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Writer's picturefionafranklin

Can acupuncture aid the immune system?


I think that is safe to say the last couple of years has presented with some truly strange and extraordinary times. Maintaining our health and strengthening our immune system has never been more important. Our immune system is always working to protect our bodies. However, at times it can be overwhelmed. Never has it been so crucial to educate and empower ourselves to advocate for our own and our family’s health.


Chinese Medicine practitioners have been dealing with strengthening the immune system for centuries. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have been critical to addressing immune system deficiencies.


From the Chinese Medicine perspective, a weakened immune system is generally the result of Qi deficiency. Balanced Qi is vital to our physical and mental health. Qi is our life force. When one’s Qi is deficient, illness is likely to occur. Qi deficiency can happen anywhere the body does not have enough energy to perform its functions properly.


Did you know that certain acupuncture points have been shown to directly support the immune system? Amazing new research has revealed the effect of acupuncture on immune function in the treatment of acute and chronic diseases. A recent study showed that electro-acupuncture at the acupoint ST36 (located on the outside of the knee) enhanced immune function through the activation of certain white blood cells (T cells), which aid in the immune response against antigens in the body! Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be immensely helpful in strengthening your immune system and balancing your Qi and many Chinese herbs have strong immunity-enhancing effects.




In addition, there are several lifestyle changes that can have a positive impact on our immune system and help alleviate Qi deficiency.


There is clear evidence that increased stress and anxiety, inadequate sleep, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise and movement weaken the immune system.


In a recent poll, many Australians revealed that stress had increased over the last 5 years. And COVID-19 has taken stress and anxiety to unprecedented levels. Reducing stress and anxiety through acupuncture, adequate sleep, meditation, movement, proper nutrition and hydration can make a significant difference in overall health.


Equally important is adequate sleep. Lack of quality sleep reduces the immune system’s ability to fight infection. Sleep deprivation significantly increases our chances of getting ill.

The combination of Chinese medicine, stress management, enhanced sleep, proper nutrition and exercise, and the appropriate herbs and health supplements can significantly boost the immune system and help the body fight off viruses and disease.


Be resilient during these challenging times, take the best care of your body as you can, and stay safe and healthy as we navigate the next several months.


Contact us if you wish to know more or need assistance in better supporting your immune system.

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