The hot summer days are winding down, and the back-to-school season is underway. Parents and students alike are gearing up for a busy and exciting school year ahead. Amidst the hustle and bustle of school schedules, extracurricular activities, and social events, the risk of contracting illnesses increases. Studies indicate that children’s school clothes can harbor up to 28 times more germs than a household toilet seat, making resilient immunity vital.
A strong immune system is the best defense against illnesses that can derail academic progress or family well-being. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), immunity has been a central focus for centuries. There are many preventative solutions that can keep students and families healthy and happy throughout the school year.
Key TCM Principles for Boosting Immunity
What exactly does boosting immunity entail when it comes to Traditional Chinese Medicine? Several principles and factors go into it. When addressed in combination, you can keep yourself and your family healthy in school environments prone to germs.
Nourishing the Spleen and Stomach
The spleen and stomach are responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients. A healthy digestive system is crucial for immunity, as it provides the body with the necessary building blocks for its defense mechanisms. Foods and herbs that tonify the spleen and stomach, for example, ginseng, astragalus, and Chinese yams, can help support immune function and provide the body with a solid foundation and barrier against illnesses.
Balancing Qi and Blood
Qi and blood represent the body’s vital energy and nourishing fluids, respectively. When Qi and blood are in balance, the body’s immune system functions optimally. When either falls out of balance, the body is more susceptible to viruses and infections.
Dispelling Pathogenic Factors
TCM recognizes various pathogenic factors, such as Wind, Cold, Heat, and Dampness. These can invade the body and disrupt an otherwise healthy immune function. It’s crucial to consult an experienced TCM practitioner to determine which factor is leading to your weakened immune system and help address the issue.
Lifestyle Tips for Boosting Immunity
A new school year is a critical time to incorporate healthy lifestyle habits and practices that can help you and your household stay well. With an unsanitary school environment and cold and flu season approaching, now is the ideal time to prepare yourself by making some easy changes to your routine.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods, for example, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Seasonal whole foods are always a healthy option, so focus on late summer and early fall vegetation, including yams, cabbage, kale, and broccoli. Adjust your diet based on any pathogenic factors that you identify. Limit your consumption of processed sugars, alcohol, and caffeine.
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is essential for immune health. Send children to school with water bottles so they can sip throughout the day. and pack hydrating foods like watermelon in their lunches. Adults should also drink plenty of water.
Exercise Regularly
Ensure children get plenty of time to play and stay active outdoors, as regular physical activity can help boost immunity, reduce stress, and balance blood and Qi. Even low-intensity exercises such as walking, yoga, and Tai Chi are excellent ways to energize the body and boost immunity.
Get Enough Sleep
Adequate sleep is crucial for proper immune function. Did you know that children need anywhere between 8 and 13 hours of sleep per night, depending on their age? Without proper sleep, they’re at a greater risk of getting sick at school.
Manage Stress
Research suggests that stress can weaken your immune system. Engage in stress-reducing activities, such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga, to help mitigate the negative impact of stress on the body’s defense system. If children are feeling overwhelmed at school, do what you can to lighten the load and remove some stress from their routines.
TCM Supplements for Back to School
As the back-to-school season approaches, consider incorporating TCM supplements into your daily routine to support immune function. Always consult with a qualified TCM practitioner before adding herbal formulas to your family’s health and wellness routine. A practitioner can help you find the right formula for your unique situation. With that in mind, there are a few popular options that support immunity.
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Rehmannia Six Formula) nourishes the Yin and supports immune function, making it ideal for people with Yin deficiency or chronic dryness. It can also help with fatigue, which may be beneficial as you readjust to a busy school schedule.
Yu Ping Feng San (Astragalus & Siler Formula) is also known as the Jade Screen Formula. This formula strengthens the immune system by fortifying the body’s defensive Qi. It’s particularly useful for preventing respiratory illnesses such as the flu and the common cold, both of which can spread widely in schools during late autumn and winter.
Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Combination) harmonizes the body’s Qi, reduces stress, and supports immune function. It’s beneficial for people with stress-related illnesses or weakened immune systems, but can also be used for general immune support.
If none of these formulas is right for you, there are plenty of other immune-boosting options that your TCM practitioner can prescribe.
Stay Healthy This School Year With TCM
As students head back to school, boosting immunity is crucial for the entire family. A healthy immune system amounts to improved grades, productivity, and overall wellness. Don’t let common illnesses ruin the back-to-school season! By incorporating TCM principles, herbs, and supplements into daily life, students and parents alike can support their immune systems and thrive throughout the school year.
At KPC Herbs, we’re committed to helping families and practitioners support health year-round. Explore our catalog to find the highest-quality TCM formulas trusted worldwide.
*Please note: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is not intended to suggest specific treatments for patients or that any supplements mentioned prevent or cure diseases or problems. Before taking any herbs, all patients should discuss their options with a licensed practitioner, including any other medications the patient is currently taking, as there may be contraindications between pharmaceuticals and herbs.
