In outrigger canoe paddling, there is a brief moment when all the paddles are in the air and the canoe can flip due to an imbalance of weight or an oncoming wave or current. In this moment, everyone has to keep an eye out to avoid ending up in the water.

I liken this to our sudden change of temperature each season.

During a season change all our paddles are in the air and we are very vulnerable to catching a cold. Start dosing yourself with preventative care to avoid flipping.

From a Chinese Medicine point of view, I see it as a disruption in our Wei Qi which is considered the Protective Qi or forcefield that keeps up protected from external pathogens such as bacteria and virus. So, when you feel that sudden change of temperature, beware!

This is the time of year when I start stocking my pharmacy with antiviral etc.  and phlegm resolvers.

So what can you do? The immune system is so  very complicated to explain and understand and respiratory infections manifest differently from one person to the next. This is why I recommend acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Acupuncture stimulates homeostasis, which is the body’s auto pilot. If a cold has gone too deeply into the body, it will bring it on fast and help it pass through quickly. So go to your acupuncturist. If you absolutely can’t get out of bed, stay home, but we can help you get through it faster.

I also recommend these tips for relief:

1. Sweat it out

An old Chinese medicine trick: the minute you feel a slight awareness of “oh oh! I’m catching a cold” you must change your temperature by subjecting yourself to extreme heat as in a sauna or hot bath that makes you sweat. This only works on that first day.

Drink hot ginger tea. Put on a thick robe, and sweat it out.

The reason for this is heat will quicken the blood and deliver all of your potent immune fighting cells to the area that is hosting the bug. That is why we get fevers.

2. Potent Herbs and Formulas – in our pharmacy

*We make synergistic formulas that attack the virus or bacteria, soothe the cough, resolve the phlegm, and strengthen the body. This is why we have over 350 herbs in the pharmacy. We blend them all together to create a synergistic formula.
Looking for something to buy at health food store? Try these:

* Colloidal silver (for gargling, taking internally is helpful when you feel vulnerable)
* Vitamin C & D (especially if you are around sick people)
* High quality oregano product
* Colostrum is great for immune boosting. My favorite is from Sovereign Laboratories
* A Chinese formula called Yin Qiao is very helpful for sore throats, but if it goes into your chest you will need different herbs (available in my pharmacy).
*Osha (try Wise Woman Herbals or Gaia Herbs) for respiratory issues. Osha is used for sore throat, bronchitis, cough, common cold, influenza, swine flu, and pneumonia.

3. Home remedies.

Can’t stop coughing? Try this. It helps to relieve the coughing reflex.

tsp honey
tsp apple cider vinegar
1/8 tsp of cayenne
1/8 tsp of ginger powder
1/4 cup hot water
Mix and drink

4. Change your mindset

Using your will to affirm inner strength helps strengthen your immune system versus feeling like a sitting duck.

There are many natural remedies which I haven’t mentioned here, but you can be proactive.

Stay healthy!

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If you reside in the Santa Barbara area, call to schedule an appointment if you want to discuss your health needs during this time at (805) 898-1804