We've all been there!. Adults average two to four colds a year, and the typical upper respiratory infection takes up to 10 days to clear.  BTW my clients average less than one per year. But that first sniffle, throat tickle, or cough doesn't have to be all doom and gloom. 

1. Pop zinc. It's not false advertising. Research shows taking zinc (the active ingredient in Zicam) lozenges, tablets, or syrup within a day of your first symptoms can reduce both their severity and duration. Taking a supplement regularly can help, too. 

2. Then find Zen. “When you're under stress, your immune system ends up under-reacting to viral and bacterial infections,” says Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, M.D., internist and past president of the American College of Physicians. Perhaps that's why University of Wisconsin researchers found mindfulness meditation training reduced the incidence, duration, and severity of a cold by 35 to 60 percent.

3. Jack up your H₂O intake and Neti Pot. “Hydration helps keep your nasal passages moist, so they can actually get rid of little particles from bacteria,” Dr. Fryhofer says.

4. Gargle some salt water. Evidence shows gargling with water a few times a day during cold and flu season may also help flush out bugs.

5. Pop a probiotic. In a recent study, probiotic supplements shortened the duration of a cold from 6 days to 4, made symptoms a third less severe, and halved the number of days subjects stayed home. Best one EVER: our own UF Balance here

6. Try an herbal remedy. There's evidence a little known chinese herb by the name of Yin Chaio can reduce a cold's severity, duration, and the number of days it knocks you horizontal. Like zinc, these drops should be taken at the first signs of sniffles. .

8. Pause your workout. Regular moderate exercise is best for warding off bugs, research shows. But once you've caught a cold, take a rest. “You just need to listen to your body,” Dr. Fryhofer says. “Don't try to push through it.

9. Get garlic breath. Used as a home remedy for its supposed antimicrobial and antiviral superpowers, garlic hasn't been formally studied much. However, some evidence shows it may ward off colds. Try our top garlic supplement order here or crush a clove with dinner.

10. Head to bed. Since sleep boosts immune function, that “pre-cold” may be a good indicator that you haven't been getting enough lately. A study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that people who slept less than 7 hours a night were three times more susceptible to colds than those who slept 8 or more hours per night. Need more help....schedule an appointment today!

10. Wet Laundry.

How can there be bacteria in the machine designed to clean our clothing? When clothes go into the washing machine, bacteria from one piece of clothing can easily transfer to another. Dangerous viruses like hepatitis A are also especially transferable. Using the hot cycle in a dryer has been found to kill off a lot of the remaining bacteria and is a good precaution. Bleach has been found to kill 100 percent of bacteria on clothing when paired with a hot drying cycle.

9. Money / Credit Cards.

These everyday essentials get handled by lots of people, and germs thrive on the surface of money or lurk  in the crevices around numbers  in case of credit cards. Since it's hard to avoid handling the literally dirty money, give a debit cards a quick cleaning with diluted alcohol wipe once in a while and let them air dry before placing them back in your wallet.

8. Kitchen and bathroom Faucets and Sinks.

WebMD reported that Faucets and sponges in kitchens harbor more germs than bathroom surfaces. In the Hygiene Council survey, kitchen faucet handles carried more than 13,000 bacteria per square inch and bathroom faucet handles had more than 6,000 germs per square inch. This is higher than most other spots in the home. WebMD recommends using a disinfectant spray cleaner every night after cleaning up.

7. Vacuum Cleaner.

These marvelous contraptions are designed to clean the home, but they can also be a central source of bacteria. “We looked at 30 vacuum brushes. Fifty percent contained coliform fecal bacteria and 13 percent E. coli,” a scientist told WebMD. “There's not much you can do about the brush,” he says. “Vacuum the cleanest areas first and the dirtiest last,” he suggests. That way, you'll be less likely to spread around as much bacteria.

6. Light Switches and TV Remotes.

These are places we often touch every day, and normally forget to sanitize. Many of us are guilty of grabbing an after-work snack and flipping on our DVR. Bacteria from many different sets of hands and the remnants of couch-potato snacking has probably accumulated into a ceste pool of germs. If a member of your household is sick it is especially important to wipe them down.

5. Your Toothbrush.

Do you store your toothbrush on the bathroom counter? Considering that flushing the toilet can cause germs to fly anywhere from 6-10 feet, you may want to reconsider. At the very least, keep your brush as far from the toilet as possible, and protect it in a plastic container or holder.
The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three months. Antibacterial soaps do little to kill the bacteria found on toothbrushes. To clean it, try running it through your dishwasher about once a week, since the high heat will help sterilize the brush. Finally, don't share your toothbrush with anyone, and avoid storing it in a communal cup or container. Store each brush separately in an upright position to allow the bristles to dry after each use.

