If you’re like me, you are wondering about ways to care for yourself and boost your system when a virus is going around. Collen Moore provides guidance based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. I received this information through the Healing Hands Network and my teacher, Jaentra Green Gardener. I thought it was very useful and want to share it with you.

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… This is an intense time and I wanted to share what I know from following the information from China from my colleagues, along with a wonderful resource for stress management.

DAMP PREVENTION
What I know from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective is that COVID-19 is a damp pestilence. So, optimizing our digestive functioning (Remember the cauldrons on the wall?) and reducing dampness in our bodies is even more important at this time. Now, more than ever, it is important to eat cooked warming foods, such as soups and stews and stir-fry with stimulating and warming spices such as cayenne, ginger, garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, cloves, fennel, black pepper, and coriander. Avoid: sugar (all kinds), dairy (especially cheese), frozen food (ice cream, popsicles), fried foods, processed foods (flour, chips), heavy rich foods, and anything your body is "sensitive" to, because food sensitivities increase inflammation and damp and phlegm production.

I'm not saying eat only cooked foods because I think some strategic side dishes and condiments (kimchi, fresh radish, a slice of sour apple, etc.) can stimulate digestion and nutrition.

Because this disease attacks the lungs, lung strengthening and stimulating foods are indicated such as: radishes (red, daikon, horseradish), onions, fennel bulb, Asian pear, jicama, water chestnut, cabbage, turnip, bok choy, garlic, ginger, mustard greens, apple, green onion, flax seeds, chia seeds, white rice, barley, and oats.

I was almost hesitant to say anything about diet because there is slim picking at the grocery stores and... there is, well, you know, stress eating....but do your best.

If you're into essential oils, patchouli used topically on the abdomen, is a good one for reducing damp. It is being used in the herbal formulas to treat the virus in China. You can email me if you want to know the specific points to put it on. Do not take it internally!

Exercise improves digestive functioning and reduces dampness as long as you don't overdo it right after eating.

THERMO-REGULATION
The first line of defense is your thermo-regulation system. If I have ever told you to get/keep your feet warm, I am especially talking to you. Take a minute to check in with your feet. If they are cold, go soak them in hot water or put your feet on hot packs. Keep at it...keep your feet warm! This strengthens your immune system. I'm not kidding... this is important!!!!!

Some daily sweating is good too, in that it "releases the exterior" which means it pushes the invaders out. Exercise, hot shower or bath, and sauna all work. Just make sure to not catch a chill after as that will defeat the purpose.

In general, it is not a good idea to suppress a fever. Fever is the body doing it's job to fight and push out the invader. Understand that taking medication to bring down a fever undermines your immune system. Of course, there is a point of diminishing returns. I personally allow fevers up to 103 degrees. You need to check with your healthcare provider to know what's right for you. My point here is to alert you to the fact that taking tylenol, asprin or ibuprofen for a fever is for comfort, unless the fever is above 103 degrees. Also, they are not recommending ibuprofen for this particular virus. If you need sources, I can provide them if you email me.

KEEP FLUIDS THIN
Hydration is important for many reasons...but for this particular disease we want to keep the phlegm from getting sticky. Hydration alone cannot do this but it can definitely help. Drink lots of warm beverages and vary them. Cinnamon tea, ginger tea, hot water with lemon, tulsi tea, thyme tea, dried orange peel with cardamom, dried lemon peel with thyme and fresh turmeric tea.

QI GONG ROUTINE TO STRENGTHEN THE LUNGS
One of my colleagues created this simple video with breathing, movement and acupressure to keep the lungs healthy.

20-minute Qigong routine to strengthen the lung with Peter Deadman

STRESS MANAGEMENT
I'm sure you all have heard me mention EFT Tapping. It is my go to for stress, fear, and anxiety management. The people from www.TheTappingSolution.com have an AMAZING tapping app that has many free tapping sessions for dealing with the anxiety around COVID-19. The app itself is free as are all the COVID-19 help sessions. Please check it out!

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Colleen Moore
The Guided Hand Acupuncture &
Northwestern Health Sciences University