Ajaib Kaur cooks up a traditional Ayurvedic meal, which she believes helps to ward off the flu and is a better alternative to the flu shot. Photo by Gurjeet Dhoal
To get the flu shot or to not get the flu shot, that is the question. But in Vancouver, there is no shortage of alternative preventions to the flu.
For some this flu season, non‐Western medical practices such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine offer alternative methods to prevent the flu.
For Ajaib Kaur, growing up Ayurvedic in northern India meant preventing the flu with a combination of caram seeds, holy basil and ginger tea with milk and honey. At 61 years of age, Ajaib packed up her growing family and her traditions and moved to Canada. A vegetarian since youth, Ajaib incorporates fresh herbs from her garden in every meal, using her Ayurvedic teachings.
“I still give my family the same remedies I used in India. I have never taken the flu shot and have never needed too. I stay healthy with my herbs,” she says.
Naturopathic physician Dr. Sonya Jensen, who also grew up following Ayurvedic philosophy, does not choose the flu shot either. “My understanding of the flu shot is that they pick a strain and that’s what they give to the individual,” she explains, “along with other additives and components that I don’t think are healthy for the body.”
Dr. Sonya Jensen. Photo by Bal, DEO Photography
Dr. Jensen and her husband, Dr. Nicholas Jensen, opened their Kitsilano clinic, Divine Elements, in 2009.
“Vancouver is open to Ayurveda, and Naturopathic services are generally a part of extended medical benefits,” says Dr. Sonya Jensen. She is hopeful that “people are beginning to take control of their health.”
Ayurveda focuses on our connection to food, the seasons and our constitution. We are a unique combination of three Doshas or humours: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Dr. Jensen explains what this means for your health: “Your Dosha tells you what your tendencies and characteristics are, what maintains your balance. Each Dosha has a role within the body, for instance if we look at digestion – Vata is in charge of movement, Pitta is the digestive fire and Kapha is the stability,” she says.
Doshas are also attributed to seasons, and winter is categorized as Vata. “Those with a more Vata constitution will be most unbalanced during the winter months, with more susceptibilityto colds, flus and digestive issues,” says Dr. Jensen.
In contrast to Western medicine, which focuses on the disease, Ayurveda looks at systems and balance. “We look at the body as a whole, so it can support itself, essentially preventing thingsbefore they happen,” says Dr. Jensen. Despite her non‐Western approach to health, Dr. Jensen believes that every practice has a role and looks forward to when different teachings can unite.
Like Dr. Jensen, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner at YYoga Flow, Irene Sanchez looks at health from a different perspective. Sanchez was born and raised in Mexico, where she worked as a general physician before moving to Canada to pursue TCM.
Irene Sanchez. Photo by Asi Sudai
Breaking down the fundamentals of her practice, Sanchez explains, “it is based on a philosophy of yin and yang – complementary opposites. Yin represents water, coolness and feminism in contrast to the fire, warmth and masculinity of yang.”
Similar to the balance sought after in Ayurveda, TCM is founded on five elements which require balance with food, lifestyle and the environment, to achieve optimal health and well being.
“TCM is an integral approach to wellness, we treat from the root and the cause, unlike western medicine which treats the symptoms,” says Sanchez.
As the flu shot does not align with TCM beliefs, it is not surprising that Sanchez does not get the flu shot. “It is a personal choice. In Chinese medicine we work with chi and if you have a strong defensive chi, then no evils or toxins will affect you,” says Sanchez.
Similar to the susceptibility of the Vata constitution, Sanchez recommends that patients with a low defensive chi should strengthen it through preventative treatments and take defensive herbs during season transitions.
How does TCM approach flu prevention?
“Stay in a positive attitude,” and “do things that make you happy and this will uplift your immune system,” says Sanchez.
Tips for the Cold and Flu Season from Irene Sanchez (R. TCMP, R.Ac)
Photo by The Geatest, Flickr
- Food: Ginger, ginger, ginger! It will warm your body and strengthen your energy Incorporate garlic into recipes or for the brave among us: try it raw.
- Herbal Tea: Lemon, ginger and honey tea.
- Supplements: Try Echinacea, Astragalus and Bee Propolis.
- Treatment: Enjoy acupuncture during the seasonal transitions – this is when your energy is most vulnerable.
- Stress Reduction: Be happy! Do mild exercise and walk in the woods breathing clear air.
- Grow your own herbs right in your backyard
Tips for the Cold and Flu Season from Ajaib Kaur
Photo by Keith Davenport
- Cut a red onion and put it in your room to absorb the germs – just don’t eat it the next day!
- Dushanda: a collection of dried herbs that are boiled and enjoyed as a tea.
- Malathi (Licorice): Boil into water and drink as a tea.
- Besan Poora (Chick‐pea flour pancakes): Great for breakfast, lunch and dinner – packed with ginger and warming spices.
- Grow your own herbs right in your backyard
Tips for the Cold and Flu Season from Dr. Sonya Jensen
Photo by Sean Kelly, Flickr
- Food: Eat kiwis, oranges and anything green.
- Herbal Tea: Brew a pot with ginger, turmeric, and warming spices such as cloves and cinnamon.
- Since Vata is off balance, have soups, stews and shakes – meals that are easy to digest
Skip the dairy, gluten and bananas. - Treatment: Try the homeopathic flu shot in October to increase your immunity with an intravenous vitamin and mineral therapy.
- Stress Reduction: Yoga, meditation, walking, exercise!
