Always Getting Sick During Seasonal Shifts? Self-care Tips From An Acupuncturist

seasonal shift: self care tips from an acupuncturist blog banner

Discover five simple self-care practices rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine that can enhance your health and wellness.

Known as one of the oldest medical systems in the world, Traditional Chinese Medicine sees the body as a complex interconnected system that supports the life force energy known as Qi. The ancient practice of TCM emphasizes keeping the balance, to treat and avoid illnesses. While skilled practitioners perform TCM modalities like acupuncture, tuina, and cupping, there are also proactive steps you can take to enhance your overall wellness. Here are a few TCM self-care practices you can easily incorporate into your daily routine.

1. Warm beverages

You will encounter a lot of times in Traditional Chinese Medicine that warmth is essential in supporting health, which is why drinking room temperature or warm beverages is always recommended by your TCM practitioner. The goal is to support the digestion process and avoid dampness, especially with the organ system Spleen. Warm liquids are easier for your body to process, making them a great way to stay hydrated and balanced.

Does this mean that you should never drink anything cold forever? Definitely not. You can still enjoy your favorite iced coffee or boba sometimes. Occasional consumption of cold drinks won't hurt. For the ladies, avoid drinking cold beverages one week before and during your menstrual period.

2. Protecting your neck

When the temperature starts to drop, one of the most common things you will hear from your TCM practitioner is the reminder to wear a scarf. Why is that? In TCM, the back of the neck is known as the "Wind Gate." As the name suggests, it's an entry point of wind and cold. Prolonged exposure to cold can lower your immune system. Wearing a thick scarf can help you avoid wind-cold invasion that causes sniffles, respiratory conditions, and fatigue.

3. A quick reminder this season if you are trying to conceive

The weather is getting colder so for all our lovely ladies, wear socks and cover your ankles especially when walking on cold floors! The reason behind this is that your feet are tied up to your fertility health. The Kidney Channel starts at the foot and goes up to the ankle and calf. Warm feet help peripheral circulation. This means better blood flow from the heart to the toes and all the organs in between.

4. Include broth in your diet

The broth has been part of the diet of different cultures for the past thousands of years. Broths are perfect for this season because it's warm, nutritious, and tasty. Broths can be used as a base for different dishes and could also be used in soups which is great when you have a fever, cold, or just a little under the weather. In TCM, broth is believed to strengthen the qi and nourish the blood. There are also medicinal broths made specifically for different types of illnesses. In general, the therapeutic effects of bone broth include:

Improving gut health: Bone broths have gelatin which aids in healing and sealing the gut. Regularly consuming bone broth can help address conditions like constipation and leaky gut.
Strengthening the skin and hair: Bone broth is rich in collagen, a protein that provides support and elasticity to the skin, hair, bones, muscles, and tendons.
Helping lessen the body's inflammation: Bone broth is packed with minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, all of which help reduce inflammation.

Aside from the health benefits, making bone broth is relatively cheap and low maintenance. It does take hours of cooking time but you can definitely leave it to cook while you are doing other things. For the bones, you can use fish, chicken, pork, or red meat (ox, cow, bison) and vegetable scraps.

There are also ready-made bone broths in the market in case making your own would be difficult. We are officially partnering with OMA for postpartum nutritious recovery soup! OMA makes miyeok guk, a traditional Korean seaweed soup using beef broth as the base. Miyeok guk is known as a pregnant and post-partum elixir because of its key health benefits. It is also great for athletes and post-surgery patients who are looking for a boost in their recovery. This soup is packed with nutrients like iodine, calcium, and iron, which are essential for replenishing minerals when your body needs it most. Aside from the benefits of the bone broth base, seaweeds also provide great health benefits that you definitely do not want to miss out on:

Hormone Balance: Seaweed is rich in iodine, a vital nutrient for thyroid health, which plays a key role in regulating hormones. Proper thyroid function helps maintain hormonal balance, affecting everything from metabolism to mood. Additionally, seaweed contains phytonutrients that support hormone regulation.
Stress Reduction: The nutrients found in seaweed, including omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, can help combat stress and anxiety. It supports brain health and can improve mood regulation. Additionally, the soothing warmth of bone broth itself can be a comforting ritual, promoting relaxation.

Visit OMA Natural Food's website by clicking this and use DRTING15 for an extra 15% on your first order!

5. Eating seasonal

TCM emphasizes maintaining balance to have good health. Consuming what's in season is thought to bring harmony to the body because it's nature's way of providing what's necessary during specific times of the year. This is a simple way to help the immune system adapt to the changing environment. This season, eat a lot of Brussels sprouts, carrots, squash, persimmons, and apples!

These are just some of the few TCM self-care practices that you can incorporate into your routine. These can holistically support your health and wellness if done consistently. If you are looking for an extra hand in achieving optimal health, acupuncture is the boost you need. Book an acupuncture appointment with us today to start your wellness journey.