Dear [Patient Name],
We hope that you found our last email on Immune Health helpful. We have additional information that relates to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and several yoga poses. Hopefully you find it informative! Each point will aid in improving your immune system functions and will hopefully leave you feeling better down the road.
Stomach 36
- ST 36 can be found on the anterior (front) aspect of the lower leg. To identify the acupressure massage point, measure roughly four fingers below the kneecap on the outside edge of your shinbone. You will know you’re in the right place by flexing your foot back to feel the muscle below (the tibialis anterior muscle) begin to flex. Performing acupressure on Stomach 36 is like a Vitamin C shot for your body. It is one of the most effective acupuncture points for strengthening the immune system, recovering from fatigue and boosting endurance.
Kidney 27
- To locate this point, place your hands on either side of the depression on the lower clavicle bone. From here (with your fingers below the clavicle) separate hands approximately 1-2in horizontally (outward toward shoulders).
CV 17
- CV 17 can be found midpoint between nipples and sternum
Also did you know that moving your body is important for your health? Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints.
For many people, stretching falls under the umbrella of “things I should do more often, but don’t.” (See also: flossing, digital detoxing, and proper hydration). The immune system is like a highway, a network of channels and nodes that remove pathogens and deliver immune cells. This is done through a liquid called “lymphatic fluid”. To keep this fluid clear of blockages and working properly, you need to move your body. Stretching is a great way to stimulate circulation, flush your lymph system and strengthen immunity during flu season.
Here are some of our favorite yoga poses:
- Sphinx Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana)
- Revolved Chair Pose (Parivrtta Utkatasana)
- Standing Backbend (Anuvittasana)
- Eagle Pose (Garudasana)
- Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)
- Happy Baby (Ananda Balasana)
We hope that you find these poses helpful and that you enjoy them as much as we do.
If you’re hesitant about the ways of Traditional Chinese Medicine, remember that it has been around for over 3,500 years. As always, our goal is to allow your body to work as it should through the use of TCM. Call us at 516-935-0900 to schedule your appointment and keep your immune system functioning.
We’ll check in soon,
Dr. Doweon Park
