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Obtaining and Maintaining Wellness and Optimal Immune Health during the current Covid-19 Pandemic / Feardemic

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Obtaining and Maintaining Wellness and Optimal Immune Health during the current COVID-19 Pandemic / Feardemic

Academy of Classical Chinese Medicine

INTRODUCTION

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is a novel pathogen, which means that those who contract it have no existing antibodies to raise a defence. For that reason, it remains imperative to continue practicing social distancing, wearing masks in situations where social distancing is not feasible such as on public transport and while shopping and to practice good hand hygiene, and cough etiquette.

It’s also important to keep in mind that a strong immune system will not necessarily prevent you from contracting COVID-19.

However, developing a strong and balanced immune system and promoting health and wellness can sustain your body as it familiarises itself with the new virus in the event that you get sick. Taking steps now to boost your immune health can also help you fight other common bugs such as cold or flu viruses. Eating nutritious foods, getting quality sleep and managing your anxiety and fear regarding the pandemic are meaningful ways to optimise your immune system.

Fear may be worse than the virus for the majority of people as everyone is at risk of contracting this virus. However bear in mind that the majority of people recover from COVID-19 without requiring special treatment.

Sun Si Miao, considered by many to be one of the leading patriarch’s of Chinese Medicine, stressed that the first thing to do in treating illness is to “modify the patients diet and lifestyle and only then, if these do not effect a cure, treat with medicinals and acupuncture.” So the first thing to examine when considering wellness and immune health is your diet.

IMPORTANCE OF SELF CARE

1. Nutrition / Diet

Nutrition is a critical component of your immune response. Poor nutrition can deteriorate your immune system whereas quality nutrition can be the foundation for strength. Balanced nutrition, can enhance your ability to resist infections and remain healthy. In addition, modest amounts of each of the following six essential vitamins and minerals will help to keep your body healthy.

Vitamins and Minerals	Dietary Information	Sources
Vitamin A	This fat soluble vitamin helps to regulate the immune system and protects against infections by keeping your tissues and skin healthy. It’s also important for normal vision, helps the heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs to function properly.	Liver, Sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, spinach, broccoli, fish, cantaloupe, squash, eggs, cod liver oil and cheese.
Vitamin C	This essential water soluble vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that can boost the immune system by increasing white cell (lymphocytes and phagocytes) production which help protect the body against infection. It also helps white blood cells function more effectively while protecting them from damage by free radicals. Vitamin C is an essential part of the skin’s defence system by acting as an antioxidant and strengthening the skin’s barriers. It therefore also helps wound healing. People who have pneumonia tend to have lower Vitamin C levels, and supplements of Vitamin C have been shown to shorten the recovery time.	Oranges, grapefruit, broccoli, brussels sprouts, strawberries, blackcurrants, red bell peppers and tomato juice.
Vitamin D	It’s a very important fat soluble vitamin in both the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 as it modulates your T-helper cells and cytokine production. It also promotes T-regulatory cells, which are responsible for anti-infectious action, for suppressing immune responses, and for limiting inflammatory processes. Recent studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency that was not sufficiently treated was associated with an increased risk for COVID-19 infection. As many Irish people have a deficiency in Vitamin D (due to not getting enough sunshine) it is advisable to take Vitamin D supplements in the form of Vitamin D3).	Salmon, sardines, egg yolk, shrimp, mushrooms, fortified milk, fortified cereals, fortified yogurt and breads.
Vitamin E	This fat soluble vitamin is another powerful antioxidant that may help reduce free radical damage and also slow the ageing process of your cells.	Sunflower seeds, dry roasted hazelnuts, almonds and peanuts, green leafy vegetables, butternut squash, mangos, avocados.
Magnesium	Increasing your intake of magnesium is recommended when taking vitamin D supplements as it helps activate vitamin D. All the enzymes that metabolise vitamin D seem to require magnesium. Magnesium activates more than 600 enzymes and influences extracellular calcium levels. It is essential for the stability of cell function, RNA and DNA synthesis, and cell repair, as well as maintaining the antioxidant status of the cell.	Avocados, nuts, legumes, seeds, whole grains, fruits such as prickly pears, passion fruit, guavas, bananas, papaya, blackberries, raspberries, grapefruit and dried figs.
Zinc	This mineral is required for DNA synthesis, helps your immune system, metabolism and growth. It may reduce inflammation and the risk of some age-related diseases. It is important in wound healing and your sense of taste and smell.	Meat (beef, lamb, chicken), shellfish, beans/legumes and nuts/seeds, oats, spinach, asparagus.

