As many of us may have experienced at some point in our lives, the holiday season can be a stressful time. Stress can weaken one’s immune system being the underlying cause of a myriad of diseases.

Here are some tips and a few acupuncture points that you can massage to keep yourself healthy during the holidays:

Keep comfortably warm – Inside and out. Avoid or limit cold drinks and cold foods, such as, iced drinks and salads. These can interfere with the body’s ability to quickly regulate its own temperature. Outside, be sure to protect your neck, back and chest areas; wear a light scarf. This will help you prevent seasonal sniffles and catching a cold.

Warm your hands by rubbing them vigorously together and then place them at the base of the skull and neck. Gently, do circular massage while putting a little pressure. Continue to do this along the upper back towards shoulders. This will help alleviate the stiffness and pain associated with cold.

Eat well – and if you find that this seems impossible due to an overload of sweets and tryptophan, try to drink some ginger tea. It will help alleviate that heavy feeling of a giant glob sitting in your stomach.

Sleepiness is an effect of the natural sedative found in turkey; an amino acid known as tryptophan. Press with your pinky finger just below the philtrum (the cartilage that separates left from right nostril), above the upper lip. This “bring back consciousness” point will help you stay awake.

Make time to relax – During the holidays much time is spent focusing on family, but don’t forget yourself. Start by taking 10 minutes of your day to do something you enjoy; breathing exercises, read a book, do yoga, meditate and give thanks for all we have learned and experienced.

If you are uncertain of what to do in those 10 minutes: start by gently pressing on the dorsum of your right hand (the fleshy part between the thumb and index finger) for approximately 10 to 30 seconds. Then press gently on the dorsum of the left foot between the big toe and second toe about 1 inch from the web for 10 to 30 seconds. Repeat on the opposite hand and then opposite foot. Have your favorite relaxing music in the background and breathe.

Sara M. Diaz, Acupuncture Physician, provides services at her practice, IN2 Health, 18 South Riverside Drive, Indialantic 32903. For more information or to set up an appointment, call 321-216-5118.