The Australian Government is suggesting that it can end lockdowns and start to reopen its borders once 80% of the population is vaccinated. In order to fight off infection or generate good protection against a disease following vaccination your immune system needs to be functioning optimally. Whenever you are schedule to receive any vaccine the following suggestions may assist you in making it more effective and minimising the possibility of side effects and adverse effects.

  • The following supplements can help support your immune system and can be taken in the weeks leading up to and following the vaccine as well as for general health support. Consult your local practitioner for specific nutrients and doses that you may require. Recommended daily intake (RDI) levels may not be sufficient for boosting or supporting your immunity during vaccination
    • Vit C, Zinc, Vit D3, Probiotics
  • Acupuncture and Chinese herbs in the weeks before and after vaccination can ensure your health is at its best.
    • See you local practitioner to determine the best herbs for you
    • An acupuncture  treatment the day or so after the vaccine can also be extremely beneficial.
    • Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs can also be of assistance should you have any adverse reaction to any vaccinations.
  • Homeopathics (such as Thuja) can be taken on the day of vaccination and daily for 2 weeks after if you prefer this style of medication
  • Ensure that you are healthy and have been for at least 30 days prior to vaccination (you should not have had a course of antibiotics in the last 30 days nor should you be just recovering from an illness)
  • Giving paracetamol to prevent fever after vaccinations may lessen the effectiveness of the immunisation, according to a Lancet study. Although it reduces fever, the study found it also interferes with the body’s immune response. “Antibody responses to several vaccines were significantly lower in the group given paracetamol,” says study author Dr Roman Prymula. Ideally avoid paracetamol for the week before and after vaccination.

Remember the 6 best doctors to support you during these stressful times

  1. Nutrition
    • Eat food (seasonal, local, fresh, whole foods), mostly plants, not too much
    • Eat for your body type
    • Eat more warm, cooked foods & less cold, raw food
    • Take supplements if you feel you need extra support
    • Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper
    • Avoid inflammatory foods – Carbonated drinks, Refined sugars, Artificial foods, Processed foods
    • If you have digestive issues acupuncture can help 
  1. Water
    • It is important to stay well hydrated with good quality (filtered) water (try Zazen alkaline water filters)
    • Drink more between meals and less with meals
    • Add a dash of fruit juice or a squeeze of lemon juice or electrolytes (eg: Nuun tablets) to your water or try coconut water or fruit infused water
    • Some herbal teas can be hydrating – eg hibiscus tea, rose tea, peppermint tea or chamomile tea
    • Consume plenty of wet foods as well – soups, broths, porridge, fruit 
  1. Sleep
    • Get at least 8 hours of sleep per night
    • The most restorative sleep you can get is between 11pm and 3am so try to be in bed by 10.30pm at the latest
    • If you have problems sleeping acupuncture can help
  1. Sunshine
    • Sunlight is the major source of vitamin D in our bodies (about 90%).
    • According to the ABC, from October to March, around Australia, 10 to 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure of the face, arms and hands before 10am or after 3pm, three to four times a week, will give you enough Vitamin D without skin damage. In Sydney in June and July, you may actually need short periods of exposure in peak UV times ie 10am to 3pm to get enough vitamin D.
  1. Fresh air
    • Fresh air boosts immunity by increasing the amount of oxygen we get, in turn helping white blood cells function properly to kill bacteria and germs.
    • Time outdoors, in nature, reduces stress and anxiety and elevates mood so visit your local park daily or spend time in your garden
    • Long, slow, deep belly breaths help switch off the flight and fight response
    • Meditation or mindfulness exercises generally focus on the breath which helps reduce stress – try the Smiling Mind App 
  1. Exercise
    • Go for walks in the sunshine and fresh air – get your 10,000 steps daily
    • Qigong lowers stress and anxiety, increases focus, and improves balance and flexibility. It may even reduce your risk of certain chronic diseases.
    • Swimming is great for your lungs
    • Yoga can be done over zoom
    • Whatever exercise you enjoy, do at least 30 min of moderate physical activity every day
    • If pain prevents you from exercising, then relieve your pain with acupuncture

If you feel you are in need of a bit of extra support with your immunity then book an acupuncture appointment today.

Your feedback and questions are always welcome so please leave a comment below.

For further information on Chinese Medicine contact Tania Grasseschi (Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Qigong and Wholefood counselling). Tania is an AHPRA registered practitioner of Chinese Medicine located in Katoomba, NSW and has spent 6 years lecturing at the Endeavour College of Natural Health Sydney campus.

The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Remember that you are responsible for your own health and safety at all times.