2. Good Metabolic Health

Although there is no universally accepted definition of metabolic health, it may be characterised as having appropriate levels of blood sugar, triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol, waist band circumference and blood pressure.

a) Support your Gut:By supporting the disease fighting bacteriophages in your gut by eating foods with probiotics, such as Greek yogurt, garlic, turmeric coriander, onion, ginger, seaweed, and fermented foods such as kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, pickles, miso, tempeh, kimchi, certain cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, gruyere, gouda, parmesan and cottage cheese and sourdough bread.

b) Time Restricted Eating:(Intermittent fasting) One example of this is to eat breakfast / lunch at 12 noon, and finish dinner by 8pm. Fast until the next day at noon (16 hour fast). Do this every day.

There are numerous health benefits from time restricted eating including improvements in blood pressure, levels of HDL and LDl cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and insulin resistance. In addition, time restricted eating reduces markers of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, It obviously helps with weight loss, it reduces inflammation and improves overall metabolic wellbeing and immunity.

c) Herbs: Traditionally herbs have been used as natural treatments for various diseases, including viral infections. Herbs commonly used as antivirals include:

Astragalus or Milkvetch (Huáng Qí)
Ginger (Shēng Jiāng)
Sage (Dan Shen)
Fennell (Xiao Hui Xiang)
Oregano (Niu Zhi)
Echinacea (Zi Zhu Hua)
Garlic (Da Suan)
Ginseng (Ren Shen)
Peppermint (See Bo He)
Basil (Luo Le)
Rosemary (Mi Die Xiang)
Lemon Balm (Xing feng Cao)
Liquorice (Gan Cao)
Elderberry (Jie Gu Mu)
Cinnamon (Rou Gui)
Dandelion (Pu Gong Ying) and Turmeric (Yu Jin)

d) Hydration:Keep well hydrated and drink adequate amounts of water and avoid excessive consumption of coffee, sugary drinks and alcohol as it can act as a diuretic and reduce hydration. Avoid alcohol as much as possible as it undermines your immune system and health by depressing immunity and virus resistance. Both Chinese and Ayurvedic Medicine recommend that you sip warm water throughout the day as it keeps your body healthy and hydrated. It also improves digestion, removes toxins, relieves congestion and promotes relaxation.

3. Cannabidol (CBD)

Researchers from the University of Chicago report that Cannabidol (CBD) a compound produced by the Cannabis plant has the potential to prevent and inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection. CBD and its metabolite 7-OH-CBD potentially block the replication of the virus in lung epithelial cells. CBD acts after cellular infection, inhibiting viral gene expression and reversing many effects of this virus on host gene transcription. CBD induces interferon expression and up-regulates its antiviral signaling pathway. This study highlights CBD as a potential preventative agent and therapeutic treatment for the early stages of infection by Covid-19.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33758843/

4. Light Therapy

EmitBio, a medical device company, is seeking FDA approval for a handheld rechargeable-battery operated devices, that shine targeted wavelengths of safe, visible LED light into the throat. Early research results suggest that this product not only dramatically reduces the amount of measurable SARS-CoV-2 virus, but also stimulates the body’s natural defenses. It can inactivate viral particles before they infect cells, as well as inhibit their later growth.
“A 99.9% mean reduction in the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 was seen which will also have a significant impact on secondary community transmission.”
https://www.biospace.com/article/releases/emitbio-treatment-broadly-effective-against-coronavirus-variants/

5. AIR Purification

a) Essential oils, which have host of health benefits, may be used in purifying your indoor air. Many essential oils have antiviral, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that are very effective in removing these pathogens when dispersed in the indoor air. Essential oils can also inhibit the growth of airborne bacteria and viruses and also help in aromatising the indoor atmosphere.

