How Acupuncture Can Support a Healthy Immune System

As it gets colder, protecting our immune systems becomes increasingly important. In Chinese medicine, the immune system is known as Wei Qi. This energy is associated with the internal organs – particularly the lungs.

When the lung is balanced and Wei Qi is strong, our bodies can effectively fight off external pathogens, like bacteria and viruses. However, if the lung is deficient, the body is more open to allowing the pathogens to enter. 

Common symptoms of decreased Wei Qi – or low immunity – are: Coughing, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, sore throat, headache, fever and chills, similar to symptoms of the common cold, flu or viruses. 

How can acupuncture help support the immune system? 

Acupuncture can strengthen Wei Qi by stimulating specific points in the blood, so that energy and blood can help boost the body’s defense mechanisms – improving immunity and preventing illness.

Regular acupuncture treatments can help increase the T-cells (cells that help protect the body from infection) and white blood cells to the needle site to fight off infection and strengthen our immune systems. 

There are also various herbs that will help to boost the Wei Qi, such as astragalus and cordyceps. Be sure to speak to your practitioner before trying these herbs. Regular acupuncture treatments, in addition to good sleep hygiene, eating well, staying hydrated, and exercises can help keep the immune system healthy this season. 

To talk about your fall and winter treatment plan, call Jaime Marks Acupuncture at 914-401-8451.

Jaime Marks is a New York State certified licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.) by the National Certified Council of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), located in Westchester County, New York. She has a passion for integrative medicine, as her personal life experiences have led her on a path of healing.