As cold and flu season inches closer and closer, the global health ebbs and flow, and kids back to school, there's no doubt that we're all paying closer attention to how we're supporting our immunity these days. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as they say, so we've rounded up some of our favorite ways to stay healthy using Chinese medicine. 

1. "Show Us Your Tongue" for An Inside Look at Your Health

Upon meeting with an acupuncturist or Doctor of Chinese Medicine, one of the first questions you will be asked is "Can I see your tongue?"  The tongue is the only muscle we can see, and in Chinese medicine it's the gateway to your health.  Chinese medicine focuses on correcting the underlying imbalances present in the body to optimize health - and by optimizing our health, we can effectively boost immunity. The tongue helps an acupuncturist identify where you may have imbalances.

The Acupuncture team at DAO Labs offers a complimentary review of your tongue and will let you know if you fit into one of the more common patterns (there are over two dozen!), we'll let you know what herbal combination would be a good fit for you.

2. Focus on Improving Your Sleep - The Foundation for Immunity

Sleep is the ultimate immunity booster, and most of us aren't getting enough of it. Studies show that people who don't get enough sleep or high quality sleep are more at risk of getting sick.  If you're not getting enough sleep, Chinese herbal medicine can help.  Because there isn't just one sleep issue, DAO has two sleep formulas -- and we've found that more of our formulas fit into the "sleep category" because in Chinese medicine all of these issues are interrelated (for example, if you have trouble sleeping but you also have digestive issues, sometimes solving your digestive issues can dramatically improve your sleep).  Read more about our sleep formulas here.

3. Immunity Supplements Backed by History

We're not just saying this because it was one of our foundational formulas when we launched, but Vitamin C powders have nothing on Chinese herbal medicine when it comes to strengthening immunity.  Research has never validated bulking up on vitamin C, but it has supported what Doctors of Chinese Medicine have known for hundreds of years: Jade Windscreen or Yu Ping Feng San (the basis for our Immunity Support formula) can help strengthen the body when exposed to pathogens. Learn more about this research here.



4. Schedule a Virtual Wellness Consultation

Chinese medicine is powerful, but it's also very complex. We aim to make this amazing and life-changing act more accessible.. So many people find Chinese medicine as a last resort, when all other options have failed - and it changes their lives.  We want this to not be the last option after years of heartache (and expense!) but to make entry into the practice more approachable, which is why we offer Virtual Wellness Consultations.

Our herbal formulas are only a sliver of what Chinese medicine can accomplish, and talking to a Chinese medicine practitioner can help put you on a path to achieving your health goals.  Your health goals don't have to stop just because we're in a pandemic. Learn more about what you can accomplish here.

5. Elevate Your Digestive Health this Fall

In Chinese medicine, good health begins with good digestion -- and unfortunately, booze and sugar can wreak havoc on your gut health. If you find a glass of wine turning into a bottle, it may be time to give your gut a reset.  Our "Middle Burner Diet" is rooted in Chinese medicine theory and features delicious recipes created by our award winning chef and Co-Founder, Travis Metzger that will support your stomach and spleen to optimize your health (and immunity!).  Learn more here.

Dr. Eric Karchmer is a practicing Chinese medical doctor, medical anthropologist, and co-founder and Chief Doctor of Chinese Medicine for DAO Labs. From 1995-2000, Eric studied at the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and today is both a licensed acupuncturist and professor at Appalachian State University. Eric can be reached at drkarchmer@mydaolabs.com.