The flu seems to pop up more often when it's cold out. Even though the cold doesn't directly cause the flu, there are a few things about winter weather that make catching the flu more likely. These include both the environment and how our immune system acts when it's chilly.
How Viruses Stick Around and Spread in the Cold
Flu viruses love it when the air is cold and dry. Winter's low humidity makes these viruses more stable, letting them stick around longer and upping the chances they'll spread.
Research shows that chilly air helps viral particles in droplets stay in the air longer, which means people can breathe them in more easily.
Winter Affects Both Mood and Immunity Together
In winter, feeling down or stressed can mess with your immune system. When you're stressed all the time, your body struggles to make the cells and antibodies that fight off colds and flu. Plus, when it's cold, we tend to skip outdoor workouts, even though they boost our mood with endorphins and help keep our immune system strong.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Emotions and Organs Are Connected
According to TCM, our emotions are really linked to how healthy our internal organs are and how well our Qi, or vital energy, is flowing. Excess anger or stress stagnates Liver Qi, leading to tension and weakened immunity.Prolonged grief or sadness can weaken Lung Qi, reducing the body’s defensive barrier (Wei Qi).Overthinking drains Spleen Qi, affecting digestion and overall vitality.Chronic fear depletes Kidney Qi, diminishing the body’s resilience.Prolonged emotional imbalances can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to illnesses such as the flu.
Using Acupressure to Tackle the Flu, Keep Your Emotions in Check
Acupuncture can kickstart the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” mode), helping you chill out and relax. It can also balance stress hormones like cortisol, bringing a sense of calm. Hitting those acupuncture points releases endorphins and other “feel-good” chemicals in the brain, which lift your mood and give your immune system a boost.
Here's a bunch of acupressure points you can try out on your own.
LI4 (Hegu)
• Location: On the back of the hand, between the thumb and index finger.
• Function: LI4 is a powerful point for boosting immunity, releasing exterior pathogens, and alleviating flu symptoms such as headache, nasal congestion, and body aches.
LU7 (Lieque)
• Location: On the wrist, about 1.5 inches above the wrist crease on the thumb side of the forearm.
• Function: LU7 is effective for treating respiratory symptoms like cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion. It strengthens lung function and expels external wind pathogens.
ST36 (Zusanli)
• Location: On the lower leg, about four finger-widths below the kneecap and one finger-width to the outside of the shinbone.
• Function: ST36 is a vital point for boosting immunity, strengthening digestion, and improving overall energy. It’s often used to prevent illness by enhancing the body’s resistance to pathogens.
Yintang (Hall of Impression): Located between the eyebrows, this point calms the mind and reduces anxiety.
HT7 (Shenmen): Found on the wrist, it soothes the heart and alleviates stress.
Align with Seasonal Rhythms, Strengthen the Kidney Meridian
In winter, the Kidney is the dominant organ. Support emotional balance by staying warm, resting adequately, and engaging in reflective practices to conserve energy.
KI3 (Taixi): Located near the inner ankle, this point helps strengthen kidney Qi and improve vitality.
Ren4 (Guanyuan): Found below the belly button, it nourishes kidney essence and supports reproductive and overall energy.
Or, you also can try moxibustion; warming specific acupoints with moxa (a dried herb) can strengthen kidney energy and improve circulation.
When you balance your emotions, you boost your body's Qi and strengthen your immune system, which can help keep the flu at bay.
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