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a32 health
Thursday 9 april 2020
A Giant Leap Forward

by Carlos M Viana, CCN, OMD
ORANJESTAD — Lately, I make daily calls to
check on clients and friends following the rec-
ommendations to self-isolate. Many are anx-
ious from the constant news of a frightening
world pandemic. Others are bored or angry
missing outside activities and the freedom to
move about. The emotional drain of the current
times can produce an inability to relax physi-
cally or mentally.

Anxiety caused by living in isolation or indoors
for a long period of time can develop into a
feeling of being dissatisfied, especially with us, “how to” is just phone call away or an in-
people in authority or a system of control. Re- ternet recipe search. In our new reality, we all
alize, government and health officials did not should be including some eatable plants at
cause this situation. The recommendations of home. A kitchen garden, a pot of herbs on the
staying in your home should not stress us out windowsill? What a great time to get back to
more, it is to protect us and those who are the basics. Relearning these skills can help the bud-
most vulnerable and to slow down the amount get, boredom and stress. Do not let your frustration tempt you to go out
of people who get sick. With a steady stream in public unless it is necessary. If you must, be
of just a few patients, the medical system does Some people cope with stress by drinking al- sure to be to keep safe distance. A mask can
not become overwhelmed like we are seeing in cohol. The problem with this is, alcohol takes help keep you from touching your face or
many places now. a psychological and physiological toll on the breathing on others. Forget the gloves unless,
body and may compound the effects of stress. you are using them correctly. Handling multiple
Stress is an inevitable part of life. As a Tradi- The allure is that, it seems to provide some short- items, then your wallet, phone or other, is just
tional Chinese Medicine physician, I appreci- term relief, positive feelings and relaxation. causing cross contamination and making our
ate how stress affects the free flow of energy, However, as stressful events continue long-term, situation worse. And please, dispose of any of
Qi within the body. Excessive and prolonged heavy alcohol consumption can increase the these items in a responsible manor, least they
stress may impede the delicate balance in our risk of developing alcohol use disorders. Orien- end up in a parking lot, or waterways. Do not
body and trigger severe health problems. For- tal Medicine teaches that when stress builds up, leave them for already overstressed workers to
tunately, there are activities that we can use to Liver energy flow is impeded causing shoulder pick up. Better to carry a disposable or wash-
help ourselves. The first step is to realize some muscles to tighten leading to shoulder or neck able wipe and some portable disinfectants and
of the activities to manage a difficult situation pain and even headaches. Shoulder tension use it often. And, you still must wash hands and
are not in our best interest. The first is not eat- can be from mechanical strain, improper pos- anything that gets touched often! We are all in
ing properly. Snacking all day out of frustration ture while working or sleeping, lack of exercise this together and must all take responsibility to
or boredom and eating too many simple car- and emotional stress. You might be restricted to support our communities.
bohydrates will obstruct the flow of Qi, which home but take time to walk, jog, and bicycle
would affect the Spleen's functions. This means, or if you can, go to the beach. These activities Get the Point! Phyllis, who was a professional
the ability to utilize digested food will be affect- are permissible in many areas under the ‘stay dancer explained how all athletes, artists, and
ed. Digestive problems, weight gain and other at home’ order if you do not gather in groups. skilled workers know that when you are work-
issues may develop. Some of us, may not be Respect others through distance. No beach? ing on your craft, with practice an experience
used to preparing all our meals from scratch at Open the windows, exercise to music or one of you improve. However, it’s not always that you
home. With busy modern schedules, we had the many now free, online classes. Be sure to improve steadily. Many times, you take steps
been dining out and looking for convenient stretch then perhaps, a relaxing bath. I can- forward then suddenly you fall back! It might
options. Our new reality means we must re- not stress enough that exercise helps to unblock seem discouraging, but then you leap forward
connect with preparing our own food. Choos- the flow of your body’s energy and circulation, further than you could imagine before. Per-
ing the most natural ingredients available, no minimizing the effects of stress on our mind and haps, humanity has taken a step back? We all
more impulse shopping, but being careful what body. Tai Chi, yoga, and other forms of exercise feel it in some degree, there is need to clean
we buy to manage our long-term budgets for that focus on breathing, as well as daily medi- house, reflect and gown. Do not give up or be
our long-term health. Brown rice, beans, fresh tation help to move Qi, calming the mind and discouraged. There is a rebirth approaching.
or frozen vegetables, healthy protein sources promoting relaxation. Now would be the time We like to look at it as we will be taking, a giant
should stocked be in all homes now. Luckily for to check out the many free online videos. leap forward. q