Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is based on the belief that the body is composed of energy, or Qi, which flows through the body. Imbalances or disruptions in this energy can lead to ailment or illness.
In this article we will see how to Naturally Boost our immune system, how to bring our body to a state of balance and help it function optimally.
What is the Immune System
The immune system protects the body from external factors such as viruses, bacteria, foreign bodies that could cause illnesses and infections.
A strong and healthy immune system is able to fight harmful invaders. There are cases where the immune system is overactive such as in autoimmune conditions and allergies and sometimes the immune system is under-active such as in immunodeficiency genetic conditions or under the influence of a medical treatment.
The main components that make up the Immune System are the spleen, the thymus, blood marrow, white blood cells, antibodies, and the lymphatic system.
Apart from the immune system the body also has other defense mechanisms in place to protect the body against potential harmful intruders. For example:
.The skin acts as a protective barrier with oils that kill bacteria,
.The mucus in the lungs traps microbes that can then be coughed out.
.Acid in the stomach kills most microbes
.The mucus lining of the GI tract releases antibodies.
Signs of a poor immune system include: frequent colds/flues (more than 2-3 times per year), feeling exhausted, unhealthy hair or skin, slow healing of injuries, digestive problems.
Immune System According To TCM
According to Tradition Chinese Medicine , in addition to the above components the immune system includes the Jing Qi (nutritive energy) and the Wei Qi (defensive energy).
Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi)
It is also known as Nourishing Qi and has the function of nourishing the body as a whole. It holds a close relationship with Blood and flows through the vessels and also the channels. In the theory of Chinese medicine, this is the Qi that is activated whenever an acupuncture needle is inserted into and acupuncture point.
Wei Qi (Defensive Qi)
The Wei Qi (defensive energy) is the first line of defense from a pathogen (bacteria or virus). The word ‘Wei’ means to defend or protect. When compared to Ying Qi it is more coarse. It flows in the outer layers of the body, in skin and muscles. As it resides on the exterior, its function is to protect the body from an attack of exterior pathogenic factors such as Wind, Heat, Cold and Damp.
It also controls the opening and closure of pores and regulates both sweating and body temperature.
Acupuncture helps the body to function optimally
The way acupuncture affects the immune system is through helping the body to function better. Acupuncture acts as a signal to the body to have an effect on areas that are out of sync through stimulating natural mechanisms.
Acupuncture may calm down an overactive immune system or may strengthen the body’s natural defenses. Because of traumas, pathogens (viruses, bacteria), unhealthy lifestyle (sedentary lifestyle, eating unhealthy, stress, drugs) the body may struggle to achieve its balance and thereof impaired health conditions may arise.
If at the start of treatments it is found through questioning and palpation that the immune system is out of balance, points will be used in the first session to address that because of the importance of the functioning of the immune system to overall health.
Pain and injury, chronic stress, digestive issues (constipation, diarrhea, etc.), insomnia, anxiety are issues can affects health and the immune system. For example, it is well known that sleep quality and quantity has an impact on the immune system. Therefore the best way to help the immune system is to resolve the insomnia.
If you are healthy with no symptoms, the Acupuncturist will use different diagnostic tools such as feeling the radial pulse, looking at the tongue, and palpating areas of the body to see if there are any blockages and assess the weaknesses or potential areas of issues in your body that can be strengthened to prevent illness.
Research shows that acupuncture can benefit the immune system
A 2007 study on women with anxiety getting acupuncture showed that acupuncture had beneficial balancing effects on the immune system, including reducing inflammation and increasing natural killer cell activity ( increasing white blood cell and T-cell). The study revealed that the most favorable effects of acupuncture on the immune functions appear 72 hours after the single session and persist one month after the end of the complete treatment.
It is worth mentioning that while validating acupuncture through evidence based research is important, it is important to remember that acupuncture has been used for hundreds, if not thousands, of years and there is strong empirical (observational) evidence for its effectiveness.
Book a free 15mn Consultation with one of our Renowned, Qualified and Experienced Acupuncturists: Esther Hprnstein L.Ac, or Dr David Rose online or call 0547199600
Acupressure: Self Improvement of Immune System
On your own, you can improve your body’s immune response by minimizing stress, getting enough sleep, and with a healthy diet and exercise. You can also utilize acupressure.
