The USA is opening up, and maintaining a strong immune system has never been so important. If there’s a silver lining to the world we live in, it’s the new healthy habits we’ve adopted and knowledge gained along the way.
Pandemics and health crises are not new to the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). For 2,500 years, TCM practitioners have been using herbs such as Echinacea and Ginseng to combat illness. Here at Root Logic, we combine modern science with Traditional Chinese Medicine to keep illnesses at bay.
TCM explains a susceptibility to illness as a weakness of defensive Qi (or Wei Qi). Your Qi circulates on the outer level of the body, acting as a shield to protect you from pathogens like bacteria and viruses. The Qi is a protected house in which we can live safely. But if our house has holes or the roof is leaking from rain, wind or snow, we cannot be comfortable inside. By fixing the holes, fractures or even building a new pillar for the house, the house becomes strong and steady, better able to protect us.
Read on to discover seven ways to balance Qi and boost your immune system.
1. Eat Well
Incorporate seasonal fruit and vegetables in your diet, especially those high in vitamins C & E. Include spinach in a salad or smoothie, steam greens, roast pumpkin or sweet potato, and nibble on nuts.
2. Stay Hydrated
In TCM, warm water is preferable for aiding the digestive system and absorbing nutrients. Warm liquids are also beneficial if you’re feeling under the weather as they can loosen mucus and keep your throat moist. Inhaling steam can be beneficial for upper respiratory viruses.
Pro tip: Herbal teas are an easy (and delicious) way to consume immune-boosting nutrients
3. Take Your Herbs
Root Logic Immunity Boost is packed with virus-busting Echinacea, Spirulina, Reishi Mushroom, Astragalus, and Ginseng.
TCM explains a susceptibility to illness as a weakness of defensive Qi (or Wei Qi). Your Qi circulates on the outer level of the body, acting as a shield to protect you from pathogens like bacteria and viruses.
Root Logic’s Immunity remedy repairs your shield and boosts everyday health, helping prevent illness and improve recovery.
4. Wash Your Hands
Germs can enter the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth. Studies show that soap & water are most effective at eliminating germs (we recommend washing your hands for as long as it takes to sing “happy birthday”). Be mindful of things you have touched and carry a bottle of hand sanitizer in your bag or pocket.
5. Mask Up
Coupled with good hand hygiene, masks limit the spread of certain respiratory illnesses (like COVID-19).
For the good of the planet (and your wallet) we recommend investing in a few reusable masks. They should be at least triple layered and a snug fit.
6. Get a Good Night's Sleep
Sleep not only affects your immune system, it can also be healing. At least 7 hours per night can boost infection-fighting proteins called cytokines. Sleep deprivation may decrease production of these proteins, as well as antibodies and cells essential for fighting infection.
7. Get Moving!
Research shows that exercise can stimulate the immune system and encourage healthy sleep. Light to moderate exercise strengthens Qi and improves blood flow.
References
“5 Ways To Strengthen Your Immunity Naturally | The TCM Way” Oriental Remedies Group“Why Chinese Medicine Recommends Drinking Warm Water” Blue Wren Acupuncture
“Show Me The Science - Why Wash Your Hands” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Besedovsky, Luciana, Lange, Tanja, Born, Jan “Sleep and Immune Function” US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health
Harvey, Philippa “TCM and Fitness” Sha Magazine