From the perspective of Chinese Medical Aromatherapy, Master Jeffrey Yuen recommends the following blend in a diffuser for Covid-19.

Thyme Thymol: This essential oil is one of the most powerful natural antimicrobial and antiviral agents known. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the US states that all natural cleaners with Thymol can kill Coronavirus.
Bergamot: This oil helps to elevate mood and alleviate stress. It is also an antiseptic.
Eucalyptus Radiata: This is a cooling, refreshing, and energising oil. Lighter in smell than Eucalyptus Globulus, but has similar properties. It helps support a healthy respiratory system and to ease breathing. Used in many cold remedies.

Use: Just add a few drops of Thyme Thymol, Bergamot and Eucalyptus Radiata oils in a diffuser every 3-4 hours.

Other essential oils commonly used to purify the indoor air include:

Peppermint
Lemon
Lime
Red Mandarin
Lemongrass
Jasmine
Lavender
Chamomile
Cinnamon Leaf
Nutmeg
Basil
Tea Tree
Pine, Spruce and Fir
Ylang Ylang

b) House Plants

A number of studies have shown that house plants clean the air in a closed limited indoor environment by removing harmful gases called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These gases are xylene, benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene and carbon monoxide. The best house plants for removing VOCs include:

Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Philodendron
Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix Roebelenii)
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Rubber plants (Ficus elastic)
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata v. Bostoniesis)
Areca palms (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
Pineapple Plant
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Dracaena “Janet Craig” (Dracaena Deremensis)
Ficus/Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
Snake Plant/Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Aloe Vera (Aloe vera or A. barbadensis)
English ivy (Hedera helix)
Flamingo Lily/Fleur (Anthurium andraeanum)
Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

House plants have many health benefits, such as reducing stress, boosting mood and enhancing productivity and creativity.

IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL / EMOTIONAL CARE

1) The Feardemic

The incessant media coverage of the Global Pandemic has created a Global Feardemic. So many things have changed so abruptly. Suddenly everyone in the world is at risk of contracting COVID-19. For many people this is a terrifying prospect However, it could be argued that the contagion of Fear may be worse than the virus for the majority of people. Bear in mind that 80% of people recover from COVID-19 without requiring special treatment, and for the majority, especially children and young adults, illness due to COVID-19 is generally minor. Many are asymptomatic.

There is a real risk, COVID-19 disproportionately affects older people and people with underlying health conditions. Around 1 in every 5 people who are infected with COVID-19 develop difficulty in breathing and require hospital care. People who are aged over 65years, and people who have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, heart disease, hypertension, respiratory disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, moderate to severe asthma, cystic fibrosis, cancer, dementia, obesity, chronic liver and kidney disease are among those who are at greater risk.

Ultimately however, most people will not be severely impacted by COVID-19 and yet, many find themselves obsessing about the virus, engaging with the news 24/7, clicking on every alert. They are looking for reassurance and certainty, something to allay their fear. But as there is no certainty to be found, this constance reassurance seeking simply creates more fear perpetuating a cycle that may have considerable impact on health and well-being.

2) Chronic Fear and Anxiety

Hundreds of research studies over the past fifty years have demonstrated the relationship between stress (anxiety and fear) and immune system responses. Acute stressful situations, lasting minutes, are associated with a potentially adaptive increase of some parameters of natural immunity and a decrease of some functions of specific immunity. Acute anxiety and fear, tend to suppress cellular immunity while preserving humoral immunity.

Humoral immunity arises from the activity of antibodies directed against foreign agents (antigens) in the the tissues or circulating in the blood, whereas cellular immunity works inside infected cells, where it destroys the pathogens or microorganisms by the process of lysis by releasing cytokines. Humoral immunity displays a quick response against pathogens whereas cellular immunity is slower in action.

Chronic anxiety and fear, which is currently a global phenomena, causes suppression of both cellular and humoral immunity — which in turn increases vulnerability to the virus and other pathogens and disease.