4. Kitchen Sponges and Cloths.

Sponges make it easy to wipe up spills and messes, but they also make it easy for bacteria and germs to grow. Sponges stay wet long after they aren't being used anymore, creating the perfect environment for budding microbes to flourish. These pieces designed to clean other things may in fact be some of the most germ-infested parts of the home.  The recommendation is to run sponges through the dishwasher regularly and dish cloths through the washing machine. A recent study conducted by the Hygiene council showed that over 70 percent of kitchen sponges in U.S. homes failed a hygiene test.  WebMD reported that Cleaning cloths were the most contaminated items sampled by the Hygiene council. Thirty-one percent of cloths were contaminated with E. coli and 21 percent with Staphylococcus aureus. Watch out for your purse too.

3. Bathtub and Shower.

The Center for Hygiene and Health in Home and Community conducted an in-home study that revealed many bathtubs contain up to 100 times the amount of bacteria found in a trash can. Experts recommend disinfecting bathtubs and showers at least once every two weeks.

2. Workplace Desktop (PC, keyboard etc.)

According to the National Research Center for Women and Families, studies have found the average desktop has 400 times more bacteria than a toilet bowl. Since most people overlook this area for cleaning, germs that cause the flu and common cold are able to thrive and multiply. And what about the microwave handle and refrigerator door in the office kitchen? Office kitchens in general are very germy places, so you may want to take some precautions the next time you are heating up your lunch.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends regularly wiping down your desk with a disinfectant. Bleach or alcohol-based cleaners do the trick; antibacterial cleaners are not necessary. If you use the office kitchen, make sure to wash your hands with warm water and regular soap before and after eating your lunch. Washing your hands for 15 to 20 seconds is sufficient enough to kill off any harmful germs that may be lingering. Alcohol-based hand wipes and gel sanitizers also work when soap and water are not available.

1. Your Hands

Consider all the surfaces you touch over the course of the day. Then consider all the other people who have touched the same exact surfaces as well. Let's face it — our hands are dirty bacteria transmitters. They are the common link in spreading germs.
You may know that washing your hands is essential, especially during cold and flu season, but do you know how to wash them effectively? The CDC recommends washing your hands, front and back, for 15-20 seconds with regular soap and water (no need for antibacterial soaps–using these can actually cause adverse effects). A good rule of thumb is to recite the entire alphabet in your head from start to finish while scrubbing up. This is sufficient time to rid your hands of any harmful germs that may be lingering.

So, should we run around our homes sanitizing each and every surface? Probably not. Many germs in our homes are not dangerous. Consumers today are bombarded with cleaning products from every direction that encourage sterilizing the house and preventing illness, but in reality many of these germs are natural and good for our bodies. Children especially need to be exposed to many different types of bacteria from a young age in order to develop a strong immune system.
However, some studies show that up to 65 percent of common colds are picked up from bacteria transferred through household items. When anyone with a cold or other illness has entered the house, it may be a good idea to sanitize these ten household items in order to prevent spread of the cold or disease.

The University of Arizona and Kimberly Clarke recently reported some external threats as well:  Vending Machines, Mailboxes, Phones, Purses/Wallets automobile dashboards, children's car seats, cutting boards and TADA the worst ever...the airplane bathroom...

It is possible to build and protect our health so that we can live life optimally.  Radiant health is attainable, and we can maintain it once we have it.  Radiant health is attainable if we learn the secrets of living in accord with Nature's laws and take advantage of a few of Nature's tools.

Among the great “tools” discovered by humankind to aid in the attainment of radiant health are the Chinese tonic herbs, also known in Asia as the “Superior Herbs”.  The tonic herbs are the elite herbs of the Chinese herbal system, the most fully developed herbal system in the world.  The Chinese tonic herbs have always held a very special place in Asian culture. These very special natural substances have been associated with the highest qualities of living, and thus are associated with the ideals of long life, slow aging, glowing health, happiness, wisdom, physical vitality, adaptability, sexual vigor and response, mental acuity and clear intuition, love and compassion, and harmonious relations with Nature and with one's fellow human beings. By achieving these goals, one can be said to have attained true “radiant health.”

What distinguishes Chinese herbalism from other systems has been the attitude the Chinese and other Asian societies have taken toward health.  Putting the emphasis on promoting health, they have created a body of knowledge concerning the health-promoting tonic herbs that no other society or system has matched. Other healthcare systems have emphasized the remedial over the preventive.

The Traditional Three Treasures System of Healthcare

Jing, the First Treasure

The first “treasure” is known as Jing, which may be translated as regenerative essence, or simply as essence. Jing is fundamental to life. It is the deepest source of energy in the body and is associated with our genetics. Jing is also our long term energy and may be thought of as our reserves of life force. In Asia, Jing is associated with regeneration, longevity, youthfulness, deep long-term vitality, mental energy, the source of power for the reproductive system and for optimal functioning of the immune system. Jing energy also supports our skeletal system, renal functions and our ability to hear. Jing is believed to govern our courage and is the power behind our will.

