As we head into winter we start the tactical dodging of coughs, colds and other illnesses. There are numerous ways to help your immune system fight off, and recover more quickly from the pesky winter bugs and Acupuncture is a great way to prepare your bodily systems for the inevitable onslaught of illnesses all around us. In this blog I will discuss how modern research shows what acupuncture does to the body in order to boost immunity, as well as how it is interpreted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Theory. There is also a list of acupuncture points you can self-use with acupressure, along with a few other tips of foods and lifestyle changes you can make to avoid those germs getting the upper hand.
What Acupuncture Does: Biomedical Perspective?
1. Boosts Immune Cell Activity
Acupuncture can increase the production and activity of immune cells like T-cells, white blood cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, which help the body combat infections and illnesses. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2176150/
2. Reduces Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can weaken the immune system. Acupuncture helps modulate the body’s inflammatory response by promoting the release of anti-inflammatory compounds and reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. https://www.benelliot.co.uk/post/acupuncture-inflammation-exploring-eastern-western-theories-evidence
3. Regulates Stress Hormones
High levels of stress weaken the immune system. Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins and reduces cortisol levels, creating a more balanced and stress-resilient state. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15135942/
4. Improves Circulation
By improving blood flow, acupuncture ensures that nutrients, oxygen, and immune cells are effectively delivered throughout the body, which is essential for maintaining a strong immune response. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3388479/
5. Balances the Autonomic Nervous System
Acupuncture helps regulate the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) nervous systems. This balance supports the body’s repair processes and immune regulation. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3677642/
6. Enhances the Gut Micro-Biome
The gut plays a significant role in immunity. Acupuncture may influence the gut-brain axis, helping to promote a healthy micro-biome, which is integral to immune health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10502303/
7. Supports Recovery and Prevents Illness
As a result of the combination of all the above benefits, regular acupuncture treatments can improve resilience, reduce the frequency of colds, and support faster recovery by keeping the immune system in optimal condition.
What Acupuncture Does: TCM Perspective
The immune system is understood through different concepts and ideas in acupuncture theory. The principles of Chinese Medicine are to create balance within the body to sustain wellness, rather than waiting until you get unwell and then seek treatment. It can be helpful to have immunity-boosting treatments in the run-up to winter to ensure you are ready to fight off any illnesses. These are some of the key concepts of these theories, as I've said in previous blogs, it's a good idea to think of these concepts as metaphors developed in ancient China at a time when they had a limited understanding of human physiology. This was their way of explaining what was unexplainable and provide a framework for the acupuncture point network and its ability to change function.
Wei Qi (Defensive Qi)
Role: Wei Qi is the body's first line of defense, its functions broadly describe the immune system's protective mechanisms.
Function: It circulates at the surface of the body, protecting against external pathogens like wind, cold, heat, and dampness.
Strengthening Wei Qi: Practices like acupuncture and Qi Gong are used to bolster Wei Qi, enhancing the body's resistance to illness.
Zheng Qi (Righteous Qi)
Role: Zheng Qi represents the overall strength and integrity of the body's energy, encompassing all aspects of immunity, vitality, and health. The more you have the more resilient to illness you will be.
Interaction with Pathogens: When Zheng Qi is strong, the body can repel external pathogens. If it is weak, the body is more susceptible to disease.
Role of Key TCM Organs in Immunity
TCM attributes immune function to the interplay of several TCM organs, these can differ in function to the physical-biological organs we have:
Lungs: Govern Wei Qi and control the skin and pores. Strong lungs ensure proper defense against external invasions.
Spleen: Responsible for producing Qi and Blood. A strong spleen supports the generation of Wei Qi and prevents "dampness," which can weaken immunity.
Kidneys: Considered the root of constitutional strength and immunity. The kidneys store Jing (essence), which provides the foundation for all Qi.
Liver: Ensures the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body, preventing stagnation that could compromise immunity.
