SHIATSU TREATMENTS and QIGONG CLASSES through the pandemic and how to boost your immune system

by Nick Neter on March 17, 2020

With the latest advice from the Government to social distance and avoid any gatherings I have decided to stop doing Shiatsu treatments,cancel all my classes and workshops from tomorrow, Wednesday,17th March for the foreseeable future.I know that many of you will miss your Qigong classes, workshops and Shiatsu treatments. I hope that someday in the not too far distant future, the workshops, clinics and classes you enjoy so much and look forward to will be there for you to experience. In the meantime we must do all we can to ensure that those who are the most vulnerable receive the best possible support to maintain good health. As challenging as these times are, this is a wonderful opportunity to do some of those things you have been meaning to do for some time and never have the time to do, to build and support community,and be increasingly aware of the value and beauty of all the relationships we share….!

Thanks to Tess John for sharing these beautiful words by Kitty O’Meara.

“And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still. And listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently.

“And the people healed. And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal.

“And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.”

How we can boost our immune system

It feels good to do the best for your body in challenging times……Good health begins with what you put into your body….. here are some herbs, foods and home remedies that boost your immune system.

Vitamin C is an important vitamin for the immune system as it helps us make antibodies and immune cells to protect us against viruses and bacteria. Up your food intake of vitamin C by eating kiwis, citrus, green vegetables, cabbage and sauerkraut.

Vitamin A is essential for the integrity of mucous membranes in the body, especially the respiratory system. It stops bacteria and viruses from passing through the lining, causing inflammation and damaging cells. You can get vitamin A from orange and yellow vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, oranges), broccoli, spinach, kale, cod liver oil and eggs.

Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in helping our bodies to ward off infection. It helps our T cells (our “soldier” immune cells) to seek out foreign invaders and destroy them.
Food sources include cod liver oil, hemp oil, flaxseeds, bone broths, mackerel, salmon, Chanterelle mushrooms and egg yolks.
Zinc is a vital mineral required for over 300 processes in the body, including cell growth and repair. We need zinc for our immune systems to work efficiently. It helps our T cells to do their job and protects our cells from viruses. Food sources of zinc include oysters, chickpeas, lentils, beans, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, cashews and almonds.

Probiotics help to restore gut microflora, especially when there is an overgrowth of bad bacteria which may be contributing to lowered immune system function. Fermented foods can provide a good source of probiotics; eat kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha and kimchi.

Herbs to boost immune system
Here are some of our favourite immune-boosting herbs:

Echinacea is a go-to immune herb for many people and there’s a good reason why. Echinacea has immune enhancing and lymphatic properties making it an excellent herb for viral infections. It helps to increase your white blood cell count so your body can fight off infections efficiently.

Thyme is a fantastic antibacterial and antimicrobial herb which is great for clearing catarrh, coughs and sore throats.

Elderberry is indicated where there is a virus due to its immune enhancing and antiviral compounds. This is a nice herb to give to children as a tincture or a wild-crafted elderberry syrup.

Wild Cherry and Mullein are amazing lung herbs with antitussive and anti-catarrhal properties (to stop you coughing and reduce mucous); both are indicated for dry coughs, pneumonia and influenza.

Propolis is another great immune-boosting herb due to its antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant activity. It helps with most cold and flu-related symptoms including sinus pain and sore throats.
Herbs are best taken as a liquid herbal, tincture, tablet or capsule for therapeutic benefit.

A qualified herbalist is able to formulate a liquid herbal specific to you and the symptoms you’re experiencing.

Home remedies to relieve flu symptoms
Simple home remedies can be very effective for relieving flu symptoms. Here’s some we recommend:
Salt water gargles are perfect for sore throats. Use Himalayan salt as it contains less toxins and more minerals.
Head saunas/ steam baths. Add 3 – 5 drops of organic lavender essential oil to a bowl of steaming water before bed. Lavender is antiviral, antibacterial and sleep-promoting. It also gives mild pain relief. Avoid using citrus, eucalyptus or tea tree essential oils, especially with children and the sensitive elderly, as these oils are quite strong and can cause sensitivity.
Raw honey, lemon, ginger and garlic in hot water and sip. This immune tea works wonders!

Use one of our simple home remedies to soothe a sore throat, clear sinuses and relieve a dry cough. Make your immune health a priority to avoid getting sick.

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