HEALTH TIDBITS OF THE MONTH AND SIMPLE IMPORTANT SUGGESTIONS DURING THESE TRYING TIMES:

Still Point Ayurveda is more than a wellness center. It offers direct Ayurveda holistic fully integrated healthcare, education, and support around well-being which includes considerations around encouraging increased immunity via digestive health, sleep, exercise, and overall stress management. For this, Ayurveda has a lot to offer and can prove to be a vital necessity during the stress of the current times.

1) Monitor your daily temperature. Make sure it is checked within an hour of waking but not while lying in bed or after drinking a hot/cold beverage, or eating hot/cold food, or even after a workout.

2) Check your own PulseOx (Pulse Oxygen) with one of those devices that do so, as is done by your primary care facility. You can purchase one on Amazon for around 20 dollars, and get it in a couple of days.

By doing so, you can examine whether there are any subtle changes that would increase the necessary awareness around potential symptoms during these times. Any subtle infection can/usually involves subtle changes in body temperature.

With regard to the PulseOx, since COVID-19 involves the respiratory system, any changes in oxygen can be observed as the condition progresses. Should oxygenation decrease and temperature increase, contact your primary care facility and follow the necessary protocols.

As per Ayurveda, we understand that Immunity is a product of its parts. These parts consist of the whole body working together and not just targeting anyone system to do all the work. There are no quick tidbits to boost immunity, so if you see anywhere being advertised anything as such this is a direct way of knowing that immunity hasn’t been fully understood. To develop immunity requires a concerted effort and over a period of time, not just a quick fix, spot treatment, or immediate cure-all of sorts. There’s no such thing and the body doesn’t work that way., so ignore these false claims and gimmicks and save your money. Additionally, according to Ayurveda, there is no one-size-fits-all but an individualized approach to how such things can occur that supports health more efficiently and accurately. Here are some suggestions:

a) Digestive health is important. Do not overeat or eat late at night.

b) Properly hydrate, not just with water but with electrolyte boosting agents. (See my hydration article HERE).

c) Proper rest/sleep, which means not staying up late (no later than 11) and up by 6/7, even earlier depending on your specific need and constitution.

d) Exercise from home, especially since gyms are expected to be closed. You can go in nature for hiking though. This can include yoga or other activities so you're not just sitting there all day. YouTube can help. There are various yoga studios around the city offering virtual/cyber classes.

e) Keep the Mind busy and productive. Meditation can be great and has many forms. There are online resources for virtual museum tours. Here is one for example: CLICK HERE

Skyping/Facetiming/WhatsApp-ing with friends and loved ones is good for the soul and keeping connected. Watch movies. Catch up on house chores. Start a bucket list. Remember that a calmer mind makes better decisions.

f) There are some Supplements to strengthen immunity such as Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin B too (good for the mind as well), Zinc, Elderberry, Astragalus, Echinacea, Turmeric, Goldenseal, Licorice, Chywanprash, Ginger, and Ashwagandha. Please remember that less is better and that by taking a lot of supplements you will actually have the opposite effect. Not all supplements are meant for everyone so use caution. Know what's right for you and keeping it simple is best!

9) Bodywork sessions such as self-massage and self-Marma therapy can be beneficial to supporting stress management which helps immunity as well. Set up an appointment with me by phone/skype, etc. to get a plan in place for you!

10) Importantly, keep a consistent daily regimen, known in Ayurveda as Dinacharya. This isn't any different than normal, especially when working under the guidance of Ayurveda. Keep your meal times, sleep times, exercise times, productive times and play times on a consistent schedule as much as possible. Getting off schedule can easily cause a decrease in health, which affects the immune system inevitably.

Click HERE for an amazing and more extensive details on daily practices and COVID-19 according to an American Ayurvedic approach and perspective.

DISCLAIMER: This information is meant for educational purposes only and not considered medical advice. Any changes in lifestyle should be reviewed by a qualified practitioner and/or primary care physician if you are currently under their care for specific conditions.