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Many people wonder how they can stay well
this winter, considering the onset of the flu season
and the fear of a possible influenza epidemic.
Fortunately, acupuncture and Oriental medicine
provide proven steps toward preventing illness
and maintaining good health in cold weather.

We hear about so many people catching the flu -
but in reality it is only a portion of those exposed
to a virus that get sick. Why? According to Oriental medicine's
teachings, our bodies get sick when we are in a
weakened state. It is only when our immune
systems are weakened and our bodies are out of
balance that we are vulnerable to sickness.

Acupuncture originated in China between
3,000 and 5,000 years ago. It corrects imbalances
in the body's energy systems that cause illness.
Practitioners of Oriental medicine identify Qi
(pronounced "chee") as the life giving energy
that needs to flow freely through the body for
good health. Integrated with a wise lifestyle,
Oriental medicine can help prevent illness.

Here are Five Tips for Avoiding Illness This Flu Season:

1. Exercise a little bit everyday. Exercise moves the
lymphatic system, thereby helping to detoxify the poisons
in your body.

2. Keep warm. Make sure your neck and chest are
protected from wind, drafts and cold. Use a scarf
around your neck when going outside and wear turtle neck
shirts or sweaters. The neck is an area where wind
can invade the body and cause sickness. The Oriental
medical perspective is that wind invasions make people
more vulnerable to developing colds and flu.
Always keep your feet warm and dry.

3. Get adequate sleep and relaxation. Your body is
vulnerable to stress without enough rest. Think about
doing some deep breathing exercises to help relax and
unwind at the end of the day. Use stress-reduction
methods like Qi Gong meditation or yoga.

4. Eat smart. Avoid refined sugars (processed
food and baked goods, alcohol, etc.). A diet of
refined or simple carbohydrates (white sugar,
white bread) raises the body's Ph and allows
bacteria, mold, yeast and fungi to thrive. Simple carbohydrates
suck up the nutrition your body needs to
detoxify, nourish and build new cells and
antibodies. This makes you MORE susceptible to illness.
Vitalize your nutrition by eating more fresh, organic
foods and less processed food. This food has
more "Qi" in it.

5. Get Acupuncture. When you get regular
acupuncture treatments (as little as once per month)
it actually boosts your immune system. Acupuncture
strengthen the "Wei Qi" or the protective energy
that safeguards us against colds and flu.

Use these Five Tips for Avoiding Illness to keep your
body strong and healthy this winter. You
can resist illness, the flu or the common cold.

For more than 19 years Steven Sonmore helped people transform their health problems into solutions for attaining better health. Steven is a licensed acupuncturist, Oriental bodywork therapist and herbalist. He offers complete health care with acupuncture, Chinese herbs, nutritional counseling, Oriental massage, and facial rejuvenation. He is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. For more information visit http://www.orientalmedcare.com or write to info@orientalmedcare.com or call 612-866-4000. Copyright 2005 by Steven Sonmore. All rights reserved.