I’m starting to see more folks coming in for vaccine support and it is great to see people thinking holistically about their recovery process. Vaccines can be a big deal for your immune and nervous system, especially with the levels of stress we’ve been exposed to this past year. Acupuncture, along with some pre & post home care can be helpful to support your body through the experience and may help to mitigate some common side effects.
First off as a disclaimer I will say that in BC acupuncturists and TCMPs are not considered primary care providers and as such it is out of our scope of practice to give any medical information or advice on vaccines, the advantages or risks involved or provide personal opinions.
Instead I am compiling some information on how to care for yourself before and after vaccination from a TCM view, should you chose to receive one.
The simplified way of explaining a vaccine is that it teaches your immune system how to fight a specific infection by creating the appropriate immune antibodies (fighter cells). While your body creates antibodies, it is possible to feel similar to if your body was fighting an active infection.
From a TCM view the vaccine by passes the “Wei qi” level (nose, mouth, mucosal membranes) and penetrates directly to interior levels of the body (intramuscular site of injection). This can show up as a “shao yang” pattern depending on your immune system response which causes symptoms like fever/chills, sweats, fatigue, muscle aches and soreness. To best prepare your body you can consider the following:
The week before your shot
treat your body like you are already sick to nurture your immune system
eat warm cooked foods, rest plenty, get adequate hydration
lessen intensity of physical activity, especially with menses, to conserve your qi & energy
acupressure and moxa Stomach qi line to support your immune system
Day of your shot:
avoid getting the shot while you are having any immune system taxation such as: intense allergies, cold/flu, autoimmune flairs
cover your wind gates (the back of your neck) especially if you waiting outside in line
book the rest of your day off if possible
After your shot:
take a day or two off to rest fully
continue acting as if you are sick & fighting an infection - rest, warm cooked & easy to digest foods & hydration
epsom salt baths can help with swollen lymph nodes, body aches and arm soreness
immune points and/or shao yang acupressure points sj5/gb41 if side effects occur
acupressure li 4 for headaches & pain (photo below)
receive acupuncture if possible to help support your immune & nervous systems and to mitigate any side effects that may be present.
Supplements for support:
Traditional Chinese Medicine formula - Jade Windscreen (Yu Ping Feng San) - can be purchased over the counter from any TCM doctor and most stores along lower Fisgard St. Can be taken 2 weeks leading up to and after your shot.
Magnesium - for soreness and nervous system support. Taken internally as powder or transdermal through epsom salt baths.
Turmeric/curcumin - helps with generalized inflammation, can be taken in meals & drinks, capsule form or my perosonal favourite in gummies.
