Flu Facts and Practical Advice
Influenza Facts
Annually, influenza is blamed for approximately 36,000 deaths and 114,000 hospitalizations in adults in the US.
People are contagious for 1 - 4 days before the onset of symptoms and up to 5 days after the first symptoms.
About 50% of infected people do not show any symptoms but are still contagious.
Prevention is the Key!
Respiratory "etiquette" is a way in which you can help keep yourself and others healthy by preventing the spread of harmful germs (or evil qi, in TCM speak). Be sure to follow the following etiquette guidelines:
The first and most important prevention tool is hand-washing. Washing your hands with soap and water is one way to clean them, but an even better way is to use an alcohol-based hand rub. Remember to do this after having contact with your eyes, mouth or nose, as well as any other contaminated objects or materials that you may have touched. The rule of thumb in hospitals and clinics is 15 seconds of washing.
Always sneeze, cough, or blow your nose into a tissue to catch the germs so they don’t get into the air. Do not forgot to throw used tissues away and wash your hands afterward.
Nutritional Help for the Flu
Garlic
Naturally occurring chemicals (allin, allicin, and ajoene) in garlic are believed to regulate mucus flow, and may be helpful for reducing congestion caused by the common cold.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a superb immunity booster. If taken at the first signs of a cold, it may keep the cold from fully developing and may produce a faster recovery. However, taking vitamin C does not prevent colds. Good sources of Vitamin C: Red Cabbage, Strawberries, Potatoes, Tangerines, Red Bell Peppers, Oranges, Kiwis
Zinc
When taken immediately at the first signs of catching a cold, zinc may weaken the cold virus, minimize the duration and the severity of a cold. Zinc is believed to promote a strong immune system by processing the essential fatty acids that encourage healing. Zinc lozenges are helpful for this purpose. Good sources of zinc: Barley, Chicken, Lamb, Wheat, Turkey, Oysters, Crab, Beef
According to The Tao of Wellness, the following foods are recommended:
ginger
garlic
green onion, scallions
cilantro
mustard greens and seeds
cinnamon
basil
grapefruit peel
soupy rice porridge
Try a tea made with garlic, ginger, green onion, basil or cinnamon. Induce a sweat by lying under blankets.
You should drink water to prevent dehydration. Water can help your body flush the invaders and the debris from their battle with your immune system. Chicken soup is recommended because it adds extra water and expels mucous to help you get rid of the illness. Try to drink an 8-ounce glass of water every hour. This is very important to help your body recover from the flu.
Chinese Herbs for Flu
At the first signs of flu, there are a few very good Chinese herbal patents that can help alleviate the symptoms and speed the healing. A classic Chinese formula, Yin Qiao San, has been used for centuries for expelling Wind-Heat (the flu, in TCM speak). It is very effective if taken 12-24 hours after the first signs of flu appear.
One of the best precautions to take is to regularly take the classic Chinese herbal formula, Yu Ping Feng San. It strengthens the immune system and, thus, helps prevent infection. Some brands of this formula call it Jade Screen because it acts like a screen against the cold/flu virus.
For hacking cough Sheng Mai Sanshould be ordered by a herbal trained professional.
Herbal products available in my office!
Also, plentiful home remedies for individual cases!
Eating with the Seasons - Winter
Winter represents the most Yin aspect in Chinese medicine. Yin is the dark, cold, slow, inward energy. This is compared to the Yang of summer whose energy represents light, hot, quick, expansive qualities. The summer weather is warm, the days are longer and people are out being active. In TCM we believe that the diet in winter should be adapted to enriching yin and subduing yang.
Many people love winter. They feel energized with the coming cold and love to be out snowboarding, skiing and going for walks in the snow. For others, winter causes them to retract, stay inside and can cause some to feel sad or even depressed because of the lack of light and reduced physical activity. The good news is that winter can be enjoyed by everyone if we live, eat and exercise according to the season and pay attention to our body’s preferences.
