HELP! I'M GETTING SICK!!
A Naturopathic Survival Guide to Cold and Flu Season
by Holly Fennell, ND
As evening darkness arrives earlier and the temperature drops we are reminded that cold and flu season is here. Nobody likes to get a cold or the flu. The question is what can you do to protect yourself? As Naturopathic Doctors we have unique treatments that can help protect you and your family. The first step is listening to your body's signals. It may be a sense of fatigue or a tickle in your throat that serves to indicate an impending illness. Many colds and flu's can be helped with simple bed rest; your co-workers will thank you for not spreading the infection. Think of it as a ticket to a day in bed to rest and read a good book!
While it is important to remain hydrated, it is also important to know what to drink. Avoid drinks high in sugar like pop and sweetened juices. If you drink juice dilute it with water. Ginger tea can help with nausea; peppermint tea may help with an upset stomach. Hot water and lemon will help to break down mucous and phlegm.
Bacteria and viruses love an acidic environment, so start by eliminating acidic foods such as red meat, sugar, alcohol and caffeine. Vegetable broths, vegetarian protein sources (e.g. lentils, beans, tofu) and flaxseed oil help to alkalinize your digestive environment, making it easier for your immune system to fight back. Eating raw garlic has been proven to be very effective against bacteria, viral and fungal infections. Vitamin C is vital in these conditions both to support the immune system and your adrenal glands and to directly fight viral replication. Your Naturopathic Doctor can help you figure out how much you to take for your specific condition. Hydrotherapy treatments are very effective and easy to do at home - all you need is water and a pair of socks! See the end of this article for instructions.
To book an appointment, or a complementary 10-minute consultation to learn more about Naturopathic Medicine, please phone Redhawk Healing Arts at (416) 481-8031. As your Naturopathic Doctor, I look forward to meeting you and helping you through the cold and flu season. Yours in Health, Holly Fennell, ND.
"WARMING SOCKS" COLD & FLU TREATMENT
The "Warming Socks" Treatment is a simple hydrotherapy technique that is especially effective for relieving nasal congestion overnight (frequently better than medications and without the side effects). It also stimulates the immune system, improves circulation relieving headache and chills, and deeply relaxes the body to bring on a more restful night's sleep. It is useful with people of any age from infants to the elderly. Clinical data shows that babies who are colicky or having trouble sleeping may benefit from this treatment.
Preparation This treatment requires a pair of cotton socks and a pair of wool socks. They must be at least 90% cotton and 90% wool, respectively. Most sporting goods stores and some department stores carry wool socks. For small children you can use a rubber band to hold the wool sock on (make sure it is not too tight!) or rap wool cloth around each foot.
Step 1. Soak the cotton socks in very cold tap water and wring them out thoroughly. Place the socks close to the basin or bathtub used in the next step. Note: If your feet are already warm (e.g., you have already been in bed) you can skip to Step 3.
Step 2. Put your feet into a basin or bathtub of hot water to warm them up. Soak them for a few minutes until they are hot and pink.
Step 3. Remove your feet from the hot water and quickly dry them off. Immediately put on the cold wet cotton socks, and then over them, put on dry wool socks.
Step 4. Go directly to bed and keep your feet covered through the night. The treatment does not work if you or your feet are uncovered, such as when walking around or sitting in a chair uncovered.
When the procedure is followed correctly your feet will start warming up within a few minutes of getting covered in bed. Nasal congestion will usually start to be relieved within 30 minutes. In addition, it is not uncommon to see a small child or infant fall immediately to sleep after they are put to. After approximately four hours the socks should be totally dry, your feet warm, and symptoms much improved.
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Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
Email: Redhawk Healing Arts reception
3315 1/2 Yonge Street Suite 300
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
See our Privacy Policy
Photos and Design by Fluffco Many Media Design