Maintaining Health During Cold and Flu Season

School starts, the cool fall winds blow, and we find “cold and flu season” upon us in Minneapolis, 
Minnesota. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, the strength of an individual's 
vital energy or “qi” is an important factor in fighting off diseases such as colds and the flu. TCM offers 
guidance for preventing colds and the flu. Here are five practical steps that you can take to maintain 
your vital qi and therefore your good health this season:

1. Take care of your digestive system. Slow down to eat meals. Chew your food completely. 
For the fall season, focus on eating warm, nourishing foods such as soups and stews. An 
acupuncturist can suggest appropriate dietary choices for your individual needs.

2. Stay hydrated with warm water or herbal tea. During the dry season, our bodies need water now 
as much as ever.  Honey is often an appropriate addition to tea in dry weather. 

3. Get regular acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture is effective preventative medicine and 
can also help relieve congestion. Be sure to tell the acupuncturist if you have felt weak, “run-
down”, or are spontaneously breaking into a sweat—all signs that you need a boost to fight off 
an infection.
 4. Dress appropriately. Protect your neck and head with a scarf, hat, or hood.

5. Try deep breathing. Take a “breathing break” every 2-3 hours: sit or stand tall with your 
shoulder rolled back and down. Draw 5-10 deep breaths in and out. Deep, full breaths circulate
oxygen and blood, aiding the respiratory system towards optimum health.

Meghan Forrest, L.Ac. Acupuncturist at Spark Wellness