Winter, in TCM, is associated with the Kidneys which hold our body’s most basic and fundamental energy. It is believed that by harmonizing oneself with the seasons you can stay healthier and prevent disease, so winter is a good time to strengthen the kidneys. Rest is important for revitalizing the kidneys, which is why some animals hibernate in winter. It is also a good time to look inward, reflecting on ourselves with meditation, writing, or other inward practices such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong. These practices help us to connect to our inner selves and help to support kidney energy. They are very helpful to relax the mind, calm our emotions and raise the spirit.
There are many foods that are beneficial for us to eat during the winter season. These foods are the ones that naturally grow in this season – squashes, potatoes, root vegetables, winter greens, mushrooms, apples, pears and citrus fruits. In winter, our bodies need warming foods like soups made with hearty vegetables, and rich stocks cooked with animal bones are best. Foods that specifically nourish and warm the kidneys are: black beans, kidney beans, broths cooked with bones, lamb, chicken, walnuts, chestnuts, black sesame seeds and dark leafy greens. A small amount of unrefined sea salt is also helpful as the taste associated with the kidneys organ is salty, but remember, moderation in all things is important.
The principle of harmony between what we eat and the season is based on hundreds of years of practical experience. It may seem strange, but the fact remains: you are what you eat. The food that we consume has a profound effect on the body, affecting our health and wellbeing. Foods become part of the body after being consumed (internal) and the weather and environment have an effect on us externally. Chinese dietary philosophy suggests that you embrace native foods along with eating locally grown, organic and chemical free foods that grow in season. According to TCM the thing about the modern diet which is unhealthy, is that we are able to eat foods all year round that may be grown unnaturally with the use of pesticides rather than ones grown naturally for only part of the year. This is the way nature intended us to eat. Eating natural foods that grow in season is what our bodies are designed for and prefer. This is one of the main ways that Chinese Medicine guides us on how to remain healthy all year long.
Flu Facts and Practical Advice
Influenza Facts Annually, influenza is blamed for approximately 36,000 deaths and 114,000 hospitalizations in adults in the US. People are contagious for 1 – 4 days before the onset of symptoms and up to 5 days after the first symptoms. About 50% of infected people do not show any symptoms but are still contagious. Prevention is the Key! Respiratory “etiquette” …
Posted on: 01-7-2018
Posted in: Esoteric Acupuncture
Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear)
Otitis externa (commonly called swimmer’s ear) is a common inflammation, irritation or infection of the outer ear. The “swimmer’s ear” term comes from the fact that exposing the ear to water for extended periods of time can produce otitis externa. The most common symptom is ear pain. If you suspect swimmer’s ear, see your doctor and he will advise you …
Posted on: 06-10-2017
Posted in: Accupressure, Complete Wellness, Esoteric Acupuncture,Integrative Medicine
A Smart Guide to Sun Protection
As you may have heard or read, the Food & Drug Administration has decided to extend the compliance date for the sunscreen labeling and testing requirements from this summer to the end of 2012 for major sunscreen brands. The requirements will ensure that sunscreen products are clearly labeled as to their broad-spectrum protection and sun protection factor (or SPF), and …
Posted on: 06-10-2017
Posted in: Accupressure, Complete Wellness, Diet, Esoteric Acupuncture,Integrative Medicine
Special Gifts for Mother’s Day 17′
Celebrations of mothers and motherhood can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele, but the clearest modern precedent for Mother’s Day is the early Christian festival known as “Mothering Sunday.” Treat your Mom on this special day to any of our 4 Facial deals: 1 micro …
Posted on: 05-8-2017
Posted in: Accupressure, Complete Wellness, Esoteric Acupuncture,Integrative Medicine
Micro needling for Scalp/Face/Neck & Décolletage
INTRODUCTION TO MICRO-NEEDLING & PRP The concept of micro-needling is based on the skin’s natural ability to repair itself when it suffers physical damage such as cuts, burns, abrasions or other injuries. Immediately after an injury to the skin, our body begins the healing process, triggering new collagen synthesis. The micro needling device/dermaroller that intentionally creates very superficial “micro-injuries” to …
Posted on: 11-17-2016
Posted in: Accupressure, Esoteric Acupuncture
How Acupuncture Can Help For for PTSD and Chronic Pain
With acupuncture having roots in Chinese medicine going back over 5000 years, it seems silly to choose such a title for this article. Yet, in the 21st century, it appears that the United States is only beginning to dive into the layers of possibility concerning deployment of acupuncture in many different areas. All too often, Western medicine’s view of acupuncture is …
Posted on: 04-22-2015
Posted in: Complete Wellness, Esoteric Acupuncture
Myers Cocktail in Orange County – Boost Your Vitality!
