Boost your immune system naturally through TCM
Because thousands of years of Traditional Chinese Medicine health advice cannot be wrong
Byline: Eu Yan Sang
At the first sign of illness, many of us will mainline the mall and pile up on pills from regular chemists to boosting our immune system. Bed-pillows plumped, Netfix on tap and an MC at hand and we’ll back to optimum health after a few days of rest. But step away from modern-day medicine and you’ll find that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been making its way back into the mainstream thanks to the popularisation of a more natural approach to achieving health and wellness.
A healthy immune system is vital to ensure that your body is protected from harmful substances, viruses, and cell changes. With a good immune system, you may not even notice they are there, but if you do not have a strong immune system, the body will succumb to outside invaders and face bouts of illnesses.
Whether you’re trying to build up your immunity, keep your spirits up, or prep your body for 2021, TCM uses commonly used ingredients and follows its own principles to help you feel your best. Here, we’ve compiled a few simple tips to feel strong and healthy through time-tested knowledge.
Eat yellow foods
Seventy percent of our immune system is in our digestive tract, which makes gut health key. Apart from the theory of Yin-Yang (that all things exist as inseparable and contradictory opposites, for example, female-male, dark-light and old-young), TCM believes in the Five Elements theory of the natural world, which suggests that the spleen and stomach are under Earth, which is linked to the colour yellow. With that in mind, incorporate healthy yellow foods such as pumpkin, corn and yellow bell peppers into your diet.
A good supplement is Gastro-Immune Probiotics, available from Eu Yan Sang, which contain 10 billion active Lactobacillus plantarum per capsule, meaning that they help to improve gut absorption of essential nutrients and reduce the risk of infections. In short, they enhance your overall feel-good factor.
Exercise
According to TCM, Qi, or a person’s life force, needs to be in harmony with their environment to prevent illnesses from occurring. In Chinese medicine when someone is healthy and happy, we say they have good Qi. Regular exercise helps in the smooth flow of Qi with tai chi popular amongst TCM practitioners due to its combination of movement, breathing and meditation. There are local groups here in Singapore you can sign up with to learn in a park, where the fresh air also helps to provide energy and a clear mind. A nice brisk walk also opens up our lungs and feeds them with oxygen to liven up a healthy circulation and blood system.
Reduce stress
Stress directly affects the body as the stress hormone, corticosteroid, can suppress the effectiveness of the immune system. Unhealthy coping strategies can also have a negative impact on the body’s immune system. Following the Five Elements theory, the liver regulates our emotions. To ensure good liver-Qi flow and stress regulation, choose 100% natural and vegetarian Liva Max which will promote vitality, enhance body functions and improve immunity.
Have a restful night
Simply get some extra shuteye. Sleep is the time where the body releases protective cytokines and antibodies, which combat illnesses like the common cold or viruses. It’s a good idea to keep a regular sleep routine so the body knows when to wind down.
Having said that, sometimes it’s impossible to fall asleep comfortably when fighting illness as your immune system is so out of whack. Eu Yan Sang’s Hou Ning Plus is a specially curated formula that relieves cough and phlegm build-up. Take a sachet with warm water before bedtime and you’ll be well on your way to boosting your immune system as you count sheep.
All health products mentioned are available from Eu Yan Sang Singapore.
