Immunity!
We can barely think of anything else these days besides the new corona virus. Vermont Public Radio’s “Vermont Edition” had a wonderful program on Monday about how our health department is preparing. Our media is posting numbers hourly with reminders about some acts of prevention that we all need to do. Yes, wash your hands frequently, yes cough into your elbow or a tissue, yes stay away from crowds, especially if your health is compromised already.
BUT, and this is a big but, I have not seen a single thing about the many things that all of us in the complementary medicine and wellness communities have been saying for years about strengthening immunity.
Are you eating healthy foods, especially fruits and vegetables that provide the many vitamins and minerals that keep your immune system strong? Are you sleeping enough and well? The immune system repairs itself during rest. Are you exercising? Getting enough fresh air and oxygen to cleanse your blood and your lungs? Have you cut back on alcohol consumption? I hope so because it can compromise your immunity. Sugar, which is what alcohol is, slows your immune response so take this opportunity to curb your sweet tooth as well.
Are you looking into what kinds of supplements or herbs you could be taking to really power up your immunity? The acupuncture community is receiving data from China about hospitals that used herbal formulas to keep the medical workers healthy and effectively treat patients who are sick. Why aren’t we seeing and hearing this information?
And lastly, and perhaps most importantly, are you reining in your fear or are you succumbing to it? The stress that fear brings is perhaps the most dangerous thing that is afoot right now.
Take all precautions you can. And please remember that both defense and offense are your friends during any challenge. Hold in your hearts and minds that crisis always helps us strengthen our sense of community and oneness as we do what we can to help each other.
Wendy Goodwin, L.Ac.
Middlebury