When we get sick (or let’s be honest, our kids get us sick) it can be really difficult to get in to see the doctor. If you don’t have a family doctor, that’s pretty much impossible.

We also know that classic Western medicine options can disappear from the shelves (think back to the great Tylonel shortage) as that’s what everyone turns to when they need a quick fix.

But, something that rarely runs out, are more natural-based options.

Have you ever heard of Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM? According to HealthLink BC, TCM “is a system of medicine partly based on the idea that an energy, called chi (say “chee”), flows along pathways in the body called meridians. According to TCM, if the flow of chi along these meridians is blocked or unbalanced, illness can occur. In China, doctors have practiced TCM for thousands of years.”

In order to regain balance in the body, you must create balance between the internal organs of the body and the world’s elements (fire, water, metal, earth and wood). For a cold-cold (mostly felt in your head – congested, chills and possible body aches)… You want to keep the warmth in your body.

Here are 5 great tips for bringing warmth into your body and fighting off your holiday cold using TCM:

• Keep your neck and throat warm/covered.
• Wear socks to keep the warmth from escaping through your feet (especially on cold tile floors).
• Eat lots of warming foods like congee with warm-energetic ingredients like ginger, garlic, onion and chicken. These helps to promote blood flow and disperse cold.
• Drink lots of hot tea. My favourite are ginger tea with lemon, honey and turmeric.
• Use heating pads on the back of the neck. This is an acupressure point for your immune system to help ramp it up!

Colds can come at any time of year but they seem to come a lot more often toward the end of the year when it’s cold and we are especially haggard from working hard through the year.

Kick that cold in the bud, before it really has time to form using TCM.

Alternative solutions can help you feel empowered and in control of your own health. Focusing on preventative measures can also save yourself, and the medical system, a lot of hassle.

I hope your holidays and final stretch of the year and “cold-free.”

XO,
Meagan