Swine Flu - H1N1: Prevention and Treatment with
Chinese Medicine
Alternative
Options
As the media brings swine flu back
into the foreground, people around the world are
becoming more concerned about how their families and
themselves may be affected. H1N1 first came into
our consciousness in April 2009, but our
attention slowly dwindled as more and more people
successfully recovered from the illness as they
would have from any other mild flu.
Now
our fears are again ignited as various organizations
warn of an expected increase in severity and
mortality in the coming months. On August 23, a
White House advisory panel issued a report
estimating that up to 90,000 deaths from swine flu
may occur, along with up to 50% of the population
being affected. The seasonal flu is reported to
average about 36,000 deaths per year. On August 24th,
officials from the Centers of Disease Control and
Prevention suggested that the projections should be
regarded with caution and are an unlikely scenario.
This is good news and encourages us to be less
fearful.
Chinese Medicine is one of the holistic options in
preventing and treating H1N1.
Prevention begins with the most basic practices of
hand washing and creating or maintaining optimum
health. Supporting healthy immune function can
prevent infection if you are exposed. As
individuals, we have a major role in creating our
optimum health. This means eating well, resting
well, and getting regular exercise. As
practitioners of Chinese medicine, we can offer
acupuncture and herbal formulas to bolster your
immune system. When using Chinese medicine to
strengthen the immune system, it is necessary to
start herbal therapies and acupuncture a month or
more before the flu season hits.
If
one does become ill with the flu, Chinese medicine
can help to shorten the duration and severity.
Acupuncture is most helpful at the very first stages
of illness and can help with sore throat, body
aches, and shortening the length of illness. Herbal
medicine is helpful during the initial stages of
illness as well as days into the illness. It is
very helpful to have an herbal formula on you
medicine shelves to take at the first signs of
illness. Speak with your herbalist to find our
which formula is right for you. Herbal medicine
will help diminish symptoms and chances of
complications such as pneumonia. Acupuncture and
herbal medicine will also help during the recovery
phase, building the body back up to normal function.
As
with any new or severe illness, it is recommended to
visit your primary care physician so that we can
work in conjunction with your healthcare.
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