The weather is dropping, the snow is starting, and cold season is upon us. Is it a coincidence that this all happens at once?
Germs thrive in the cold dry air and wind makes it easier for them to spread. It’s no wonder everyone gets sick when the seasons change.
Keeping your body warm is essential to staying healthy. Your immune system can’t fight off germs as easily when your body temperature drops.
When the winter months arrive, it’s important to utilize ways for strengthening your immune system. This is how you can avoid getting sick even when everyone around you becomes ill.
Why is it easier to get sick when it’s cold?
Your immune system produces white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off germs. When the temperatures drop, you breathe in cold air and restrict the blood vessels in your respiratory tract.
Without the proper flow of blood through these vessels, your white blood cell supply becomes constricted. When white blood cells cannot make it to your mucous membrane, your ability to fight off germs decreases dramatically.
Germs also survive better in cold temperatures. Low temperatures create a hard outer shell for the germ, allowing it to live longer and travel farther.
Your habits also change when the weather gets cold. You’re suddenly staying inside more, where you’re in close proximity with people who may be carrying illness.
How to strengthen your immune system
Like all the systems in your body, your immune system is powered by the vital energy that keeps you alive. When this energy is strong, your immune system is strong. When it’s weak, your immune system will falter.
This energy can become closed off from stress, reduced blood flow, lack of nutrients, and more. It’s important to keep in mind how you treat your body so you can make sure your immune system is strong enough to defend against attackers.
Here are our best techniques for strengthening your immune system:
Acupuncture. Not only does acupuncture increase your white blood cell production, but it also increases blood flow. This powerful combination assures that your body has enough white blood cells in the right places to fight off infection.
Coming in for acupuncture once or twice a month can bolster your immune system enough to fight off germs even when cold season is at its peak. You won’t have to worry about feeling crummy and missing out with your immune system at its best.
Herbal Medicine. Many herbs have immune boosting effects that can strengthen your immune system and help fight off sickness. Some have bioactive compounds that increase the presence of your immune system’s attacker cells, while others have antimicrobial properties that can prevent damage to your cells.
Others have anti-inflammatory effects that help balance your immune response, which prevents inflammation from damaging your cells without hindering your immune system’s ability to prevent sickness.
Gua sha. This specialized technique uses a smooth massage rock to stimulate lymphatic drainage. When your lymphatic system is working properly, it will remove toxins from the body and improve your circulation.
These are crucial functions for helping your immune system work properly. The processing of toxins and transportation of nutrients, along with the movement of energy, are necessary for bolstering your immune system.
Moxibustion. Another specialized traditional Chinese medicine technique, this treatment can help strengthen your immune system. Herbs are burnt over your skin to stimulate energy flow and remove toxins from the body.
Many times, moxibustion is combined with acupuncture to increase the effects. If you’re looking to strengthen your immune system, this is a great approach because of its warming effect in combination with its energy flow boosting abilities.
At OHM Acupuncture, we perform all the above treatments to help you get healthy and stay healthy. Whether your immune system is struggling and you’re looking to recover, or you want to ensure it stays strong throughout the winter, we have the tools you need to achieve health. Schedule an appointment to boost your immune system and stay away from illness today.
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