Self-Care
I think that most of us are ready for 2020 to come to a peaceful end. We are probably all looking forward to an easier 2021, share dreams about leaving the pandemic behind, and feeling more united as a people. Since the pandemic started in early 2020 many of us have experienced challenges we never thought we would have to face. Our entire way of being has been challenged in many ways creating a lot of uncertainty, fear, and stress. Self-care right now will not only make a big difference in how you feel but also how you will emerge from this crisis.
Why Self-Care Right Now
As individuals, we might differ in our responses to such challenges. But what we all share is the sudden exposure to great amounts of psychological stress. This takes a toll on our bodies. According to news and statistics, we have seen a spike in weight gain, depression, anxiety, and alcohol consumption. Along with this comes a sudden increase in heart-related issues like high blood pressure and heart attacks in 30-40-year-olds. This is a patient demographic that is usually not affected by such problems to this extend. I think the correlation is clear. Many of us have been pushed to the brink.
Acupuncture for Stress
Amongst my patients, I see many different responses to this new situation. Some express fear and sadness, some anger, while others seem unfazed. But what many people share is that they seem depleted and exhausted. Therefore I believe 
that self-care right now is more important than ever. With the flu season and wintertime approaching it is extra important to remember that although our bodies have an amazing ability to heal, it is now important to help it along to nourish us back to strength. Good food, herbs, and stress management go a long way. Good sleep and time spent in good company with friends and loved ones are key to coming out of these challenges stronger than before.
Acupuncture for Strength
In the last 2000 years, there have been over 320 large-scale epidemics in China between the Eastern Han and Qing Dynasty. In those times the Chinese people were decimated by the millions. Because most of this happened before the advent of modern medicine, people had to rely upon figuring out how to treat, control, and recover from these sorts of diseases with the tools that were available to them – mostly herbal medicines, acupuncture, diet, and some lifestyle modifications.
Acupuncture for the Immune System
Because epidemics were even more deadly and devastating then, people were keen on maintaining strong immune systems. Throughout these 2000 years, they developed a very sophisticated system of dietetics and herbal pharmacology that is still deeply entrenched in Asian cultures today. Moreover, some of these ancient remedies finally show their effectiveness in sophisticated scientific trials. In a recent study, 13 natural compounds that exist in traditional Chinese medicines were found to have potential anti-2019-nCoV activity.
Self-Care Through Ancient Wisdom
Acupuncture has been around for over 3000 years. It has been practiced and refined uninterrupted in various parts of the world ever since. Not only is Acupuncture exceptionally efficient to restore health and well-being, but it also offers unique and fascinating views on human physiology and insights into bodily functions. It’s a holistic system in the true sense of the word. Its therapeutic principles are not only based on acupuncture and herbology but also incorporate very intricate wisdom of dietetics, meditation, Qigong, Tai Chi, and other forms of exercise.
This is why this ancient solution continues to bring results. Remember that taking care of yourself during challenging times is what makes you resilient and leads you through it step by step only to emerge stronger than before. Even though it may seem selfish to you, caring for ourselves is what enables us to care for others. We are only as strong as our community. If you want to take care of others, you have to take care of yourself first.
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