Jing energy is depleted by living itself, but most especially by stress, excessive behavior, and overwork. Jing energy can be re-acquired and replenished through the consumption of certain rare herbs which contain this treasure.

Jing herbs are divided into two categories: Yin and Yang tonics. Sophisticated formulations have been developed over the centuries that build Yin and Yang energy and these are created by blending Yin herbs and Yang herbs in one's diet. The secret of rejuvenation and in maintaining our health lies in rebuilding the right balance of Yin and Yang

Yin herbs are deeply nourishing. They replenish spent Jing and build reserves that are stored in the body for future use. They are famed for their long term regenerative qualities. They are generally moistening and are believed to be youth preserving.  Yin herbs should be consumed by people who have depleted their yin reserves. Life itself depletes yin, and yin is constantly consumed as we grow older, until by middle age many people experience yin depletion. Besides aging, yin is also specifically depleted by stress, overwork, exhaustion, childbearing, excessive or chronic drug or medicine use, disease, excessive emotionalism and sexual excess. Those who are deficient in yin Jing tend to be chronically exhausted, and they tend to have dark rings under their eyes, backaches, weak kidney and reproductive functions, low resistance to infection, weak digestion and show signs of rapid aging, including dryness and wrinkling of the skin. Yin Jing herbs are capable of replenishing the treasure and building reserves for the future. Thus Yin Jing herbs are considered in Asia to be the cornerstone of rejuvenation and the foundation of longevity.

Yang herbs are deeply empowering. They rekindle the fire of life where it has been spent and invigorate vitality at the deepest levels. They are famed for their rejuvenating and deeply invigorating qualities. Yang herbs are used to build creative power, will power, sexual energy and athletic vigor. The result of consuming YangJing herbs is a renewed and sustainable youthfulness. However, Yang energy tends to be warm and invigoration and therefore requires Yin to maintain coolness and balance. Yang herbs should never be taken by a person suffering from Yin deficiency because the Yang herbs can further aggravate the situation by consuming the already deficient Yin Jing. If you wish to utilize Yang herbs, build up the Yin Jing first until all signs of Yin deficiency are eliminated. This may take some time, but regular consumption of powerful Yin Jing herbs will surely nurture the deep yin. Eventually Yang herbs can be consumed – and  that's when the real fun begins.

Some people may experience hot symptoms and dryness, and still be Yang deficient. It is possible to be both Yin and Yang deficient but to be more Yin deficient. This will result in what is known as “false fire,” where the person will experience heat, inflammation, low grade fevers, hot flashes, etc. These people will certainly need to consume a lot of Yin Jing herbs, but they may also need to consume a small amount of Yang Jing herbs if they also lack any power.

QI, the Second Treasure

The second treasure is known as Qi. Qi may be translated as vitality, though that term is an over-simplification. Qi is the energy of life that we acquire through breathing and eating and manifests as our day to day vitality. Qi tonics are also divided into two categories: Qi (Energy) tonics and Blood tonics. These Qi and Blood tonics are important in the maintenance of day-to-day health and vitality, our resistance to disease and our ability to cope with stress.

Qi tonics fortify the digestive, respiratory and immune functions and are necessary for true health. Qi tonics also help build muscle and develop muscular strength. Blood tonics help build blood and nourish all the tissues of the body.

It is said that “men are governed by Qi and women are governed by Blood. This means that men generally benefit by consuming more Qi tonics while women generally benefit by consuming more Xue tonics. This does not mean that men do not need Blood and women do not need Qi. It is simply a matter of natural balance. Everybody should consume some amount of Qi and Blood tonics regularly according to need.

SHEN, the Third Treasure

The third treasure is called Shen. Shen is the energy of consciousness and awareness.  Though there is no precise translation for Shen, it is often translated as Spirit. Shen is the vitality and stability of the mind and of the human spirit. A person with strong Shen is one who is calm and at peace, strong minded, aware, clear, centered, deeply intelligent and profoundly happy.

A person who is kind, generous and giving and who has a big heart is said to have a lot of Shen. Certain herbs have been found through the centuries to enhance this Shen energy. Shen tonics generally have a mild calming quality.  When combined into an herbal program that is taken daily, Shen tonic formulation will have profound effects on our state of mind and body.

Tonic herbs can be categorized as Jing (Yin and/or Yang), Qi (Qi and/or Blood) and Shen (opening and/or stabilizing) by virtue of which treasure(s) they tend to nourish and develop.

If Chinese herbalism sounds complex...IT IS!  Do not attempt to treat yourself with Chinese Herbs...

Your Life is Like a Candle

A simple, traditional analogy by which one can understand the Three Treasures concept is to think of life being like a candle.  The candle is you the oxygen is acupuncture which moves energy and fire is chinese herbs which create energy which can be moved by acupuncture.

If you are ready to explore radiant health give us a call at 847-577-4455 to schedule a free consultation as to how acupuncture and chinese herbs can enhance your health appearance and energy.

Have a healthy week!