Needless to say, diet, sleep and good breathing/exercise are all paramount in maintaining good health and strengthening our immunity.

Diet: 
• Choose food with strong Qi: Be sure to be eating fresh vegetables/fruit so that you are getting plenty of vitamins and minerals. Avoid processed foods, additives and sugar. Eat a balance diet and avoid extremes (rich, greasy, refined foods) 

• Eat with the seasons: Eat fresh in-season foods where possible. In order to optimise the benefit of the nutrients from our food, our diet should be adapted according to the seasons. In winter, our body needs warmer foods with more protein such as soups and stews to keep us warm and energised. In the spring/summer, a lighter, cooler diet is better, using steaming, grilling or stir-frying to cook food.

• Avoid rushing your meals. Whilst eating, be mindful - taste the food and focus on it (rather than on your phone or the TV) 

• Have 3 regular meals a day and don’t eat late into the evening as the food will be difficult to digest, which is likely to disturb sleep. In Chinese Medicine, the organs are thought to be stronger and weaker at different times of the day and night. The digestive organs are strongest between 7am and 11 am so best not skip breakfast.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water or warm herbal teas; avoid alcohol, coffee and fizzy drinks (which are full of sugar).

Move/exercise:

• Make the most of your daily exercise outdoors especially whilst the sun is shining (it’ll give you a good dose of vitamin D). 

• Move your Qi. The detoxification system in the body (the lymphatic system) depends on movement to operate, so exercise in moderation to ensure the toxins in your body are draining properly (regular body brushing can also help). 

• Consider taking up Tai Chi, QiGong or yoga 

Sleep: 

• Turn off your devices at least 1 hour before bedtime and avoid watching anything too traumatic before going to bed to allow for a more peaceful night’s sleep. 

• Remember that there are a lot of good meditation apps out there these days which will help with anxiety and stress (these emotions compromise the immune system). 

General well being tips:

• Keeping our brains engaged is always good for mental health… whether you choose to do puzzles, crosswords, read books, or do sudoku. 

• Practicing gratitude regularly is well known to be good for mental and physical well-being all round.

• Last but not least... 'Laughter is the best medicine'!

Michelle is an experienced, highly qualified traditional acupuncturist and a fully registered member of the British Acupuncture Council. She offers a top quality one-to-one acupuncture service tailored to an individual's needs.

She operates from a complementary health clinic in Guildford town centre and treats privately in a relaxing environment at a peaceful clinic on the outskirts of Guildford in Surrey.  She also does mobile work as needed. Both clinics are easily accessible within Guildford itself and from the surrounding areas of Surrey including Cranleigh, Godalming, Farnham, Woking and Farnborough.

If you would like to know more about acupuncture and how it might help you, contact Michelle on 07775 122754 or email acupunctureme@btinternet.com.