One of the greatest strengths of holistic therapies is their ability to optimize immune function and prevent illness and disease.  Chinese and naturopathic medicine have a huge arsenal of natural remedies that can boost immunity and greatly reduce the chance of serious disease from occurring or progressing.

Immune weakness is now a major concern in the modern world as cancer, AIDS, autoimmune disease (multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, etc.) and pandemics like Covid-19 have created health crises for the global population.  Although Western medicine can be miraculous in its ability to save lives, it is notably limited in its repertoire of natural agents that strengthen immunity, balance physiology and create healthier human beings.  Now more than ever, the  benefits of natural therapies such as acupuncture, herbs, nutritional supplements, and dietary strategies should be made available to as many people as possible.  Let’s look at the main approaches of each of these therapies.

ACUPUNCTURE

Practiced for over 3000 years in various Asian cultures, acupuncture has finally made its way to the Western world.  In my clinical practice, many patients have sought treatment for their weakened immune systems.  A typical pattern includes frequent colds and flus, recurring sinus infections, fatigue, stress, and insomnia. For this constellation of symptoms, acupuncture can be an effective way to break the cycle of chronic vulnerability to disease.

Acupuncture works by regulating the flow of Qi (life force) through 14 major meridians on the body.  Immune weakness is typically due to deficient Qi of the lungs and spleen. When these organs are weak, symptoms such as allergies, diarrhea, fatigue, cough, and recurring infections are commonplace. For these issues, acupuncture points are chosen on the lung and spleen meridians to supplement the Qi and strengthen immune function.

Moxibustion (moxa) is also a powerful tool for an acupuncturist.   Moxa is a heat therapy that involves the use of mugwort, an herb that is applied topically on acupuncture points.  It has been shown in studies to increase white blood cell count in chemotherapy patients and other cases of immune weakness. For patients with recurring infections and colds, moxibustion is an excellent technique for naturally bolstering immunity.

HERBS

There is one Chinese herbal formula that has gained international recognition for its ability to immediately strengthen immunity. The formula is called Jade Windscreen or Yu Ping Feng San.  It has been used in China for many centuries as a natural preventative against environmental pathogens. Jade Windscreen is a simple formula that consists of three herbs: huang qi/astragalus, fang feng/siler, and bai zhu/atractylodes. Astragalus is considered one of the most favored immune strengthening herbs on the planet. It is very helpful for chronic cycles of infection and illness.

Another class of herbs used for a variety of immunity issues are medicinal mushrooms, which are frequently used for immune regulation in serious patterns of cancer and AIDS. Mushrooms such as shitake, reishi, ganoderma, maitake, and poria have numerous health benefits that I can discuss in an herbal consult. If you have serious immune dysfunction, I recommend learning more about these amazing medicinals.

NUTRITION

The food we eat is one of the most important determinants not only to a strong immune function, but to our overall health. Many people have weak immune systems because they are eating processed, refined, and rich diets devoid of the essential nutrients that the body needs for optimal health. Here are a few simple steps you can take right now to strengthen your immunity:

• Start eating mostly organic foods
• Drink 6-9 glasses filtered water daily
• Drink green tea instead of coffee
• Reduce intake of refined sugar and carbohydrates
• Eat 5 servings a day of fruits and vegetables
• Minimize pasteurized dairy
• Eat a diet rich in essential fatty acids and low in trans fats and saturated fats

Supplements such as zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, and Immune Packs can also be helpful to ward off illness.

HEALING THE STRESS RESPONSE

Stress can be a major cause of immune weakness. Many studies from the field of psychoneuroimmunology have clearly demonstrated the link between stress and immunity. Along with acupuncture and herbs, two of the most powerful practices you can undertake for overcoming chronic stress are yoga and meditation. I suggest practicing each a minimum of 1/2 hour per day. This can profoundly heighten your quality of life and health.

To help support a healthy immune system during these challenging times, book your acupuncture or herbal consult today!