With the arrival of the cold-flu season and the continued presence of COVID-19, a proactive focus on prevention is essential. At MAR Acupuncture + Medical Center, we instill in our patients the value of maximizing their body's defenses. Dr. Kevan's comprehensive strategy for preventing infection and ensuring optimal health centers on four pillars: Tonic Herbs, Diet, Sleep, and Sunlight.

Pillar I: Your Herbal & Supplement Plan for Prevention

Think of your immune system as a strong shield. We use specific herbs and supplements to keep that shield fully powered, year-round.

ACTION REQUIRED: Immuni-Shield Promotional Offer

We are pleased to offer you a 10% discount on our custom, private-label organic Chinese herbal formula, Immuni-Shield. Use this formula to give your immune system the intensive boost it needs; don’t wait until you feel something coming on, prevent it!

This special offer is valid through December 31, 2025.

Immuni-Shield Ingredients

• Ingredients: Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea, Huang Qi (Astragalus Root), Cang Zhu (Red Atractylodes Rhizome), Fang Feng (Siler Root), Ba Jiao Hui (Chinese Star Anise), Da Zao (Jujube Red Date), Non-GMO Vegetable Glycerin, Spring Water. Made with care in Florida, by Entropy Herbs Co. for Mar Acupuncture + Medical Center.

Immune Boosting Herbs

• Echinacea: infection prevention and for the acute phase of infection.
• Astragalus: infection prevention. Stop taking during the acute phase of infection.
• Ginseng Root: boosts immune system and energy.
• Elderberry: infection prevention, antiviral activity & enhances cytokine production.
• Medicinal Mushrooms: infection prevention. It is best to start taking them a couple months prior to the cold-flu season. Examples: reishi, shiitake, maitake, lion's mane, cordyceps. Preferred formulas combine four or more mushrooms.

Foundational Supplements

To prevent getting sick, we recommend a Daily One Multi Nutrition Vitamin, Vit C, Vit D3/K2, Black Elderberry, and Chinese herbs.

Our Anti-Viral, Immuni-Shield Tea

This custom formula is a preventive measure against viral strains, including COVID-19 and influenza.

• Ingredients: Star Anise (shikimic acid) and Green Tea (quercetin). Shikimic acid is a main active ingredient in Tamiflu/Oseltamivir. Quercetin supports immune health and activates shikimic acid’s anti-virility.
• To Make It: Pour 8–12 oz. of simmering water over 1 tsp. of Sencha Leaf. Steep 2–3 minutes, then add 2 whole star anise pods.

Pillar II: Food Is Your Medicine

What you eat (and what you avoid!) determines how your body fights infection. Let's make food work for you.

• AVOID SUGAR! One teaspoon lowers your immune system by five hours! Also, avoid dairy (it causes phlegm), processed meats and non-organic foods.
• Eat Seasonally: Focus on fall superfoods like squash, sweet potato, and pomegranates. Always eat double the amount of veggies to fruit!
• Protein Quality: If including animal protein, the portion should be no bigger than the size & width of your palm. Ensure it’s wild caught or organic, grass-fed and humanely raised without hormones or antibiotics. Organic seeds and nuts provide a great source of vegan based protein and healthy fats too!
• Hydrate! Drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces of filtered H20/daily. Consider hydrogen-infused water to aid in hydration and detoxification; contact Dr. Kevan about WHICH hydrogen bottles actually work and which are a waste of money.

Pillar III: Prioritize Restorative Sleep

Getting 8–9 hours of deep, restful sleep is the cornerstone of a healthy mind and body. Sleep is when your body restores and recovers.

• Sick Days: When you’re getting sick, aim for 8–10 hours of rest.
• Sleep Hygiene: ALWAYS avoid exposure to blue light from electronics at least two hours before bedtime.
• If you wake at night, don’t turn to the electronics. Read a book by soft light.
• Consider if you’re eating enough protein throughout the day. Does your brain think it’s starving and sounding the alarm in the middle of the night because your blood sugar isn’t balanced? Ask Dr. Kevan about how to balance your blood sugar and how much protein is right for unique you.

Try This: The Warming Socks Technique

If you have congestion, chills and the start of feeling “off”, try this simple bedtime trick to stimulate your immune system! It is frequently better than medications for relieving symptoms before they evolve into something worse ...

1. Soak and wring out cotton socks in cold/ice water.
2. Put the wet socks on your feet, and cover immediately with dry wool socks.
3. Go to sleep under warm blankets.
4. Wake feeling a reduction in your symptoms and on the mend!

Pillar IV: Sunshine & Movement

Give your body the natural fuel it needs to thrive.

• Get Your Vitamin D: The sun is the best source! Soak in just 10–15 minutes on bare arms and legs a few times a week, preferably near sunrise (when the risk of exposure to harmful rays is lowest) and double win … naturally stimulate cortisol to give you a boost of energy!
• Move Smart: Routine exercise keeps you strong. If you're run down, REST is essential. Let your body focus on healing; don’t drain the battery more!