The immune system is very complex and quite delicate. The stress response in our bodies is meant to dampen the immune, digestive and reproductive systems temporarily, for the needed resources to shunt to the fight or flight response. This is meant to last for maybe 30 seconds, in order to escape being a tiger’s lunch. But long term, it breaks down the system and depletes the body’s immune defenses.
I wrote about the immune system on my website blog a few months ago – here is a LINK for more info.
Here are some ways to support and nurture your immune system:
Chiropractic Care: Removing nerve interference allows the nervous system’s information flow to work properly, optimizing homeostasis and optimal function in the body. As most of you know, my approach is more holistic than just the adjustment, looking at emotional and biochemical imbalances as well.
Massage: Allowing the relaxation response to occur also engages the body’s immune, digestive and reproductive systems to function better.
Given the current COVID crisis, we are only just now slowly reintroducing massage back into our practice following a two month break.
We are starting with 30 minute table sessions which are done through clothing.
Both therapist and client are required to wear face masks
We are introducing HEPA filtration systems into all of our treatment rooms.
Acupuncture: I am a long-time patient of acupuncture, and whenever I feel out of balance and a cold coming on, I make sure to get a treatment. It always helps to restore the subtle balance of the body systems. I recommend several local acupuncturists in Albany:
Good Nutrition: Excess sugar stresses the insulin response and immune response.
Srinika Narayan is a Nutrition Response Testing practitioner and a licensed acupuncturist who works out of Innate Chiropractic on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Her work is very helpful to help balance your diet.
Rest, meditation, prayer, sleep,walks in nature, three slow deep breaths several times daily
Immune support via herbs and homeopathics, which you can receive from any of the above practitioners, Whole Foods Market, Berkeley Natural, El Cerrito Natural, Pharmaca and elsewhere.
The Coronavirus is apparantly passed mostly through droplets from the nose and mouth, and can live on surfaces from several hours to up to 9 days. Developing a greater awareness of your environment is crucial. Here are some tidbits that I’ve learned which I found helpful:
Wash your hands often: One of the main culprits of pathogen transmission is your hands – they touch everything!
Wipe down surfaces, especially those you are eating from. You can use treated wipes, which are becoming harder to find in stores, or you can create your own using a spray bottle with water and a little clorox.
Use your own yoga mat: Yoga studios can’t adequetly protect you these days, or at least wipe down a communal mat with a disinfectant wipe.
Don’t shake hands or even hug but rather do the fist bump or elbow tap or namaste prayer hands to say hello or goodbye.
Don’t touch youreyes, nose and mouth since theyare the most common entry points for pathogens.
Avoid buffets: Common foods left out for many people can become the recepticals for droplets of pathogens.
Put paper towels in the common bathroom: If you are hosting many people using the same bathroom, a common towel can become a vector for pathogens.
Avoid groups: If you are elderly, have asthma, a lung disease or a compromised immune system, it is best to avoid large group situations.