Perhaps one of the greatest strengths of natural therapies is their ability to
optimize immune function and prevent illness and disease. In particular,
Chinese and naturopathic medicine have a tremendous arsenal of natural
remedies that can effectively heighten immunity and greatly reduce the
chance of serious pathology from occurring. Immune weakness is certainly
a ubiquitous concern in the modern world, as cancer, AIDS, autoimmune
disease (multiple sclerosis, hashimoto's thyroiditis, etc.), and pandemics
such as the Avian bird flu constitute major health hazards for the global
population. Although Western medicine can be miraculous in its ability to
save lives, it is notably limited in its repertoire of natural agents to bolster
immunity and balance one's physiology. It is imperative that the health
benefits of natural therapies such as acupuncture, herbs, nutritional
supplements, and dietary strategies be made available to as many people
as possible. Let's examine the main approaches of each of these therapies.
ACUPUNCTURE
Practiced for over 2,500 years in various Asian cultures, acupuncture has
finally made its way to the Western world. In my clinical practice, many
patients have sought treatment for weak immunity. A typical pattern
includes frequent colds and flus, recurring sinus infections, fatigue, stress,
and insomnia. For this constellation of symptoms, acupuncture can be an
effective way to break the cycle of chronic vulnerability to the elements.
Acupuncture works by regulating the flow of Qi (life force) through 14
major meridians on the body. Immune weakness is typically due to
deficient Qi of the lungs and spleen. When these organs are weak,
symptoms such as allergies, diarrhea, fatigue, cough, and recurring
infections are commonplace. For these issues, acupuncture points are
chosen on the lung and spleen meridians to supplement the Qi, thereby
strengthening immune function.
Acupuncture and Modern Research
Electro-Acupuncture & Immune Function During Chemotherapy - Electroacupuncture
can strengthen immune function, hematopoietic function and
improve appetite, sleep, alleviate pain and digestive distress. Another study
suggests acupuncture is able to normalize the pattern of leukocytes. J.
Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2002 Mar.;22 (1):21-3. Mori, H., et. al.,
Unique Modulation by Electro-acupuncture in Humans Possibly via
Stimulation of the Autonomic Nervous System. Circulation J., 2007 June
Moxibustion is also a powerful tool in the acupuncture repertoire.
Moxibustion is a heat therapy that involves the use of mugwort, an herb
that is applied topically on acupuncture points. Moxibustion has been
shown in studies to increase white blood cell count in chemotherapy
patients and other cases of immune weakness. For patients with recurring
infections and colds, moxibustion is an excellent technique for naturally
bolstering immunity.
HERBS
There is one Chinese herbal formula that has gained international
recognition for its ability to immediately strengthen immunity. The formula
is called Jade Windscreen or Yu Ping Feng San. It has been used in China
for many centuries as a natural preventative against environmental
pathogens. Jade Windscreen is a simple formula that consists of three
herbs: Huang Qi (astragalus), Fang Feng (siler), and Bai Zhu (atractylodes).
Astragalus is considered one of the most renowned immune strengthening
herbs on the planet. It is very helpful for chronic cycles of infection and
illness.
Another class of herbs that is used for a variety of immunity issues is
medicinal mushrooms. This class of herbs is frequently used for immune
regulation in serious patterns of cancer and AIDS. Mushrooms such as
shitake, reishi, ganoderma, maitake, and poria have numerous health
benefits that are beyond the scope of this article. If you have serious
immune dysfunction, I recommend learning more about these amazing
medicinals. Echinacea is probably the most commonly applied herb for
prevention of colds and flus. Research suggests that this herb is not as
effective as many have been led to believe. A recent major study concluded
that Echinacea is no more effective than placebo in warding off and
treating colds and flus.
NUTRITION
The food we eat is one of the most important determinants in not only our
immune function, but our overall health. Many people have weak immune
systems because they are eating processed, refined, and rich diets that are
devoid of the essential nutrients that the body needs for optimal health.
Here are a few simple steps you can take right now to strengthen your
immunity:
- Drink 6-9 glasses filtered water daily
- Drink green tea instead of coffee
- Reduce intake of refined sugar and carbohydrates
- Eat organic foods whenever possible
- Eat 5 servings a day of fruits and vegetables
*If you are unable to consume this amount of fruits and vegetables
daily, Dynamic Greens, a powerful antioxidant by Nutrition Dynamics is a
great alternative. Plant nutrients, also known as phytonutrients are very
important for overall health and immune function.
- Minimize pasteurized dairy
- Eat a diet rich in essential fats and low in trans fats and saturated fats
Supplements such as zinc, vitamin C and green tea extract can be helpful
adjuncts to ward off illness.
HEALING THE STRESS RESPONSE
Stress can be a major cause of immune weakness. Many studies from the
field of psychoneuroimmunology have clearly demonstrated the link
between stress and immunity. Acupuncture and herbs are two of the most
powerful practices you can undertake for overcoming chronic stress. This
can profoundly heighten your quality of life and health.
