H1N1 part 2

Hello everyone!

One of the most mind blowing things that I learned in school was that just because someone is showing symptoms of catching a cold/flu it doesn't mean that it is a done deal. I was once one of those people that would catch everything that went around. As soon as I the symptoms would start, and you know what I'm talking about....achy muscles, sore throat, fever/chills, headache....I would start feeling sorry for myself because I knew the next few days were not going to be good.

In class I learned that the start of a cold was the perfect time to do some self care, and if I caught it early enough, I could either prevent the cold entirely or decrease it's severity. Both options are great, because no one likes being sick! Here are some of the important things that I learned that have really contributed to my increased resistance to colds and flus.

Keep in mind that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is all about getting out of the way and letting your body do its' work. Once the symptoms start, one thing that is really effective is to get your body to sweat. You can drink some hot tea, or eat a hot bowl of chicken soup (we believe it will help supply your body with the energy to fight the infection) while covered in a blanket, or take a hot shower. (Remember all the movies from the 40's when someone got sick they would often drape a blanket over their head and steam themselves?) After you get a good sweat going, climb in bed and take a nice long nap, and take it easy for the rest of the day, even if you feel better after you wake up.

One of the essential things is to listen to your body when you begin to get symptoms, and rest.... really rest, so that your body can devote all of it's focus and strength upon ridding itself of the bug that's bothering it. It can be so difficult nowadays to just take it easy, but this part is essential.

The other big thing is that we have herbal formulas that are very effective, and acupuncture can really help as well. Remember that it can really help the earlier you get a treatment. Don't forget Chinese medicine when you are ailing, we have very effective treatments for the infinite spectrum of symptoms you may suffer from, and we have been treating cold and flu symptoms successfully for thousands of years!

I know this may sound simple, but sometimes just these steps are enough to keep the cold at bay and help you have a lovely fall, winter and spring.

Welcome Christine Hester, L.Ac., Dipl.O.M.!!!

Hello Everyone!

We have fantastic news! We are very happy to let you know that Red Cricket has had a new practitioner join our family!

Her name is Christine Hester, and she will be working Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 am to 7 pm, and every other Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm.

Christine is a fantastically skilled and caring practitioner with a passion for Chinese medicine, health and wellness that has made a profound impact on her many clients. We feel very lucky, and blessed to have her here!

Welcome Christine!

Thoughts about H1N1, and other nasty bugs... part 1

Hello Everyone!

As you all know, flu season has arrived a little early... Over the past three weeks we have seen a huge increase in patients with cold/flu symptoms. Suddenly virtually everyone has the sniffles...or worse! Chinese medicine has helped people cope with the flu for thousands of years, and we can be a great resource for everything from helping you get over a cold/flu to helping to strengthen your immunity so you won't get sick at all!

When I was a little girl, my mother would tell me to put on my hat, gloves and not to forget my scarf. It used to drive me nuts! I was famous for 'forgetting' my winter gear...and, of course, karma has done it's thing, and my sons do the same thing every winter....over, and over and over! Although I'm tempted to give up and let them run buck naked in the snow...we learned in acupuncture school that it's really important to dress for the weather.

Think about it, if it's cold out, your body has to use it's resources to keep you warm, which leaves less energy for fighting nasty H1N1 bugs when they your way. The back of your neck is an especially sensitive area, often that is one of the first places that gets stiff when a cold/flu begins, so it's really important to protect that area with a scarf. So, don't forget your scarf, people!!! Who cares about hat-head anyway, right?

Christine and I have lots more information to share about this subject, so check back early next week, for more simple things you can do to keep you and your family healthy and happy this winter. (and some yummy recipes) Keep in mind that acupuncture and herbs can be an important part of your anti-flu plan...but we'll talk more about that, too.

Have a lovely day!

Joi