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Seed or Soil?
Have you ever wondered why when a cold or flu comes around some people get sick and others remain healthy? Consider the idea of the seed versus the soil. All gardeners know that plants that thrive in one type of soil will wither in another. Some seeds prefer an acidic environment, while others need alkaline. Some do well in a sandy terrain; others need a rich topsoil.
This model applies to our bodies and the germs that attack us. If we compare the germs to seeds and our bodies to the soil we get the idea that some germs have an easier time growing and spreading when introduced to certain individuals. Rather than relying on antibiotics—the equivalent of weed killers—isn't it preferable to maintain our bodies so that they naturally resist invading pathogens?
So, how do we help our immune system protect us from the bacteria, viruses, fungi and more that would like to move in and take over? Unfortunately there is no magic bullet that will protect us from every pathogen. Practically everything we do affects out health either positively or negatively. One of the keys to good health is making sure the positive influences outweigh the negative ones by a healthy margin. To begin with we need to assess our lifestyle including the food we eat, the exercise we get, the amount and quality of rest we achieve and, perhaps most importantly, the amount of stress in our lives.
There is much truth in the old saying you are what you eat. Are you a Big Mac or a Veggie Burger with sprouts? While there is no one dietary regimen that is right for everyone, there is ample research to show a diet high in saturated fat, refined sugar, salt and alcohol contributes to many of the health problems we face as a nation. On the other hand eating lean protein, complex carbohydrates and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables will provide our bodies with the raw materials they need to stay strong. Also, a good multivitamin and mineral supplement serves as nutritional insurance that we are covering all our bases.
While exercise is important in maintaining health, too much can be as harmful as not enough. I have seen patients who were very depleted who insisted on jogging every day to get that runners' high. I'm not saying we should all be couch potatoes. Some folks can run the Bay to Breakers backwards, and the same race has caused others to drop dead. As far as I'm concerned, walking is still the safest, easiest and most natural exercise for most people, and it provides a good workout for the circulatory system. Half an hour to 45 minutes daily is a good start.
Sleep may be one of the hardest areas to regulate. Often we don't get enough for a number of reasons: we're too busy, or we're so worried that we can't fall asleep and/or stay asleep. Studies show that people who are chronically sleep deprived develop a sleep deficit that affects everything from our reflexes to our IQ. Having a regular routine, avoiding caffeine late in the day, getting regular exercise and simple relaxation exercises can all help promote better sleep and adequate rest.
Finally, stress: it's everywhere! The pace of our society has gotten so sped up. As Gandhi said, "There is more to life than going fast." Stress may be inevitable, but we have a choice as to how we deal with it. Psychologists distinguish between good stress (eustress) and bad stress (distress). The only difference is whether we feel in control of a situation or we feel it makes us feel helpless. For example, imagine a roller coaster ride. Some people feel exhilarated, and some people feel terror. The physical experience is the same, but the perception is what's different. The more we can overcome our fears to embrace challenges, the less distress we'll suffer and the more eustress we'll enjoy.
By now you are asking yourself, "How does Chinese medicine address these issues?" Chinese medicine always seeks to restore balance. The primary focus is moderation. This applies to what and how much we eat, how much we exercise and how much we rest. Too much is just as bad as too little. We are all unique individuals, so what is appropriate for one person is not going to be true for everyone. By tuning in to our bodies and paying close attention to our needs, we can figure out what is enough.
Acupuncture helps this process in a number of ways. First, acupuncture relaxes a stressed–out nervous system. Research has shown that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins and other neurochemicals that promote tranquillity. It also helps to balance the body's energy—bringing it back into homeostasis, the allopathic term for dynamic equilibrium. Just the experience of acupuncture is therapeutic. By taking the time to relax and focus on the body during a treatment, people begin to become more aware of the places where we store our tension.
My patients often describe their experience of acupuncture as floating on a cloud or the most relaxing part of their week. Regular acupuncture treatments help to keep us in touch with how we are doing. They help to smooth off the rough edges, regulating our nervous and immune systems so we are better able to overcome the stress and strain of everyday life. By strengthening our body's own ecosystem we resist the seeds of illness.
© 2003–2008 Larry Forsberg. All rights reserved.
Articles posted on this Web site are for personal use only and remain the property of Larry Forsberg, L.Ac.
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