Taking Care

• Over the last few years with the COVID epidemic illness and recovery has been front page news
•  As this slides away from the headlines we must not forget about looking after ourselves internally and externally
• Unfortunately COVID is still causing problems, as well as some nasty colds and flu
• Therefore I am here to remind you to take care
•  Even as Summer approaches there are many virus’s around

System Run Down

• One of the main reasons you catch a cold is because your system is struggling
• You may be stressed, tiered, working long hours, not eating well, you have an underlying condition which makes you more vulnerable, over exercising
• Not taking time for selfcare – all of these lead you to become run down.
• We need to take care of ourselves and our Wei Qi -see previous blog – Strengthen your Immune System with Acupuncture (southwellacupuncture.co.uk)

When the Cold Hits – Rest!

• Most Colds will last about 10 days
• Rest, rest, rest when you become ill you need to rest, this is so often not recognise in today’s society
• Let the cold run its course, don’t supress it, else it will stay longer – Rest
• Stay home and limiting your activity can help your body fight the infection and prevent its spread to other people – and Rest
• Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can help break up nasal mucus and prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, which can be dehydrating – rest
• Use honey. To ease a cough, try adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey to a cup of warm water and lemon. However, avoid giving honey to children under 1 year of age – rest
• Fever – a cool flannel can help – rest
• Improvement you will hopefully feel nearly better by day 10, you should be improved by 14 days. You may have a few lingering symptoms, like a runny nose or a tickle in your throat. Overall, though, you should be feeling stronger
• When you improve don’t rush straight back to the same pace of life , return slowly, to work and exercise and still rest up a bit

Serious Symptoms

Sometimes, what seems like a cold can develop into something more serious. Check with your doctor right away if you have any of these more serious symptoms:

• Fever of 38 degrees C or higher for more than 24 hours
• Fever accompanied by a rash severe headaches, confusion, severe back or abdominal pain or painful urination
• Coughing or sneezing mucus that is green, brown, or bloody
• Shortness of breath chest pain, wheezing or difficulty swallowing  
• Tender and painful sinuses
• White or yellow spots in your throat
• Severe headaches with blurred vision, dizziness, or nausea or vomiting
• Pain or discharge from your ears
• Persistent pain in the abdomen
• Profuse sweating, shaking, or  chills

All of these symptoms may signal the presence of another infection or other medical issue. If you experience any of these while you’re trying to self-treat a cold, be sure to see your doctor right away.

Be kind to Yourself

• Whether you have a cold Flu or COVID allow yourself to recover, don’t do too much too soon, slowly return to life as it was
• I do understand this is difficult if you have people to care for and responsibilities, but try to rest the best you can
• The kinder you are to yourself the better recovery you will have
• Slowly work yourself back to exercise and work for longer term recovery
• Try not to feel guilty about caring for yourself
• If you find you are not recovering well and still feel weak you may have Post Viral Fatigue – therefore very important to rest and not do too much and have Traditional Five Element Acupuncture
• Traditional Five Element Acupuncture can help with your recovery and help keep you well to avoid colds

Prevention and Traditional Five Element Acupuncture

Prevention is better than cure so to start with look at the factors that keep us well. To prevent colds, Flu and other virus and many kinds of illness you need to keep your Immune system strong.

• Practice good hygiene by washing your hands
• A Good night’s sleep 7-9 hours ideally
• Eat well clean fresh food – plenty of fruit and vegetables
• Keep your neck and chest warm
• Don’t smoke
• Keep alcohol consumption low
• Move and Breath – exercise low and high intensity,(not over exercising) stretch and breathe deeply – walk, run, cycle, swim, yoga, platies and enjoy it
• Meditate – sit or lie be still and calm – give your self time and space
• Be out in the fresh air – wrap up on colder days
• Drink plenty of water, starting the day with hot water and lemon
• Take Zinc, Vitamin D and Vitamin C – to help your immunity
• Traditional Five Element Acupuncture can help improve your overall Wellbeing and Immunity – to improve your system to avoid catching colds and other virus’s
• For more about Acupuncture and Immunity see:-  Strengthen your Immune System with Acupuncture (southwellacupuncture.co.uk)

Treatment

For Traditional Five Element Acupuncture Treatment to help your Immunity and general Wellbeing contact Hannah on :- https://www.southwellacupuncture.co.uk/contact/