Preparing for the Coronavirus, also known as Covid-19
By Michael Rossoff, L.Ac.
Macrobiotic Counselor & Acupuncturist
Asheville, N.C.
www.MichaelRossoff.com
Macrobiotic Counselor & Acupuncturist
Asheville, N.C.
www.MichaelRossoff.com
Note: I am available for personal counseling by telephone, Skype or in person. The spring is a new beginning both in nature and within our energy body. This is the perfect time to renew or recommit to a healthier lifestyle. |
How to Prevent or Reduce Symptoms The key defense is a strong immunity. The elderly and the young are more vulnerable precisely because their immune systems are either weak or immature. People who are in poor, or compromised health, whether chronic or serious, need to take more care and precautions. I will discuss two somewhat overlapping perspectives—macrobiotics and Oriental healing. From a Macrobiotic Perspective In order to keep ourselves vital we need proper foods and good digestion. These support strong blood which strengthens our immunity. The core disturbance that undermines our immunity is chronic acidity. Foods that create acidity are
Other important lifestyle factors include
All anxiety, fears, stress responses and chronic tensions will create an acidic condition. Why do these cause an acidic condition? Because, for example, the stomach will overproduce acids when we are anxious, which can then enter the body and bloodstream. Muscle actions cause the release of lactic acid; so chronic muscle tension creates excessive lactic acid in the bloodstream. We must practice what we preach — how to remain calm in the midst of life’s storms, because otherwise we are unable to respond appropriately, with flexibility and centeredness. There are two principal ways of releasing these acids from the body’s tissues, organs and blood. One is through kidneys’ role of regulating acid-alkalinity of the blood. The other is through lungs’ capacity of exhalation. Since Covid-19 attaches only to the lung cells, the condition of our lungs becomes paramount. This is the reason people are advised not to touch their fingers or hands to their mouth or nose without first washing their hands well. From Oriental Medicine Perspective All viruses like colds and flus, including Covid-19 cause similar body responses: chills, mild fever, aches, fatigue, cough. In Oriental medicine the symptoms are called “wind invasion.” Wind invasion is the easiest of the five climates to penetrate our body (others are cold, heat, damp and dry). We are most vulnerable to wind around the neck, waist and ankles. Please keep these protected, obviously in cold weather but also in humid and drafty weather, any windy weather. As the virus overwhelms the body, the body responds with heat, which naturally rises in an attempt to expel the “invader,” making fever followed by sweating. As the body temperature rises more, phlegm will accumulate in a primitive way to tamp down the high heat. This can create the breeding ground for bacterial infections, most commonly, pneumonia. Some Famous Oriental Medicine Herbal Formulas are
Important Acupressure Points include (Chart at end of article)
In the Western herbal realm there are some easy and useful things that we can incorporate for our healing.
Keep your life simple, with less interactions with crowds and more among friends and family. This is an excellent time to focus on healthy eating and lifestyle choices. If your condition is already weakened, then please commit to refining your macrobiotic practices, especially with food choices and good cooking practices. Wishing you continued health & wellbeing! |