As I write, my kids have been sick in bed for this whole week of Christmas. I’d like to shed some light to help you when you and your loved ones get sick. In this article, I will focus on short term illness such as common cold, flu, stomach bug, or bodily injury. The basic idea is to flip our attitude so that we embrace the sickness and thank our bodies for healing.
Between feverish naps on the couch, my three year old repeatedly asked me in a whiny voice: “Momma, how did I get sick?” And, “Momma, how could I get better”
How do we get sick? First there is a weakness somewhere in our body, which usually comes from us not taking care of ourselves. I am talking about the basics: getting plenty of sleep, drinking water throughout the day, washing hands, eating good quality foods and doing things we love. I also must mention that getting regular acupuncture treatments helps keep us strong.
Nevertheless, sickness is bound to happen. In the face of our weakness, a pathogen finds an opportunity to thrive, or we get injured. When symptoms appear, what would it be like to welcome them and know that our body is working? The body purges pathogens by producing phlegm or vomiting. Tiredness commands us to rest. Fevers kill off infections. Injuries slow us down so the body can heal properly.
So how do we get better? First and foremost, we must trust our body and thank it for what it is already doing. Rest up as soon as we start to feel sick and even when we start to feel better. Stay hydrated. Surround ourselves with love.
Over the counter medicines may help us feel relief from our symptoms, but they may also be suppressing the body’s ability to heal fully… kind of like sweeping the dirt under the rug. In my family we use acupressure, herbal remedies, essential oils, and homeopathy to aid our healing… kind of like putting soap on the scrub brush. In my Acupuncture office, we have the best success reducing the length and severity of an illness or injury when you receive acupuncture at least monthly and at when symptoms first appear.
I often tell my kids that they are healers when they watch a scab healing or when they are amidst an illness. We are all healers. Let’s remember that this cold and flu season and use our sick times to remind us to take care of ourselves every day so that we are less likely to get weak and get sick again. And let’s remember why we don’t like being sick. Besides for the discomfort, there is something of utmost value in our lives that urges us to be well and thrive. What is it for you?
Rachel Kriger is a Five Element Style Acupuncturist who works with kids and their grownups too. She is also a Life Cycle Ritual Consultant. Learn more about both services at www.pointsofreturn.com or call 215-495-3229 for a free consultation. This article is an expanded version of part of her E-Book: 5 Simple Tips to Keep Your Whole Family Well which shares some simple holistic medicine/lifestyle tips for families. To read this short and simple e-book, just visit www.pointsofreturn.com