If you are suffering from cold & flu symptoms, then try out the following self-care steps:
1. Acupressure Points:
Press on the following acupuncture/acupuncture points with your finger for 30 – 60 seconds to stimulate & promote the Qi circulation inside your body.
a. Lung 7 (Lu 7) :
Location: roughly 2 inches above the base of the thumb.
Function(s): used for fever, chills, shivering, nasal congestion & discharge, sore throat, cough, and headaches & migraines.
Great point to press on when you feel a cold coming on.
b. Lung 5 (Lu 5):
Location: on the thumb side, at the elbow crease, just off the biceps brachia tendon.
Function (s): useful for hot skin conditions, upper body edema, and tendonitis.
c. Lung 1 (Lu 1):
Location: on the chest, below the collar bone, approximately 6 inches from the center of the chest.
Function(s): used for asthma, the common cold, cough, and pain in the chest, shoulder & back.
d. Lung 9 (Lu 9):
Location: on the wrist crease, just below your thumb.
Function(s): used for cough with our without watery phlegm, tightness of the chest, shortness of breath, asthma, digestive problems, and wrist pain. Also used for strengthening the Lungs & immune system.
e. Large Intestine 4 (LI 4):
Location: on the back of the hand between the thumb and the first finger. In the fleshy part of the hand.
Function(s): used for common cold with sweating, fever, headache, red & painful eyes, and nasal congestion.
Known as the ‘Master Pain Elimination’ point.
DO NOT USE DURING PREGNANCY.
f. Large Intestine 20 (LI 20):
Location: on the face, level with the bottom of nostrils, on the groove that is formed when you smile.
Function(s): used for nasal discharge & congestion, rhinitis, loss of sense of smell, sneezing, nasal polyps, and nosebleeds. Also used for itchy eyes, and facial pain with swelling.
2. Aromatherapy:
a. Eucalyptus: opens up the nasal passages.
b. Cedar: clears the head and opens up the nasal passages.
3. Dietary:
a. Immune System Booster Soup:
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken
– 2 pints of water
– 3 slices of Huang Qi
– 1 tsp. of Olive oil
– 10 oz. of Shiitake mushrooms
– 1 tsp. of chopped ginger
– 4 chopped cloves of garlic
Directions:
– Place chicken and Huang Qi (Astragalus root) in water. Bring to boil and simmer for an hour.
– Add Shiitake, ginger, garlic, and Olive oil. Simmer for an additional 45 minutes.
b. Pear & Almond Soup for Dry Cough:
Ingredients:
– 5 ripe pears
– 2 quarts of water
– honey
– fresh mint leaves
– 4 handfuls of almonds (chopped)
Directions:
– Cut pears in half and remove stems & seeds. Chop into small pieces.
– Combine pears, almonds and water in a medium-sized saucepan.
– Bring to boil, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
– Remove from stove and let it cool.
– Add honey and mint to taste.
– Drink one to two cups daily to enhance the Lung function and prevent dry coughs.
c. Cold Relief Soup:
Ingredients:
– 2 cloves of garlic
– 1 chopped scallion
– 1 Tbsp. of miso paste
– 4 cups of water
– 1 inch piece of fresh ginger
Directions:
– Add all ingredients, bring to boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
– Dink 1 cup every hour. You will begin to sweat which will help to alleviate the cold symptoms.
4. Supplements:
Take time-release Vitamin C tablets and Zinc tablets to boost your immune system.
5. Hydration:
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water each day.
6. Rest:
Have at least 8 hours of solid sleep to help your body fight the infection and recover.
7. Relax:
Take this time to meditate and relax your mind & body. Doing so will help strengthen your immune system to fight the infection.
Finally, there’s a saying that it takes 7 days to cure a cold without medications and a week to cure it with. There’s no other way to go about it besides drinking lots of water, and resting. Take this time to reflect and de-stress and pretty soon, your body will be strong & healthy again!
