By Dr. Eric Blake, ND, Diplomate in Acupuncture
Colds, flus, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc. – all of these infections are what we call Acute conditions. Acute infections respond very well to natural therapy and the naturopathic profession has an impressive record throughout the last century during the epidemics of influenza, polio,measles, etc. In the Fall 2007 newsletter we discussed the excellent results of the Naturopathic approach during the 1918 flu epidemic, you can read it again online on the Holistic Health newsletter page.
Prevention is always preferred to treatment. Having an immune support formula such as Congaplex, orImmuno-plus, or Bio-Immuozyme, along with Anti-Viral Herbal Dropson hand to take from time to time during the season, or at the first signs of a cold, or after exposure to someone ill is a very good idea. For prevention takeone dose (Congaplex 3 tablets, Immuno-plus 2 capsules, Bio-Immunozyme 2 capsules, Anti-Viral HerbalDrops 40 drops) one to several times a week. After exposure or at Holistic Health Primary Care.
Prevention
The highlights to remember for prevention
during the cold and flu season:
- End hot showers and baths with a brief cold spray – reduces colds and flus by 50%. (If you know your base organ system make sure the associated spinal level gets a good cold spray.Cardiovascular- Upper spine, Digestive – Middle spine, Hormonal – Lower Spine)
- Vitamin D and Calcium levels need to be high to prevent viral infections.
- Dress properly, keeping the feet warm and dry, the neck covered
- Eat appropriately, avoiding food intolerances, eating mineral rich broths, soups, and stews, minimizing sweets and candies.
Treating Respiratory Infections
Despite our best efforts we may come down with a cold, flu, sinus infection, or even bronchitis or pneumonia. Sometimes the body will even initiate such a process as part of a ‘house-cleaning’ reaction. The ideal therapeutic strategy is to help the body process the infection as rapidly as possible. If we catch it early enough it may just stop, if it breaks through our efforts, we will have encouraged it to run a more mild natural course than otherwise. In so doing we prevent evolving secondary infections or complications. Finally we want to complete the process in a manner that encourages ‘immune memory’ of the event so that future infections either do not occur or are much milder. It is usually best to formulate the plan at the bedside without the need of a separate office visit.
4-Part Naturopathic Treatment of Respiratory and other Infections
- Proper Diet and Fluid intake (Biochemical)
- Natural Medicines such as herbs, nutrients, homeopathics, etc. (Biochemical)
- Naturopathic Hydro and Physiotherapy, Spinal Adjustment, Lymph drainage (Physical)
- Rest and Positive Mental Attitude (Physical and Mental)