How To Boost Your Immunity!

Right about now, winter starts to take its toll and we wind up feeling a bit blah. But what if this year could be different? Use this season as a reason to prioritise your health

- Lynn Cardy

ENJOY A MASSAGE

Now there’s a real wellbeing double whammy! Not only will a massage help to soothe your mid-winter skin (all those lovely oils prevent flaking and dryness), it’ll also increase your immunity. Studies show that a not-too mild, not-too-vigorous massage can help reduce stress and increase white blood cells, so it might be worth investing in regular treatments through to spring. Which type? Some of our favourites are:

1 Aromatherapy massage. Gorgeously soothing, this uses oils specifically tailored to you and your health concerns.

2 Tui na. This is a form of massage performed by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners. It aims to release blocked energy and restore vitality using several massage techniques – gliding, rocking and kneading, for example. 

3 Swedish massage. With a focus on relaxing muscles and easing tension, it’s not as brisk and unforgiving as its reputation suggests. Firm but fair, it feels good!

BREW SOME BROTH

With all those glossy-haired foodies cooking it up like mad, bone broth has become the winter equivalent of green juice. It can sort gut issues, revive energy, and keep hair and nails healthy – and devotees are downing it to keep their immunity humming and beat bugs that slip through the cracks.

The recipe It’s so simple. Just place bones in a pot, cover with water, simmer for several hours, then strain.

The timeframe Simmer for six hours or so for chicken bones, and 12 hours for beef or lamb bones. Experts reckon the slow cooking extracts the collagen, amino acids and minerals from the bones – and you get to drink them.