Immune system and acupuncture
Your immune system keeps you healthy and helps you ward off pathogens such as the flu or the common cold. Especially now that we have been living with the Coronavirus for months, the awareness of a well-functioning immune system is increasing. Studies show that acupuncture can be used to support our immune system in a safe and natural way.
The National Institutes of Health has investigated the efficacy of acupuncture for stimulating or regulating the immune system and published this study.
The studies concluded that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may be beneficial for the immune system through the use of electroacupuncture, moxibustion (moxa therapy), herbs, and acupuncture.
The combined studies showed that moxibustion helped repair the intestinal mucosa of rats suffering from ulcerative colitis. Electroacupuncture can increase the number of T cells in the body. T cells destroy harmful bacteria and viruses in the body. General acupuncture can reduce inflammation, which plays a vital role in the immune system.
Defensive Qi
According to TCM, the body is protected by something known as the “Wei Qi”.
The Wei Qi, or defensive Qi, is comparable to the immune system in mainstream medicine. It acts as the first line of defense when the body is under attack by external pathogens. When the Wei Qi is strong, the body is able to ward off bacteria and viruses. Stress, lack of sleep, and a poor diet or other underlying problem can all play a role in how strong the body’s whey qi is and how well it performs.
There are several tools in the TCM practitioner’s “toolbox” that can help keep the immune system strong and healthy, including
- acupuncture
- moxibustion
- electroacupuncture
- herbs
- cupping
- nutrition
TCM can regulate immune function while treating the underlying causes of the disease. This is done by reducing symptoms, speeding up healing, reducing excess mucus, reducing inflammation, and stimulating the cells in the body that help ward off invasions.
T cells
TCM can regulate immune function while treating the underlying causes of the disease. This is done by reducing symptoms, speeding up healing, reducing excess mucus, reducing inflammation, and stimulating the cells in the body that help ward off invasions.
Studies show that regular acupuncture treatments can actually increase the number of T cells the body produces. Acupuncture needles stimulate the brain to think that an intruder (virus or bacteria) has entered the body. The brain signals the increased release of T cells and white blood cells to fight off the invader.
Amazingly, the increased cellular response lasts even for a few days after the acupuncture treatment. So regular acupuncture treatments can prevent the body from getting sick.
For more information you can contact the practice.