Do you wish you could hibernate like a bear to avoid the inevitable cold or flu that comes with winter? Do you dread your children starting or returning to school because they come home with colds and spread it to the entire family? Do you travel to different time zones or perform shift work and get sick frequently?
If you answered “yes” to any or all of these, then you know there is much that can affect your immune system including breathing recirculated air in airplanes or when in the house in the winter months. Good news: Even with all this working against you, there are many ways to boost your immune system naturally.
1. Essential Oils – There are many oils with antibacterial and antiviral properties that can enhance your immune system and assist your body in staying healthy. Young children, as well as adults, can benefit as long as you properly dilute them and adhere to any precautions.
A few oils that are good for adults are:
- Niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora)
- Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
- Eucalyptus radiata
- All citrus oils
- Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini)
You can inhale any of them 2-4 times a day directly from the bottle, place 5 – 6 drops on a tissue and take with you or diffuse for at least 15 minutes twice a day. Apply 3% dilution ( 13 drops of essential oil in 15 ml of carrier oil) topically to neck and wrists 1-2 times a day.
It is better to alternate oils after 3-4 weeks to prevent sensitization and cover a variety of bacteria and viruses.
My children’s immune blend for ages 2-12 years: 2 drops Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) + 2 drops Lemon (Citrus limon) + 2 drops Eucalyptus radiata + 15 milliliters of carrier oil. This is a little less than a 1.5% dilution. Apply to the back or abdomen of the child once or twice a day. If used daily take a break after 3 weeks or skip the weekends and use it for 6 weeks.
2. Adequate Sleep – This is when your body repairs and rejuvenates itself. Research tells us 7-8 hours is optimal for most people. If you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep it could be affecting your immune system. If you are experiencing sleeping issues I have many options for assisting you in getting a good night’s sleep.
3. Keep your energy system open and flowing. Research supports the hypothesis that disturbances in the human energy field occur before the actual onset of symptoms or dis-ease. Performing the self-chakra connection one or more times a week can assist in keeping your energy field opened and balanced by decreasing stress, anxiety and promoting relaxation. It can even help you sleep better at night!
4. Keep hands away from the face, wash hands frequently especially after being out in public areas like the grocery store.
5. Listen to your body and think about what it is relaying to you. If you are feeling fatigued, why? Too little sleep, poor diet, or something else?
If you wake up with an ache or pain or it comes on without physical exertion it may be more emotional then physical. Think about what is going on in your life that could be contributing to your dis-ease. Are you feeling stressed at work? Perhaps you don’t feel heard or valued by your boss, spouse, family member or friend.
Humans are very complicated beings and we must address our body, mind, and spirit in order to live vibrant, happy, healthy lives.
If you need assistance staying healthy physically or emotionally contact me for a free consultation 510 381-3191, laurie@mindandbodymethod.com