Shingles, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Bell's Palsy, and Stroke
When I was in school, we learned that Spring was the season of Wind and brought on its own types of diseases, namely seasonal allergies, shingles, trigeminal neuralgia, stroke, and Bell's palsy. I remember thinking, "Okay, I'll believe you but this sounds really weird." This spring I have noticed a huge influx of these conditions in my practice. So what's going on? How are you supposed to prevent against something that seems like it comes from nowhere, often devastating the recipient?
Hard core action steps to take:
Do NOT let strong breeze through fans, A/C, or natural wind blow on your neck and face. It's the south, and we can't wait to get into our cars and blast ourselves with all the vents towards us but I am telling you this is a mistake.
If you are in a windy spot, put cotton in your ears or pull a hoodie up or have a lightweight sheer cotton scarf around your neck.
Watch your temper! Watch your stress! Say no to stuff you are not willing to do joyfully. Express anger and other feelings appropriately. Stop avoiding conflict. No one can take away your birthday, even if you tell them you're not coming to their parakeet's funeral and making your famous artichoke squares for the wake. Stop trying to please everyone.
Get some exercise! Yes, you. No excuses. No, I don't care if you don't feel like it. Feel free to whine and complain the entire time you're exercising. Everyone has time to take even a couple 10-minute walks a day. If you are ambulation impaired, get clearance from your doc to get a table-top pedal machine for cardiac exercise.
Monitor your blood pressure, especially if you get a little dizzy when you're really mad. This is serious. No, you can't "feel" your blood pressure. That's why it's called The Silent Killer. Spring has a naturally "upgoing" energy and we've got to keep an eye on it.
Cut out the spicy food and coffee. If you can't cut out coffee, switch to cold brew coffee, as it's less inflammatory. You can drink it hot if you like but it should be cold-brewed.
Drink water. Sip it all day. Don't chug it. When you chug water it's like pouring a gallon of water in a potted plant----it all just runs through. Keeping hydrated keeps your body cooler and when our bodies are cooler we keep our tempers better.
If you find yourself cranky and irritable, come in for a treatment or two. We'll get you on some herbs to smooth your Liver Qi, I'll give you some home care to do, and we'll get you on the right path.
If you have already encountered one of these conditions in the title, schedule a course of treatment ASAP. Plan on 1 or 2 treatments a week for 4 or 5 weeks.
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