Boost Your Immune System With Traditional Chinese Medicine
Having a strong immune system is an absolute must these days! The immune system’s number one job is to fight off disease and infections. It defends our body from unwanted invaders such as bacteria and viruses.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Defensive Qi is responsible for our immunity. It is an energetic layer of Yang (warm. invigorating) energy that lives between the skin and the muscles. When Defensive Qi is strong we either don't catch the “bug” going around, or if we do catch it, our body has the strength to fight it off quickly.
The following are a few tips to help boost your immune system based on Chinese medicine principles.
Sleep
Sleep is for more than just beauty! In fact, sleep can directly affect immunity and is probably the simplest thing we can do to aid our immune system in fighting and preventing illness. Studies have shown that not getting enough sleep weakens our immune system and decreases production of the cells responsible for our immune response. Adequate sleep (7-9 hours) actually helps to boost these cells. This is why it is so important to get a good night’s rest.
Eat for the Seasons
What we eat is transformed into Qi, which helps boost our Defensive Qi (immunity). The quality of the food we eat is directly linked to the quality of our Qi (energy). The Fall season is the time to transition to foods that warm our body; think hearty stews and soups made with bone broth, whole grains, roasted root vegetables, sautéed dark leafy greens and roasted nuts. Also teas made from herbs such as honeysuckle, chrysanthemum, elderberry, black pepper, ginger, cloves or oregano; just to name a few! And don’t forget to pump up your vitamin C with oranges, grapefruits and lemons as they start to come in to season.
Manage Stress
Stress wreaks havoc on our immune system. It can suppress our ability to fight off infections and illness. Especially in today’s uncertain times, it is more important than ever to do our best to manage our stress levels where we can.
One way to minimize stress is to follow the guidance of the seasons. As the air starts to get cooler and the evenings longer, we are naturally invited into a meditative space of rest and reflection (hello, sweatpants and bottomless cups of herbal tea!) and we are also often called to strengthen connections with those close to us. A mindful balance of Yang (activity, joy) and Yin (stillness, introspection) can be very beneficial to our wellbeing.
Get Acupuncture
Another proactive step you can take to support your immune system is to get acupuncture treatments. To help build immunity, we use specific acupuncture points that strengthen Defensive Qi (immunity). Studies have shown that after an acupuncture treatment the levels of immune cells circulating in the body is increased and can help prevent infections.
These tune-up treatments are restorative, deeply nourishing and help mitigate the effects of daily stress. Your time on the treatment table also guarantees you some “me time” to relax and replenish.
When used together these tips and techniques provide powerful support for your immune system! Use them to nourish yourself and your body through the fall and winter months and to add an extra boost to your immune system health. And if you would like to try acupuncture or if you or have any questions, I’m always here to help.
Wishing you health and happiness!
Lynette
Would you like to know more about how The Acupuncture Clinic could support you? Contact Lynette through her website https://www.theacupuncturecliniccalgary.com or email lynettejames8@gmail.com.
SPECIAL DEAL - Initial acupuncture consult (usually $125), however mention Tracey’s Newsletter and get your initial consult for the price of a regular treatment ($80). Limited time offer.