4. The Role of External Pathogens
Pathogens like Wind, Cold, Heat, and Dampness are seen as external factors that attack the body when its defenses are down.
The balance of internal Qi determines whether the body can repel these invaders.
5. Balance of Yin and Yang
A harmonious balance of Yin and Yang is essential for health. An imbalance can lead to vulnerability to illness.
6. Supporting the Immune System in TCM
Acupuncture: Stimulates the flow of Qi to strengthen Wei Qi and regulate organ systems.
Herbal Medicine: Custom formulas can enhance Wei Qi, tonify Zheng Qi, or clear pathogens.
Diet Therapy: Eating warming, nourishing foods strengthens the spleen and boosts overall immunity.
Lifestyle Practices: Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and meditation promote balance and resilience.
In TCM, immunity is not just about fighting disease but maintaining a state of balance and harmony in the body, mind, and environment.
Key Acupuncture Points for Immunity
ST36 (Zusanli)
Location: Below the knee, about four finger-widths down from the bottom of the kneecap, and one finger-width lateral to the shinbone.
Benefits: Boosts overall energy, strengthens the immune system, and supports digestion.
LI4 (Hegu)
Location: In the webbing between the thumb and index finger, halfway along the second metacarpal.
Benefits: Relieves stress, strengthens the body's defensive Qi, and helps prevent colds.
LI11 (Quchi)
Location: At the outer end of the elbow crease when the arm is bent.
Benefits: Clears heat, reduces inflammation, and supports immunity.
DU14 (Dazhui)
Location: Below the seventh cervical vertebra, at the base of the neck.
Benefits: Stimulates the Yang energy of the body, fortifies immunity, and helps clear infections.
Ren17 (Shanzhong)
Location: On the midline of the chest, at the level of the fourth intercostal space.
Benefits: Regulates the immune system, calms the mind, and opens the chest for better energy circulation.
SP6 (Sanyinjiao)
Location: About three finger-widths above the inner ankle bone, along the back of the shinbone.
Benefits: Strengthens overall vitality and supports the immune system by balancing the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney meridians.
LU9 (Taiyuan)
Location: At the wrist crease, on the radial side, in the depression below the base of the thumb.
Benefits: Strengthens Lung Qi, essential for respiratory immunity.
BL13 (Feishu)
Location: On the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra.
Benefits: Strengthens Lung function and enhances immune response.
Additional Approaches
Auricular Points: Specific points on the ear, such as the Shenmen and Spleen points, can also help boost immunity.
Moxibustion: Applying heat or moxa to points like ST36 and Ren6 can further invigorate the immune system.
Important Considerations
Acupuncture points are usually selected based on the individual's overall condition and constitution. These points can provide some benefit with acupressure massage, but a full points prescription from a qualified acupuncturist will likely yield better results. Furthermore, regular acupuncture treatments, combined with lifestyle changes, are more effective in maintaining a robust immune system.
Handy tips for increasing immunity at home
What we put into our bodies has a huge effect on our immune systems.
Hydration
Drinking plenty of water helps to flush the body of toxins, so being well-hydrated helps keeps us well.
Antioxidant Foods
Fruit and veg contain a lot of antioxidants (molecules that fight off bad stuff in your body). Foods that are particularly high in antioxidants are beans, berries, asparagus, cabbage, sweet potato, onion garlic and many spices and herbs. This ties in with TCM diet advice as patients are encouraged to eat 'warming foods' to maintain immunity. While this usually means literally warm foods over cold foods such as salad, the advice for specific food types include foods high in antioxidants, especially onion, garlic and turmeric.
Supplements
Vitamins A, B6, B12, C and D as well as copper, folate, iron, selenium and zinc are all associated with immunity. You can get many of these through a good diet (apart from vitamin D, but supplements are available if you feel you need to top up. Speak to a pharmacist or other health professional to determine which supplements you may need.
For more information on acupuncture treatments and how it can benefit other conditions and issues, visit http://benelliot.co.uk