The benefits of meridian therapy are numerous. Nowadays, due to lack of exercise and unhealthy diets and lifestyles, many people suffer from various health problems. Therefore, many people turn to meridian therapy for treatment because it has no side effects. So, what health preservation methods are beneficial to the body?
Diet
Drink hot beverages. Regularly drinking hot beverages can prevent colds and alleviate the discomfort caused by colds. The reason is that the aroma and steam from hot drinks stimulate the production of saliva and other mucus, thereby relieving respiratory dryness and enhancing the body's resistance to disease. In winter, good choices for hot drinks include green tea, black tea, lemon water, and chicken soup. While the drink is still very hot, hold your nose about a fist's width away from it and breathe in it. Drink it when it's cool enough to drink; this can enhance its antiviral and antibacterial effects.
Eat fermented foods. Fermented foods contain probiotics that can inhibit inflammation and control bacterial growth. A study published in the American journal *Clinical Nutrition* also indicated that daily intake of a certain amount of probiotics can reduce the risk of disease by 27%. Eating fermented foods regularly in winter can boost immunity and prevent colds. Professor Shen Yanying, an expert at the China Health Education Center, told reporters that yogurt is particularly effective in preventing disease among fermented foods. Yogurt not only enhances immunity and produces antibiotics, but also regulates intestinal flora, preventing constipation and diarrhea. It's best to buy plain yogurt, as fruit-flavored yogurt often contains too much sugar.
Chewing gum can not only freshen breath but also help prevent illness. Xylitol-containing gum can prevent Streptococcus pneumoniae from establishing a foothold in the body and reduce the risk of viral infections of the sinuses and ears. However, excessive xylitol intake may cause diarrhea, so it's best not to eat too much each day; xylitol can also raise blood sugar, so diabetics should consume it with caution.
Eat more ginger. The components in fresh ginger can inhibit viruses that attach to respiratory cells, reducing their replication ability and thus preventing respiratory diseases. Yang Li points out that most winter colds are due to wind-cold. Ginger is warm in nature and has the effect of relieving exterior symptoms and dispelling cold. It can be boiled into ginger soup or stir-fried. It should be noted that it is best to peel ginger when boiling it to enhance its warming and exterior-relieving effect, while it is best not to peel it when stir-frying to preserve its medicinal properties.
Drink less alcohol. Many people believe that drinking a little alcohol in winter will warm them up and prevent colds. However, recent research shows that excessive alcohol consumption may trigger a surge of cytokines, causing inflammation and fever. After drinking, blood vessels in the skin dilate, blood circulation accelerates, and a large amount of body heat is lost through the skin. This not only fails to keep you warm but also makes you more susceptible to colds. Therefore, it's best to drink less alcohol.
Drink green tea. The polyphenols in green tea can destroy and inhibit influenza viruses, preventing infection. In experiments, participants who consumed green tea extracts had a 23% lower chance of contracting the flu, and even if they did get infected, the duration of the illness was reduced by 36%. Green tea is slightly cooling, so it shouldn't be too strong in winter. It's suitable for those prone to heatiness or with a hot constitution, as it helps to reduce internal heat. However, those with a cold stomach should drink it sparingly.
Eat deep-sea fish. Studies show that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish can promote the production of infection-fighting cells in the body, and have a certain effect in preventing and treating respiratory infections. Sardines, salmon, tuna, and other deep-sea fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, so it's best to eat them twice a week. Walnuts and flaxseeds are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and can be eaten in moderation.
Life
Get vaccinated. The best way to prevent the flu is through vaccination, which stimulates the body to produce antibodies, protecting against the virus. Shen Yanying reminds everyone that the flu virus can mutate every year, so it's best to get vaccinated annually. Generally, it takes about two weeks for the body to develop antibodies after vaccination, so it's important to get vaccinated before the flu season begins.
Moisturize. Winter weather is dry, and with the added effect of heating or air conditioning, indoor humidity is often insufficient. When indoor humidity falls below 40%, the respiratory tract becomes too dry, weakening its antibacterial properties. Once dust and bacteria adhere to these surfaces, respiratory illnesses can easily develop. Furthermore, influenza viruses thrive in dry environments, multiplying faster there. Therefore, it's best to keep a hygrometer at home during winter. When humidity is too low, use a humidifier or a damp mop to maintain indoor humidity between 40% and 60%.
Sunbathing. Regular sun exposure helps prevent the flu and colds because it helps maintain higher levels of vitamin D in the body, reducing the risk of respiratory illnesses by half. Adults should aim for 30 minutes to 1 hour of sun exposure daily, with the best time being between 10 am and 4 pm. Seafood, dairy products, eggs, and mushrooms are rich in vitamin D and should be consumed in moderation.
Avoid touching your nose and eyes. People who habitually pick their nose and touch their eyes have a 41% higher risk of respiratory infections than those who don't, because viruses can enter the body through the nose and eyes. It's best to wash your hands before touching your face. If you really can't resist, use your knuckles instead of your fingertips to massage your face, as there are relatively fewer viruses and bacteria on the knuckles.
Wash your hands frequently. Frequent handwashing effectively reduces bacteria on your hands and helps prevent colds. Wash your hands thoroughly before meals, after using the toilet, after returning home from public places, and after handling money, nasal mucus, phlegm, or saliva. Use soap or hand sanitizer and rinse with running water. Pay special attention to cleaning your index fingers, palms, and forearms, which tend to harbor more bacteria. After washing, dry your hands with a paper towel. If using a towel, clean and disinfect it regularly. Fingernails are a breeding ground for bacteria, so keeping your nails trimmed is also important for preventing colds.
Sports
Practice yoga. Practicing yoga can improve the body's immune function. Gentle stretching movements can help prevent illnesses such as colds, flu, and pneumonia, and can also relieve symptoms such as muscle aches and sinusitis caused by colds. When practicing yoga, it is best to wear soft yoga clothes that are tight on the top and loose on the bottom, and lay a yoga mat on the ground. Don't be too strict about perfecting the movements; proceed gradually to avoid sprains.
Moderate exercise is beneficial. Any form of exercise can help prevent colds. Exercise stimulates adrenaline secretion, reducing the risk of catching a cold by 27%. Warm-up activities are especially important in winter due to lower temperatures; the duration can be extended to 10-15 minutes. Insufficient warm-up can easily lead to muscle strains and joint sprains. Yang Li points out that Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes the importance of "closing and storing" during the three winter months. Exercise should be moderate and gentle, just enough to feel a slight warmth in the body. Avoid excessive exercise and profuse sweating, as this can deplete vital energy and give viruses and bacteria an opportunity to invade. Walking, yoga, and Tai Chi are particularly suitable for winter.
Meditation. If yoga is gymnastics, then meditation is excellent mental exercise. Try meditating while practicing yoga; the combined mind-body benefits can be doubled. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison point out that meditation can help maintain focus and calmness, relieve stress, and prevent viral and bacterial infections.
