There is no doubt that the global level of stress is heightened right now, but while we may feel helpless, there are some things we can implement into our day to day lives to help mitigate this stress. The fundamentals of Chinese medicine can be beneficial in helping to build the body’s immunity and maintain a healthy wellbeing through challenging times.
These are some ways that you can start to look after your health and wellbeing in times of stress.
Sleep
Poor sleep is always the first thing I want to correct in any situation, as it is the root of so many deeper issues. In Chinese medicine it is said that night time is a restorative time when the energy and warmth of our bodies moves internally to rebuild for the next day.
If you are finding it difficult to sleep, here are suggestions to help your body prepare for rest.
Turn off all screens (and scary pandemic news) 2 hours prior to bed time, and try to ensure you are in bed at least 8 hours before you plan on waking.
Avoiding eating late at night, and stick to foods with a lower glycaemic index (low GI), which release energy more slowly throughout the evening.
Practicing meditation or gentle exercise such as walking or yoga, and avoid high intensity exercise in the evenings.
If insomnia is a recurring issue for you, consider acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
Exercise
Make time to exercise, exercise that involves deep breathing, or gets you puffing can help to strengthen the lungs, and ensure that oxygen is being circulated throughout the body.
Diet
Consider food as a part of your preventative medicine, and remember to stay hydrated. Warm, slow cooked foods like soups and stews are considered by Chinese medicine as the best for nourishing the body, as they are nutrient rich and easy to digest. This is particularly important as we move from Summer into the cooler months. Ginger, cinnamon, garlic and spring onions are both warming and have a dispersing action, which can help to circulate Qi in the chest and strengthen the lungs.
‘Damp’ foods such as dairy, bananas, and sweet or greasy foods can contribute to mucous production and congestion, so reducing intake of these foods can be beneficial. Foods that can help to break up mucous include ginger, garlic, pepper and citrus peels in hot water.
Support
It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the ongoing situation that we are all experiencing, re-entering life after almost a year at home has been difficult for some people. Take comfort in knowing that you are not alone, and reach out to friends, family and health professionals who can help support you.
Please feel free to reach out to me if there is anything I can do to assist you, or if you would like to discuss chinese medicine or acupuncture for your health concerns.
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