Can Wellness Practices Help Fight Off Illness?

As COVID-19 continues to spread through China’s vast population, many are turning to traditional medicine as a means of alleviating symptoms of the virus. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient holistic healing method that encompasses a variety of practices and therapies, such as acupuncture and cupping, to treat internal imbalances that cause illness and disease. 

According to Liu Qingquan, director of the Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, TCM can “solve fever, sore joints, fatigue, cough and other symptoms.”

Many users of TCM are convinced of its usefulness, with some studies suggesting it can help alleviate symptoms. In the United States, TCM is gaining traction as a cure for treating modern problems stemming from political and social upheaval, including the COVID-19 pandemic. With that being said, it is important to take care of the overall wellness of our bodies. 

Daily demands and pressures can cause us to lose sight of the importance of caring for our bodies as we get caught up in responsibilities. The following wellness practices can help us develop healthy habits to maintain a strong body and healthy lifestyle. 

Stay Hydrated

Drinking a sufficient amount of water is essential for maintaining good health, as it plays a crucial role in several bodily functions. Proper hydration helps regulate body temperature, prevent infections, deliver essential nutrients to the cells, cleanse the body of toxins, and increase energy to keep organs functioning efficiently. The nutritional benefits of water can be further enhanced by adding slices of fruits or vegetables such as lemon, berries, oranges, or cucumbers.

Healthy Eating

The food we ingest plays a significant role in our physical and mental health. Therefore, it is important to understand the connection between food and wellness. Consuming nutritious foods can improve health and prevent illnesses, while poor food choices might have detrimental impacts on our bodies. TCM supports eating seasonal, organic, and locally grown foods. This concept, called The Five Elements, is believed to balance the effects of nature through the alignment of taste, temperature, color, and seasons to support specific organ functions.

Physical Activity

By incorporating physical activity into your daily routine, you can improve your overall well-being and enjoy the many benefits that come with it. Regular exercise can help to increase bodily strength, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, as well as promote mental and emotional health. Staying active can take many forms, and the key is to find activities you enjoy complimentary to your lifestyle. Stretching, walking, running, cycling, swimming, dancing, and playing sports are all examples of some great options. 

Herbal Remedies

Herbs offer health benefits and are utilized to treat various health conditions. Often made from natural plant compounds, herbs possess medicinal properties and are often rich in antioxidants to protect cells from harm. Herbal remedies are frequently practiced to treat illness-related symptoms. An example of these remedies is herbal tea, which may contain healing ingredients such as ginger for nausea or migraines, turmeric for inflammation or pain, and echinacea for coughs or sore throats.

Massage TherapyMassage therapy entails restorative healing powers. Massage therapy is a restorative practice that improves mental and physical health by reducing pain, aches, depression, anxiety, and stress. Remedial massage therapy is a form of TCM that uses pressure to treat damaged tissues and alleviate pain. The aim of remedial massage therapy is to activate the body's natural healing process by addressing the root cause of the problem and relieving accompanying symptoms.