Fighting the Flu Nature’s Way
Fall in Arizona is rather unique: still quite warm, yet bringing definite changes in the weather. With this transition comes the possibility of illness and the need to boost our immune systems and maintain good health. The biggest threat this year is the pending possibility to contract influenza due to the national pharmaceutical shortage of the 2004-2005 flu vaccine.
Health care agencies are asking people to relinquish their flu shot to those in most need: the elderly, children, pregnant women and those suffering from immune deficient diseases. If you do not fall into one of these categories, naturopathic medicine offers some options to keep you healthy this season: the 5 Basics, IV Therapy and Hydrotherapy.
The 5 Basics are: wash your hands often, drink plenty of purified water, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, get enough sleep, and avoid sweets and stimulants like chocolate and coffee.
Following these 5 basic steps to keep your body healthy will most certainly decrease the risk of getting the flu. To boost your immune system, try utilizing IV Therapy and hydrotherapy. These treatments will increase your health status and give you great success in fighting the flu this season. IV therapies are especially important because they provide mega doses of essential vitamins and nutrients for maximum support of the immune response. This greatly boosts your immune system!
IV therapies can be given in as little as 30cc in 30 minutes or 500cc over 2-3 hours depending on the IV and the patient. The individual is seated comfortably and the practitioner inserts an IV needle to administer the solution. There is little to almost no discomfort receiving the fluid other than the initial stick. Individuals can expect a warm sensation of various description due to rapid receipt of very high doses of vitamins and minerals. Potential side effects are lowering of blood pressure and increased desire to urinate. As with any blood procedure (administration or draw), possibility of lightheadedness or rapid pulse (vasovagal) varies from person to person from their apprehension to needles. Most people feel a tremendous energy surge within 2-3 hours that lasts 4-5 days. In all cases, IV therapies are physician delivered or supervised.
Constitutional Hydrotherapy stimulates the circulation of the blood and lymph, eliminating wastes, and replenishes white blood cells that fight infection. This helps you rid yourself of unwanted and dead cells that do not help you battle the flu and promotes the growth of cells that do. Constitutional Hydrotherapy is a very relaxing and stimulating treatment lasting about one hour. The patient lays wrapped in sheets and wool blankets with alternating hot and cold wet towels placed on the chest and back with electrical stimulation. Alternating heat and cold with current stimulates the body's vital force, lymph and blood to increase body temperature over time (low thyroid patients) and rejuvenate creation of white and red blood cells which are both essential for fighting infection and creating energy. There are no side effects unless the person does not leave warm and dry, in which case they become susceptible to fever and chills. Some feel energized after a treatment while others feel as though they want to sleep, depending upon the status of the liver and whether they are undergoing detoxification while experiencing the treatment. Most sleep very well the night after the treatment.
Every person has a unique makeup and requires individual care. By employing these Naturopathic therapies, you can get yourself healthier and substantially decrease the possibility of getting the flu this season.
This article was written by Dr. Ave Sims ND, as a patient education resource for The Center For True Harmony Wellness and Medicine. Edited and revised by Sherry VanGoethem, Dr.Christine Brass-Jones OBGYN, and Dr. Denise Quance Grobe N.D. If you have any questions or comments contact the office at (480) 539-6646 or through email at info@trueharmonywellness.com
