Mar 162020
 

For most people, the change of seasons from winter to spring is something to look forward to. But it also means a time when people tend to get sick or seasonal allergies start to flare up. This can make things miserable for a lot of people. As the weather fluctuates between freezing cold and warmer, sunnier days, it also wreaks havoc on our immune system and our sleep. Frequently, our bodies can’t keep up with the constant changes and we get physically run down. But there are some things everybody can do to help during the time of transition from one season to the next.

One of the most common things we hear during this transition time is to stay warm.  This may seem like common sense, but so many people who are sun worshippers just waiting for the warmer days to return, forget this bit of advice as soon as the days start to warm a little. By wearing less clothing or clothing that is not as heavy and warm, we make ourselves susceptible to illness. Even if it’s warm out, you still need to dress appropriately. Save the shorts for a little later in the season.

Another way to stay healthy during the changing seasons is to make sure that you’re getting enough sleep. This is another common sense statement, but with longer hours of daylight, many people’s sleep cycles become disrupted. This can cause the immune system to become compromised, making it easier to get sick or for seasonal allergies to flare up.

A study from the National Institute of Health showed that dry winter air allows cold and flu viruses to survive longer and transmit more easily once everything starts to warm up.  With this being said, hydration is important. If dry air makes it more convenient for germs to remain dormant, then flushing them out by keeping your body hydrated is a great way to avoid an infection.

Eating according to the seasons is very important too. As the weather gets warmer, most people gravitate towards healthier food options in an effort to lose some of the winter weight. For spring, eating lighter, more natural foods will actually give the liver a chance to repair itself and that alone can help us feel more energetic and improve our clarity of thought. The immune system also functions better when excess sugar and dairy are removed.

Acupuncture is another great tool that can help make the transition from winter to spring easier. Acupuncture can balance the body as it reacts to the changes in the weather and activity levels. Regular acupuncture treatments have also been shown to boost immunity. Spring can also cause flare ups associated with seasonal allergies and acupuncture treatments can help with the inflammation, sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes that accompany the allergic reactions.

Contact us to learn more about how Traditional Chinese Medicine can promote greater health.

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Nov 162015
 

Homeopathy season changes

Every new season our bodies suffer stress to adapt to new weather conditions, and fortunately, homeopathy can help. The change itself is not a big problem if we are strong and our energy levels are up. But if during these times we feel sadness, anger or disappointment, it lowers our immunity and a cold or flu can take us by surprise.

Among many homeopathic remedies for these conditions I would like to share a very good one, especially for the beginning of the influenza process. It is able to bring a great improvement by preventing the cold from turning into a more serious condition.

Allium Cepa

allium-cepa-homeopathy

  • Allium cepa homeopathic medicine is suitable for the beginning of colds with watery coryza. The typical secretions of Allium Cepa is a coryza and lacrimation which are burning and watery. Nose, throat,larynx and bronchi are affected.
  • Allium Cepa homeopathic remedy is indicated for seasonal changes that come with cold and wind, for flu and colds caused by sudden chills and cold drafts. A peculiar characteristic of this remedy is that the person becomes worse not only when exposed to cold temperatures, but also in a warm room.

Potency

Suggested potency: 6CH, 12CH or 30CH, 3 pellets every 2 hours up to four times daily, for a maximum of 2 days.  When taking homeopathy, if the symptoms persist after 2 days, a professional evaluation is necessary. It is important to increase the time between doses and stop taking it as you feel improvement. When complete cure is achieved, stop taking the remedy altogether.

Important: if the flu or cold have different characteristics from the ones mentioned above, the remedy indicated is not Allium cepa, and another remedy should be found, according to the symptoms presented.

Under the tongue

The pellets should be put under the tongue, directly from the vial, and allowed to dissolve slowly. Do not touch them. If necessary you can dissolve them in a little water to facilitate it’s administration.

Homeopathy-under-tongue-p

If it is liquid, you can put the drops directly under the tongue, or dissolve the drops in one tablespoon of water, and hold it for 10 seconds before swallowing.

Find more information about first aid remedies in the e-book “Homeopathic Remedies to Keep at Hand“.

This post is for educational purposes only, and it is not intended to replace medical treatment.

Maria Alves, DCHM, HOM
Registered Homeopath
#15222 – College of Homeopaths of Ontario, Canada
Classical Homeopathy
For in-person consultations in Toronto and Durham Area, please call 289-892-3011 or send an e-mail. Remote consultations over Skype available.

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