Acupressure uses similar methods as acupuncture , but instead of inserting needles, pressure is applied at those same areas. It is very easy to do - by simply massaging these locations for a short time you can stimulate the acupuncture points. Generally the response you achieve is not as strong as by using acupuncture on those same points, since the stimulation is not as deep or as specific in location. However, for a simple treatment at home to give you a boost before your next acupuncture visit, it can be very helpful.
There are several acupuncture points that you can massage to help stimulate your immune system (please avoid during pregnancy).
Stomach 36 (Zusanli) It boosts your energy and helps your body fight off any infections.
The acupuncture point Stomach 36 is located on the outside of the leg, just below the knee. Put your hand just below your kneecap and feel for a sensitive spot just outside the edge of the shin bone.
Large intestine 11 (Quchi) Great for reducing fever and for preventing colds and influenza. The point Large Intestine 11 is found at the end of the elbow crease on the outside of your arm, when your arm is slightly bent.
Large Intestine 4 (Hegu) An important point in treating any kind of pain or congestion in the head and is very good for strengthening the immune system. The acupuncture point Large intestine 4 is located on the top of the hand in the space between the base of the thumb and the first finger, in the fleshy part of the hand.
Lung 7 (Lieque) It is called a "command point" for disorders of the head and neck, and helps prevent colds and influenza.
The acupuncture point Lung 7 is also on the arm, and is found on the thumb side of the wrist between the 2 tendons, just below the wrist bone.
Chinese Herbal Remedies support your Immune System
Chinese herbal medicine uses a variety of plants and herbs to restore balance to the body, to boost your immune system and help treat lingering cold symptoms.
For example, ginseng is often used as an immune system booster to help the body fight off infection. Other herbs such as astragalus and reishi mushroom are often used to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Licorice root can be used to soothe sore throats and reduce congestion. The herb magnolia is believed to help reduce fever, while ginger can help reduce nausea and vomiting.
Book a Herbal Consultation with Dr David Rose to support your immune system with Herbal Therapy. online or call 0547199600
Massage Therapy and Immune System
No one can deny the restorative healing power of massage: reducing pain, depression, anxiety, stress and more.
Research has shown that regular massage are beneficial as a preventative or curative therapy. It reduces stress and helps boost the immune system. Regular massage flushes toxins and increases blood flow throughout the body. Massage increases the activity of white blood cells that helps the body fight diseases. Massage help you look and feel good. When your look and feel your best you become more productive in your everyday life activities.
Rochel, Moshe and Avi are our Professional Massage Therapist, please book online or call 0547 199 600
Massage for Women by Rochel ( Swedish , Hot Stone, Sesame Dream Massage)
Massage for Men Moshe or Avi ( Swedish, Deep Tissue Massage)
Reflexology Can Strengthen Your Immune System
As mentioned above the immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues and organs - the thymus, spleen, bone marrow and lymphatic system - that work together to protect the body.
During a Reflexology treatment ALL of these organs and systems are stimulated to help boost circulation and help them work optimally, thereby increasing their ability to protect the body better.
Another important factor to consider when talking about the immune system is stress. Stress is related to each and every aspect of our modern day lifestyle.
Reflexology reduces stress and tension throughout the body's systems to improve blood and lymph circulation and release toxins from the body's tissues. It is believed to encourage the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good hormones, well documented in their ability to relieve stress.
Women and Children who feel that they could benefit from an immune boosting treatment , please Book online or call 0547199600 Reflexology with Rochel, Qualified and Experienced Reflexologist.
Here at 2nd Nature Healing Center, Beit Shemesh , we emphasize full body well-being. This includes strengthening your immune system through natural care practices like acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Therapy, Chiropractic, Massage Therapy and Reflexology. By integrating these practices into your regular health routine, you can enjoy a healthy immune system with the benefits of physiological stress relief.
Esther Hornstein and her Team at 2nd nature Healing Center,
34 Nachal Hakishon, Ramat Beit Shemesh Aleph, Israel
Quality Holistic Therapy by Qualified and Experienced Practitioners
Acupuncture - For Men, Women and Children by Esther Hornstein and Dr David Rose Chinese Herbal Medicine - For Men, Women and Children by Dr David Rose
Massage - For Men By Avi Dzik
Massage - For Women By Rochel Rubinoff
Reflexology - For Women and Children by Rochel Rubinoff
Woman Coaching- For Women By Rochel Rubinoff
To make an appointment you may:
call or WhatsApp : 054-719-9600
e-mail : e0547199600@gmail.com
or
Click on the link Below