Pandemic Ramblings

It’s okay to stop reading the news. Or limit yourself to just 30 minutes a day of news or social media intake. Then put a hard stop to it.

Spend time with friends online. Take a walk together, maintaining 6 feet distance. Get on the phone, and on live chat. Spend time together online not doing anything, simply being together.

Spend time with yourself. What gives you joy? Do that. What have you always wanted to do, but never had time to do? Do that.

Need direction? What are you passionate about? If you don’t know, then how can you explore that? Journal or draw. Spend time outdoors if you have easy outdoor access (sans too many people nearby), barefeet. Look at plants, then look them up in field guides. Draw plants. Find a nice rock, lie down, and simply stare up at the sky.

Still working? Working from home? How can you stay centered and grounded in this time of upheaval, and community anxiety? What grounds you?

Stay active. Free yoga classes are available now online, as well as paid ones. Don’t get mired in all the options. If you need steadiness, then just pick one, and stay the course. If you love all the options (as I do), then bop around and try everything out, so that once we’re back in person again, you know who to go to.

Allow this to be a time of experimentation and transformation.

What of health? Working from home can lend itself to too many snacks and distractions. Surround yourself with healthy snacks and distractions, then. Get up often and do lunges across the hallway, squats, push-ups… you get the idea. Use a foam roller or massage ball, and get the kinks out of your tight shoulders, low back, glutes, whole body. Stay hydrated. Drink warming teas, such as ginger or turmeric. Set up spaces for work, creative play (for example, I have a painting corner, and music corner), and movement (ie. yoga corner).

Create gentle resilience. Find sweetness, stillness, and simplicity in small basic moments. Embrace ease.

COVID19 , corona virus

Due to the "local health emergency" declaration from Ventura County Public Health regarding the COVID19 corona virus, we are postponing ALL March community- events, until further notice:

• Shoulder/ Arm Community Sports- Acupuncture (tomorrow, Saturday, 3/14)
• Way of Tea tea- tasting/ discussion (Monday, 3/16)
• Primavera art event collaboration with Va Por La Avenida (Sunday, March 21)

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Here's some COVID19 resources

• stay updated with California Department of Public Health's news releases
• stay healthy with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's tips
• consider an herbal approach, from my mentor, herbalist 7song
• other natural medicine considerations, from Aviva Romm, MD

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Here's some reminders about how to stay healthy, as the COVID19 coronavirus makes its way through the region:

As a reminder, our bodies are super good at fighting off colds and flus in general. 

The best things you can do for yourself is:

• Eat well/regularly
• Stay well hydrated
• Get plenty of rest
• Get some exercise/ movement
• Continue to stay engaged socially

Your body will do the rest. Our immune systems and our whole bodies are really good at what they do.

How do I take precautions while going about my day?

• Stay home if you're sick. This includes your appointments at our clinic.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water, for 30 seconds.
• Sneeze and or cough into your elbow - not your hands.
• Avoid touching your face, hands, and eyes with your hands.

What should I do if I am well?

• Please do come to your appointments. Acupuncture, herbs, and yoga are excellent for boosting your immune system and maintaining health.
• Continue with your daily activities, go on errands, go to work, go have fun, and enjoy life!
• There are many herbs and supplements to help boost your immune system. Consider making an appointment for an herbal consultation. 

What do I do if I think I'm sick?

• Cancel your appointment. We're not equipped to test for COVID-19 or isolate patients.
• If you have any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath, have been in close contact with someone who has a confirmed COVID-19 infection or traveled in affected regions, then please contact the County Health Department.
• The County Health Department can administer tests and give you further advice and care without exposing others.
• In the meantime, please keep yourself home.

What we're doing in our clinic:

• Actively cleaning each treatment room and waiting area several times per day to ensure your safety.
• Helping folks boost their immune responses by offering holistic health care. Now, more than ever, you need this kind of care. Keep on scheduling your appointments with us.

Please follow me on Instagram or Facebook for my latest updates, or check my website.

We are here to support you. Please reach out with any questions. 

In health,

Jiling

Jiling Lin, L.Ac. 林基玲

acupuncture . herbs . yoga

JilingLin.com