It can be difficult for some individuals to completely isolate themselves at home, even in face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it is due to the nature of their jobs, personal commitments, or making a short trip to the supermarket, it can be inevitable to leave our homes sometimes.
Even in Singapore, people can still be seen hanging out in malls with friends and family—well as long as they think they are adhering to the ‘less than 10 people per group’ rule and practising the one metre apart social distancing.
But that is not how the coronavirus works. The disease is spreading faster than we think, ‘invisible’ even, with coronavirus carriers showing no obvious symptoms of the illness. And by then, perhaps it is too late.
Till date, the coronavirus has claimed the lives of many and its cases count is soon closing in to almost a million globally.
And especially for the elderly, as well as those with existing medical conditions and compromised immunity, contracting the coronavirus could present a fatal outcome.
The Best Precautionary Measure For Patients with Chronic Diseases
According to Dr. Lin Li Ming from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic to Shin Min News, those with heart disease, diabetes and liver diseases, among other chronic diseases are more susceptible to contracting COVID-19 and developing complications from the virus.
She suggests that strict isolation is still the most effective precautionary measure towards prevention of coronavirus for patients with chronic diseases. And in the event of any anomaly, one should put on a mask immediately and seek medical treatment soonest possible.
Dr. Lin emphasises on the importance of paying extra attention to health during this crucial period and suggests enhancing immunity to prevent COVID-19 infections.
To help improve the health and immunity of patients with chronic diseases, Dr. Lin has introduced a couple of time-based regimen for heart disease, liver disease and diabetic patients.
Immune System Boosters: A Time-based Regimen
For heart disease patients
There is a reason why sleep is so important and beneficial for all. But for heart disease patients, taking a short nap between 11am and 1pm can do wonders for health.
Its benefits:
- Improves attention, qi (a vital energy believed to circulate round the body in currents) and muscles, leading to increased energy levels from afternoon till night
- Strengthens the heart
- Relieves fatigue
- Improves immunity
For diabetic patients
9am to 11am is the golden window when the Spleen meridian pathway thrives.
Simply massage certain acupuncture points (Tai Bai, Sanyinjiao, Yinlingquan among others) along the spleen meridian to reap health benefits such as:
- Improvement in insulin function
- Enhancement in immunity
Tai Bai (SP-3)
The Tai Bai pressure point is located near the middle of, just to the side of the ball of your foot.
Applying pressure on this point also helps to lessen abdominal bloat, ease stomachache and diarrhoea.
The Taibai pressure point, which helps to tackle other discomforts including stomaches and diarrhoea. | Source
Sanyinjiao (SP-6)
Located three inches above the tip of the medial malleolus (width of four fingers together) is the Three Yin Intersection, or Sanyinjiao.
Massaging this point also presents benefits to a woman’s general health, apart from enhancing immunity: from urological, pelvic disorders, insomnia, and menstrual cramps.
Note: Pregnant ladies are advised not to massage this pressure point as it may induce labour.
Immune system boosters: Finger on point called the Three Yin Intersection, or Sanyinjiao (SP-6) | Source
Yinlingquan (SP-9)
Located in the depression below the knee, massaging the yinlingquan point strengthens spleen functions in detoxing and reduces rheumatism in joints.
For kidney disease patients
5pm to 7pm is when the qi and blood in the kidney thrives. Patients with kidney disease can use this golden period to give the feet a nice soak while enjoying a massage.
Simply find the Yongquan pressure point along the points of the kidney meridian.
Its benefits:
- Strengthens kidney function
- Increases immunity
Immune system boosters: massaging the yongquan acupoint presents benefits like improving immunity. Source
The Yongquan pressure point is located on the soles of the feet—find the hollow of the spot between your big toe and second toe, where the pressure is most felt.
Apart from improving immunity, massaging the yongquan pressure point helps to reduce palpitations, calm anxiety and insomnia and improve memory among other benefits.
We hope you have found this article useful! Do keep safe for yourself as well as loved ones who might be vulnerable to the virus.
Also read:
Is Your Child Experiencing These Health Symptoms? See The Doctor Immediately
Pay Attention To These When Ordering Takeaways During COVID-19, Says Nutritionist
COVID-19: Doctor Shares “Sterile Technique” to Reduce Risk From Grocery Shopping and Take-out
