximately 2 inches from the middle of the chest. 

 

 

Functions: 

 

Resolves phlegm, stimulates the Kidney function of reception 

of Qi, 

stops cough, 

calms asthma, 

relieves chest tightness, tonifies the Liver to counter adrenal exhaustion and lowered immunity. 


Acupuncture Research
Acupuncture's Heart Helping Effects Examined Further
_________________

It is widely believed that acupuncture is a healthy and effective way to treat heart disease and injury.


 

Millions of Americans suffer from heart disease and many may not want to turn to expensive procedures or medications. Even western medical procedures can lead to complications in the heart afterwards. 


 

A recent study set out to find physical evidence as to why acupuncture helps recovery from heart disease and injury. Their studies on animals were thorough and specific as they examined the genetic processes being activated due to acupuncture. 


 

They found that genes were up-regulated which affect protein production. They concluded that in their testing electro-acupuncture significantly helped in the animal's recovery from heart injury. 


 

This research does not prove that acupuncture heals a damaged heart but it proves that it stimulates the genes linked to reconstructing the damaged parts of the heart. 


 

This in conjunction with other research on humans with heart injury is leading science to take another look at acupuncture as a viable way of fixing broken hearts. 


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