It’s starting to get cold, the nights are getting longer and we even got some rain!
Winter is definitely on my mind.
Winter is all about staying warm, cuddling under a blanket, turning inward.
Unfortunately it’s also about closing the windows, staying indoors, and catching colds and flus.
This winter I plan on trying harder than ever to stay healthy. I will support my immune system so my body can offer me maximum protection and I can stay as healthy and productive as possible.
Oh – and I also want to protect myself from covid-19. LOL.
Here’s a quick summary of some easy immune boosting tactics:
- Get a good nights sleep
- Reduce sugar and processed foods
- Eat lots of antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables
- Reduce stress
Moxibustion is another really effective and evidence based immune boosting tactic that you can perform at home.
Moxi- what???
Yes. Moxibustion.
Moxibustion is a 2000 year old form of heat therapy in which dried plant materials are burned on or very near to the skin surface to warm specific areas of the body or stimulate specific acupuncture points.
Moxa is made from the dried leaves of the mugwort plant ( and no this is not taken from Harry Potter). The dried leaves are then prepared in various ways depending on the desired technique.
In China most practitioners use an indirect technique in which a moxa cigar is burned close to the skin. It is very easy to do this at home. It only takes 3-5 minutes.
In the clinic I use a Japanese technique called okyu where thread size pieces of moxa are burned directly on the skin – with a thin layer of shiyunko – Japanese burn cream – used to protect the skin.
There is evidence that moxibustion can boost the immune system by increasing and activating white blood cells and regulating levels of immunolglobulins . It can also increase circulation and relieve fatigue. Read some of the research here and here.
St 36 – zusanli – (the point we discussed last week) is a great point for home moxibustion.
Doing moxa on ST36 can boost your energy levels and your immune system.
So if you’re feeling adventurous – feel free to contact me and I’ll set you up with some moxa and a brief explanation – and you’ll be off to burning yourself into health!
