VTL Tips: Boost Your Immunity With TCM For Safe Travels

WE COMBINE THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, MODERN TECHNOLOGY, AND PATIENT-CENTERED CARE FOR YOU TO THRIVE IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD. Share Thanks to the Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs), we can finally dust off the layer of dust on our passports and go on a vacation after being stuck in Singapore for more than a year. Under the VTLs, fully-vaccinated individuals can now travel to selected countries without having to undergo quarantine at the destination country and upon arrival back to Singapore. Individuals are instead required to take additional COVID-19 tests before departure, upon arrival at the destination country and when they return to Singapore. Undeniably, everyone is excited and scrambling to book their next flight. However, it is important to be well prepared for your trip, not just in the administrative sense but also in the physical sense. Having a healthy body and a strong immune system is essential for safe travels. Read on to find out how you can achieve that and prepare yourself for your VTL trip the TCM way. How to build up your immunity and prevent yourself from falling sick before and during the trip? Building up a strong immune system is crucial to prevent yourself from falling sick during the trip, thus, it is important to work on some pre-trip measures and pack immunity essentials to ensure that you are well-equipped for any health emergency. Try these TCM tips to prepare for your upcoming vacation: 1. Boosting your immunity pre-trip In TCM theory, our body houses a vital energy known as Qi, which is said to flow along channels called meridians to help our body maintain health. It is believed that the balanced movement of Qi powers, strengthens and heals the body. Thus creating a protective shield that protects you from external pathogens and other illnesses. TCM treatments such as herbal medication and acupuncture are used to maintain the balance of Qi in our body, thereby allowing the immune system to function optimally. Herbal Medication Herbal medication is typically prescribed as a unique formula that is suited to each patient’s constitution, which serves to balance the Qi in the body. Based on the patient’s symptoms, and diagnosis from their tongue and pulse, the physician would prescribe a formula based on the patient’s body conditions. In addition to balancing the Qi, there are some TCM herbs that can help to boost our Qi. A great example would be Astragalus Huang Qi (黄芪), which is most commonly used for tonifying Qi. It also has many other health benefits, such as its immune-boosting, anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory effects. [1] Pro-tip: Drink Huang Qi Tea To Boost Immunity Brew 1-3g of Huang Qi in up to 1.5L of water to make a simple immunity-boosting tea that you can drink on a daily basis. Acupuncture Acupuncture can also be used to balance Qi by stimulating various acupoints to either help nourish or move Qi in the body. One commonly used acupoint would be Zu San Li (足三里) (ST-36), otherwise known as the “longevity point”. Zu San Li has functions such as balancing the body’s energy, relieving pain and treating various ailments. Electro-Lymphatic Therapy(ELT) Our lymphatic system is crucial in maintaining a healthy immune system and is involved in our body’s detoxification process. When the lymphatic system is congested, detox process decreases, causing more waste to accumulate in the body which slows lymphatic circulation further. Over time, toxins in the lymphatic system accumulate and the body’s ability to fight diseases deteriorates, making us more prone to sickness. Electro-Lymphatic Therapy is a highly effective method to decongest the lymphatic system. By improving lymphatic circulation, toxins, wastes and harmful pathogens can be effectively brought to our lymph nodes where the immune cells reside, allowing these harmful pathogens and wastes to be detected and cleared by the immune system. Cell Pro Therapy (CPT) Negative ions work by improving cellular metabolism.[2] By improving the cellular metabolism of immune cells, it can strengthen these immune cells which enhances their ability to destroy pathogens.[3] Negative ions can also speed up lymphocytes’ production of antibodies which aids the immune system in the elimination of pathogens [3]. Through the above mechanisms, negative ions can greatly boost the immune system, making us less prone to falling sick, as well as ensuring that our immune system is well-equipped to fight these pathogens. 2. Maintaining optimal immunity during your trip Acupressure massage In TCM, we believe that two organs are closely related to our immune system – Lungs and Spleen. Our Lungs are the first point of contact for most external pathogens that may enter through the pores of our skin or the openings of the face, while the Spleen is involved in the circulation of nutrients to the entire body, which ensures that our immune system is well-nourished to function properly. By ensuring that these two organs are healthy, it ensures that our body is well-prepared to fight off any infection. Below are a few acupoints that you can do acupressure massage on to help boost your immunity: He Gu 合谷 （LI-4) Location: Place the thumb crease of one hand on the edge between the index and thumb of the other hand, then bend the thumb. How to massage: Using the thumb of your other hand, massage the He Gu acupoint in a circular motion. You should feel some soreness. Massage on one side for 1 minute, then repeat on the other side. Note: Avoid massaging the acupoint on your period, or if you are pregnant, as this acupoint promotes blood circulation. How it works: He Gu acupoint helps to improve Qi and Blood circulation throughout the body and improve immunity. Zu San Li 足三里 (ST36） Location: Roughly 3 inches (or 4 fingers) below the kneecap, about 1 inch towards the outer edge. How to massage: Using 2 fingers, gently massage the Zu San Li acupoint in a circular motion. Use gentle but firm pressure. Massage on one side for 2-3 minutes, then repeat on the other leg. How it