“Myers’ cocktail” is the colloquial name for an intravenous nutrient mixture invented by Baltimore physician John Myers containing magnesium, calcium, various B vitamins and vitamin C that is utilized as an alternative treatment for a broad range of conditions. We believe in the quick-acting and profound effects that IV-therapy can achieve- both vitality and preventive measures, as well as for …
Posted on: 10-8-2014
Posted in: Diet
10% off of herbal medicine and supplements
A little promotion for my Facebook fans – 10% off of herbal medicine and supplements, and no tax! Like BiOrient on Facebook, and the next time you come recieve 10% off: https://www.facebook.com/OrangeCountyAcupuncture Keywords: Buy herbs and supplements in Orange County, organic supplements, Integrative medicine
Posted on: 04-24-2014
Posted in: Complete Wellness
BiOrient Integrative Clinic – Fertility Acupuncture Orange County & Natural Child Birth
Pregnancy is a very profound and life changing event in anyone’s life, much more than just a physical occurrence. The decision to bring another human being into the world is a major life transition with huge responsibilities attached. It is important that responsible choices as per the health and development of the baby are made. It is very common for …
Posted on: 04-17-2014
Posted in: Natural pregnancy
Acupuncture and Asian Medicine +TCM: A Brief Introduction
Today, in most western cultures, acupuncture, TCM and Asian medicine are considered “new alternative” medicines. In reality, acupuncture and Asian medicine are practiced medical treatments that are more than 3,500 years old. Simply put, acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles, (sometimes in conjunction with electrical stimulus), on the body’s surface, in order to influence physiological functioning of the …
Posted on: 01-14-2014
Posted in: Esoteric Acupuncture,Integrative Medicine
It is rare to meet a person these days who does not have a concern about cancer. Between the constant headlines, to pink ribbons on everything, to hearing that Aunt Jane was just diagnosed, it is impossible to not be aware of cancer’s presence. The question is: what are you doing to actually prevent getting a cancer diagnosis? Or, if …
Posted on: 05-6-2013
Posted in: Complete Wellness, Integrative Medicine
People are always asking: Why should I go to see Dr. Csoka instead of some other acupuncturist or homeopath? So I’ve compiled a few reasons that come to mind: Dr. Csoka is a healthcare professional with over 30 years of experience: 10 years practicing as a pulmonary specialist in Hungary; 12+ years in cancer research/stem cell research in Sweden and …
Posted on: 03-6-2012
Posted in: Accupressure, Complete Wellness, Diet, Esoteric Acupuncture,Integrative Medicine
Benefits of Esoteric Acupuncture
One of the main goals of Esoteric Acupuncture is to present an expanded path of healing, using old tools (Traditional Chinese Acupuncture), resulting in raising consciousness, manipulating of frequencies and subtle energies through various methods (acupuncture, herbal medicine, electro-acupuncture, auricular acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, acupressure, reflexology, etc), and Esoteric Acupuncture is certain to become the most powerful forms of “New Energy …
Posted on: 03-2-2012
Posted in: Complete Wellness, Esoteric Acupuncture
Esoteric Acupuncture combines Chinese Five Element theory and Traditional Chinese Acupuncture theory with Hindu Chakra System, Sacred Geometry, Color Therapy and elements of the Hebrew Qabbalah to form an integrated workable system of energetic acupuncture that addresses more than the signs and symptoms of physical imbalances and disharmonies. Esoteric Acupuncture works simultaneously on the physical as well as the etheric …
Posted on: 02-20-2012
Posted in: Esoteric Acupuncture