A recent advertisement in an osteopathic magazine on behalf of NHS England promoted simple protection measures to help people keep healthy over the winter. These included seeking immediate advice from a pharmacist at the first sign of a cough or cold, asking for the best OTC medicines to have in the stock cupboard, asking for the flu jab and keeping homes heated to at least 18 degrees Celsius.

The osteopathic approach to this general need might be somewhat different.  At northlondonosteopaths.co.uk, Alan Nevies and his colleagues are more likely to suggest measures that enhance the body’s immune system and prevent these typical winter ailments without resorting to medication, even the supposedly “harmless” over the counter variety.  Alan Nevies would recommend hand hygiene, ie proper, regular handwashing and clean towels. Warm drinks, especially those containing lemon, honey and ginger and plenty of rest can often cure heavy colds as or more effectively than medication. Chicken soup, the most potent weapon in the Jewish mother’s arsenal, cannot be beaten and lately has even received acknowledgement from the medical profession as very useful in the fight against many viruses.

More specifically connected to osteopathy, Alan Nevies suggests the following treatments to help strengthen the body’s immune system and stop colds starting.

Regular exercise improves cardiac output and keeps muscles fit and healthy.
Drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
Effluage techniques to prevent sinus blockages.

Have a happy, healthy, sniffle free winter holiday and beyond.