Chronic anxiety and fear may also elicit prolonged secretion of cortisol, to which white blood cells mount a counter-regulatory response by down-regulating their cortisol receptors. This in turn reduces the cells capacity to respond to anti-inflammatory signals and allows cytokinins-mediated inflammatory processes to flourish. The so called “Cytokine Storm” in Covid 19 denotes a hyperactive immune response where the levels of released cytokinins are injurious to host cells and is associated with detrimental outcomes.

3) Stress Management

As challenging as this is during this pandemic / feardemic, there are numerous ways to reduce stress and maintain wellbeing, including walking in nature, playing with a pet, meditation, massage, develop a positive self-talk habit, Yoga, Tai Chi Chuan, practicing gratitude, aromatherapy, relaxing music, escape to a book, enjoy a bath with essential oils and/or epsom salts, engage with something creative / artistic, gardening as a wonderful de-stressor, sing or/and dance. Find what increases your sense of connection to yourself, others and the world around you and practice these activities often as possible.

4) Sleep

Sleep is one of the most important health behaviours for optimal immune function, mental and physical health, and quality of life. Poor quality of sleep is associated with a higher susceptibility to illness. I would recommend 7 or more hours sleep for adults, 8-10 hours sleep for teens, 9-12 hours sleep for school age children. If you are having difficulties sleeping, try limiting screen time for at least an hour before bed as blue light emitted from your TV, computer, and mobile phone suppresses melatonin and may disrupt your body’s natural circadian rhythm (wake-sleep-cycle). Avoid stimulants such as caffeine, energy drinks and chocolate six hours before bedtime. If possible go to bed at the same time every night and sleep in a completely dark room or use a sleep mask.

5) Activity

Moderate intensity physical activity is associated with better immune function, lower levels of anxiety and perceived stress. Physical activity helps to mobilise your white blood cells by increasing blood flow and it is also a great de-stressor. Regular exercise also reduces chronic inflammation which is important in protecting yourself against disease. It also boosts your T-cells which are responsible for destroying invading pathogens.

BRIEF CHINESE MEDICAL PERSPECTIVE

SARS-CoV-2 the current coronavirus pandemic has spread rapidly to more than 200 countries. It causes a viral pneumonia that is extremely infectious and pathogenic. By establishing an integrative system combining both Chinese medicine and Western medicine, China has achieved good clinical efficacy in the prevention and control of the pandemic.

The advantages of Chinese Medicine in the treatment of COVID-19 include effective relief of symptoms, retarding the development of symptoms from mild and moderate to severe, improvement of cure rate, reducing mortality rates, and promoting effective rehabilitation. The National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China have issued treatment guidelines that provide corresponding herbal prescriptions for patients depending on the stage and severity of their symptoms. Recent studies from hospitals in China support the efficacy of Chinese medicine in providing continuous prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

Chinese medicine has many modalities of healing including Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Nutrition & Dietetics, Massage, Tuina, Moxibustion, Cupping, Gua Sha, Aromatherapy,Tai Chi Chuan, Qi Gong, Daoist Meditation (Microcosmic and Macrocosmic Orbit, Zouwang: Sitting and Forgetting).

ACCM offers a number of public lectures by the Daoist Priest – Master Jeffrey C. Yuen on wellness and healing from a Daoist Healing Arts /Chinese Medicine perspective.

Macrocosmic Orbit – Da Zhou Tian
Microcosmic Orbit – Xiao Zhou Tian
WuJi Qi Gong
Wellness through the Seasons – living in accordance with the guiding principles of the seasons
The Six Healing Sounds
Zouwang: Sitting and Forgetting Meditation
A Heart-Centred Approach to Wellness
Empowering the Self to Confront Illness
All Diseases are Rooted in the Spirit
Dealing with Emotional Issues
The Healing Process
Healing through Daoism:An approach based on the early Roots of Daoism/ Shamanism
What Now? Life after Cancer – staying well after the surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are over

For further information on these lectures: https://accm.ie/public-lectures/