is all about bringing balance to the body and it has a great effect on the immune system. It's no surprise that there are fantastic acupoints for helping you to adapt more easily to climatic changes so you'll stay healthy, even when the people around you aren't. 

Bl-45 "yi xi". This acupoint located on the back is one of the hidden treasures of acupuncture, used today only by those in the know. It's one of the best points for helping the body to quickly get rid of a cold and it has the special effect of restoring balance to our immune and nervous system. This point is great to use as preventative medicine when the weather has us feeling a little beat and need a tune-up. The Chinese name comes from the sigh of relief a person makes when it's treated and harmony is restored, "aaaah" we might say.

In many cases, essential oils are part of a plant's immune system and they are excellent for regulating our body's own defense. While in my clinic I can use a custom blend of oils made for your unique needs, here I'll recommend a safe but powerful blend for diffusing and as a pre-shower boost.

                      

We'll start with Rosemary. This is a warming, invigorating essential oil. In Chinese medicine, rosemary moves blood circulation and stimulates our defensive energies to come up and out to the exterior of our body to protect us. In terms of research, rosemary has been found to have chemical constituents which help the respiratory system to deal with colds and flus. Rosemary has also been found to stimulate the nervous system. 

 

                    

 will be the perfect complement to Rosemary.  Black spruce is another invigorating essential  oil. Like Rosemary, it boosts the immune  system. However, it also helps recycle our  energy, deepening our breathing and drawing  some of our energy in even as it helps kick  infections out.  

 This is the art of Chinese medicine, blending    together herbs that work together, but also  harmonize each other's functions. Black  spruce has also been found to be hormonally balancing, particularly for those with adrenal fatigue.

  

 

25 drops Rosemary

25 drops Black Spruce

 

Added to an organic carrier oil such as grapeseed, sweet almond or even olive oil to make 1 oz. total.

 

You can diffuse the blend with 15 drops in a water diffuser for 30 minutes as a balancing pick-me-up for your immune system.

 

Another way to use this blend is as a pre-shower rub. Take a few drops and massage it very well into your neck, upper back and the top and back of your shoulders. Once it has started to absorb into the skin, then take your nice warm shower and the hot water will open your pores to drive the herbal oil in deeper. This can make a great start to your day!

As always, use common sense if you have an allergy to one of these oils and feel free to contact me if you have any questions or for substitutions to this formula. 

You can find these essential oils at SunRoseAromatics.com.

 Christopher Dye of Manhattan Classical Acupuncture is  a nationally certified and New York State licensed  acupuncturist with a masters in classical acupuncture and  oriental medicine. His undergraduate degree was in  psychology from Columbia. Christopher's passion to offer the  highest quality of care for my patients has led him to  advanced training in treating pain, inflammation, reproductive  issues and stress. Just as important is the way he listens to  his patients and adjusts his treatments to their individual needs. 

Any questions, or to set up an appointment, just call or write.