Winter is the most vital time in Victoria to protect yourself against pathogens, because of the conditions we face in our changing environment.
This is why now more than ever as it coincides with the current coronavirus and easing of lockdown restrictions, we take this opportunity to share these vital self care practices.
Given so many people have not been exposed to very much bacteria at all for a number of months now, getting back out into the world may be a little bit of a shock to the system!
So…here’s our Top 10 things you can do to support your body in preventing the common cold and flu virus.
1. Support your lymphatic system! This is the fluid that circulates the body under the skins surface through our glands. The lymphatic system helps “drain” and eliminate toxins naturally. Massage and Myotherapy work well in supporting the flow of lymphatic fluid to help eliminate toxins from the body. This is why it’s commonly recommended that you drink water after treatment to assist this flushing from the body.
2. “Move” the toxins accumulated in your body. The pumping action of the calf muscles in walking, jogging or working out, is known as one of the most powerful ways the body naturally pumps the lymphatic fluid and waste products back up the body for removal. Exercise is also a fast way you can warm up, build strength, fitness, better health and posture, meaning less pain!
3. Read “There’s no such thing as bad weather, Only Bad Clothes”. This is a great book to get inspired and learn the importance of covering up well! Exposure to cold wind can seriously deplete the body and bring on a chill quite unexpectedly! So please understand the value of sufficiently covering your feet, limbs, neck and back! Wear a scarf when heading out in the cold! You can always take it off.
4. Use essential oils with caution. We use a select few safe oils in the clinic.
Our most popular is Lavender and Eucalyptus, which are antibacterial, antiviral and especially great for the respiratory system! Avoid using Eucalyptus around children under 7 years old though. It is far too overwhelming for their underdeveloped respiratory systems.
However, if you do have children, we recommend a drop or two of peppermint in coconut oil rubbed on the chest and feet for colds. Avoid peppermint if breastfeeding as it’s known to reduce milk supply. Also, avoid ALL essential oils around a new born!
Lavender however is totally safe to burn near by to promote sleep for babies (of all ages, however not directly on skin) and tired mothers. I (we) also have a new addition to our range!
The latest is literally called “Immunity”. This is a blend of some of the most well known immune supporting oils, and it’s made with Certified Organic oils, much cheaper than many of the common branded oil blends.
5. Drink herbal teas (think anti-inflammatory like Chamomile) & apple cider vinegar in the morning to stimulate the digestive system. The digestive system is at it’s strongest function in the morning so it’s best to support it with hot cleansing fluids first thing. This will help eliminate waste and get things moving.
Warming teas are great, generally speaking. Add a few cloves for their superior anti-inflammatory properties to your morning hot lemon (pH balancing) drink.
A few popular blends include apple cider vinegar, honey (once cooled slightly) and cinnamon. Just add what you please and drink it first thing to help support the immune system each morning.
6. Keep your house clean, especially the floors and air. Dust is a respiratory enemy! If you want to avoid getting a cold, the best place to start is at home! Keep floors clean and shoes definitely off inside!
Air the house out often for circulation and be sure to get out for air yourself regularly! This will save you much needed time fighting off colds and what’s better than a cure? Prevention!
7. Spend time in nature when possible (forest bathe)…Nature has it’s own medicine! The oils emitted from trees and plants are protective and healing on a cellular level, and designed to protect the plants themselves.
So, the more time you spend in nature, the better off you will be health wise. Winter may be cold, but choose the warmest part of the day.
8. Keep a stress kit with Self Care tools. We have our own Health Essentials range which is our top recommended products for clients, but honestly, nothing works as good as knowledge! Apply pressure to the Liver 3 point on the foot to help combat stress.
Taking time out to self treat or bokking in a Massage or Myotherapy can go a long way in supporting the immune system and managing stress also!
9. Drink flouride free. Flouride is toxic to the brain. It calcifies the pineal gland. Avoid accumulation and invest in a flouride filter!
It’s worth keeping a clear head and when you understand that flouride blocks the pineal gland, you become more understanding of the value in a good filter. If you don’t have one yet or are on the hunt for one, buy Pureau from your local store. They come in large bladder taps until you can get your hands on your own filter.
10. Create your own Health Support Kit or better yet rituals. Habits are the most powerful tools we have! A few top things we promote the use of is a diet rich in Zinc, Magnesium as well as Vitamin A,B,C & D (which ideally comes in the form of sunshine). These are your immune systems best friends!
