In winter, as the weather turns colder, the body’s immune system weakens, making it more susceptible to invasion by viruses and bacteria. The ability of the body to resist disease depends on the strength of the immune system. When the immune system is weakened, the risk of flu infection increases. Signs of weakened immunity include easy fatigue, poor sleep quality, indigestion, and mental lethargy. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance body immunity espcially in winter. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique approaches to boosting and maintaining immunity. Appropriate use of TCM can regulate the immune system, maximizing its effectiveness.
How does TCM view immunity?
As early as in the ancient TCM text “Huangdi Neijing,” it is mentioned that “when the righteous qi is abundant inside, evils cannot invade,” meaning that with a strong body and good resistance, one can fend off external pathogens and remain healthy. TCM believes that the body’s immune system relies on “healthy energy” or righteous qi. This qi flows throughout the body, protecting it from external evils. Righteous qi is closely related to the functions of the body’s organs. Each organ has its own qi (energy), contributing to the overall qi. Well-functioning organ systems provide strong righteous qi, preventing illness.
Unlike Western medicine, TCM takes a holistic approach and considers the patient’s constitution, symptoms, and stage of the disease in determining the treatment. It employs supportive therapies to boost immune cells and expel external threats from the perspective of tonifying the body’s righteous qi and expelling pathogenic evils. TCM effectively activates the immune system, enhances immune function, initiates the metabolic circulation system, rapidly eliminates pathological waste after combat, alleviates symptoms, and reduces discomfort during the disease process, ultimately contributing to long-term immune enhancement.
TCM adjusts the constitution and enhances immunity
TCM employs the Four Diagnoses—observation, listening, questioning, and pulse-taking—to analyze individual bodily imbalances and then utilizes herbal medicine to restore equilibrium, thereby enhancing the individual’s ability to resist diseases. TCM enhances an individual’s resistance to illness by addressing imbalances in the kidneys and spleen/stomach, which are considered the foundations of congenital and acquired constitutions, respectively. These organs play a crucial role in most aspects of human growth, development, anti-aging, and immune function. To prevent diseases, TCM practitioners often prescribe tonics for the liver, kidneys, spleen, and stomach to regulate the patient’s constitution.
Herbal medicine boosts disease resistance
In recent years, an increasing amount of research has confirmed the direct and substantial benefits of Chinese herbal medicine on the human immune system. For example, herbs like Chaihu (Bupleurum), Yuxingcao (Houttuynia cordata), and Jinyinhua (Honeysuckle) can promote the proliferation and phagocytic activity of immune cells. Tonifying herbs such as Ginseng, Huangqi (Astragalus), and Gouqizi (Goji Berry) contain compounds like ginsenosides and polysaccharides that enhance macrophage phagocytosis, while Huangqi polysaccharides can increase the proliferation of lymphocytes and induce interferon production.
TCM practitioner prescribed herbal medicine based on individualized diagnostics, ensuring the appropriate selection of herbs and dosages for the specific conditions of each person. TCM uses various ingredients to tonify qi, blood, yin, and yang, aiming to achieve a balanced internal environment, maintain organ function in a relatively healthy state, enhance immune function, and resist external pathogens.
Chinese herbs that can help boost immunity
- For those with Qi deficiency and fatigue, it is advisable to invigorate the spleen and replenish Qi. Suitable food and herbal options include Huai Shan (Chinese yam), red dates, Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Huang Qi (Astragalus), and Bai Zhu (Atractylodes).
- Pale complexion, dizziness, and palpitations may indicate a need to tonify the blood. Recommended food and herbal options include Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berry), Long Yan Rou (Longan), Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia), and Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis).
- Individuals experiencing cold intolerance and lower back pain may benefit from tonifying Yang. Foods and herbs such as Hu Tao Ren (Walnut), Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps), Lu Rong (Deer Antler), and Du Zhong (Eucommia) can be considered.
- Dry mouth, heat sensation in the hands, feet, and a red tongue may indicate a Yin deficiency. Foods and herbs like Bai He (Lily), Shi Hu (Dendrobium), Yu Zhu (Solomon’s Seal), Sha Shen (Adenophora), and Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon) are suitable options.
Acupressure
TCM utilizes acupuncture points stimulation to regulate the body’s meridian energy, effectively enhancing one’s immune system. Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, where pressing specific points on the body can unblock Qi energy and increase blood flow to the organs, thereby restoring balance and boosting immunity in the process.
As the immune system gets stronger, the body can effectively and rapidly counteract and fight back when invaded by external viruses.
Hegu (合谷) Acupoint: Located on the Large Intestine Meridian of the hand Yangming, Hegu serves as a switch that connects and clears lung qi, harmonizes the stomach, and regulates the intestines. Regularly pressing this point for 15-20 minutes a day can help regulate immune system function.
Zusanli (足三里) Acupoint: As the meeting point of the Stomach Meridian of the foot Yangming, massaging Zusanli can enhance immunity, regulate the spleen and stomach, invigorate qi, and dispel wind-dampness. Daily acupressure for 15-20 minutes can effectively balance the digestive and immune systems.
Immune-boosting herbal tea
A herbal tea consisting of 3g Huang Qi (Astragalus), 3g Dang Shen (Codonopsis), 3g Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), 2g Fang Feng (Siler), 3g Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle), and 2g Gan Cao (Licorice) can be brewed in 300-500ml hot water for 15-30 minutes. This tea aims to strengthen the immune system by tonifying the spleen and invigorating qi.
Dietary therapy
TCM places a strong emphasis on the role of spleen and stomach function, considering them the foundation of an acquired constitution. Protecting these organs, maintaining good digestive function, and maintaining a balanced diet are considered essential for supporting the body’s immune function. Having a balanced diet contributes to enhanced nutritional reserves.
TCM also emphasizes the role of the kidneys in supporting vitality and immunity. Winter is considered the season for nourishing the kidneys. Consuming black-colored foods, such as black rice, black beans, or black fungus, can nourish the kidneys and enhance the production of kidney essence, which plays a role in supporting the immune system.
Including foods like black rice, which is rich in essential proteins and vitamins, can help nurture kidney essence and improve digestive function. Combining it with red dates and goji berries can effectively fortify the body against viruses and prevent influenza.
FAQ
How to Assess and Regulate Immunity
To assess your immune system, a simple method involves evaluating the frequency of colds, the severity of symptoms after infection, and the duration of illness. Additionally, certain symptoms may indicate a weaker immune system, such as:
– Mouth or corner of the mouth easily cracking, urinary tract inflammation, or slow healing, fatigue, weakness, decreased physical stamina, and poor appetite.
– Unexplained lower back pain, morning stiffness, significant hair loss, or muscle weakness.
Which is better, stronger or weaker immunity?
In reality, the ideal situation is to have immunity that is just right. Individuals with weak immunity are prone to frequent colds, bacterial infections, and viral infections. On the other hand, those with overly strong immunity may experience autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, scleroderma, and others. Allergic diseases represent another type of immune hypersensitivity reaction, including conditions like allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, and gastrointestinal allergies.
How TCM can improve immunity?
In TCM, the principles of “tonifying the body” and “dispelling pathogenic factors” guide treatment. For individuals with weakened immune function, the focus is on tonifying the body. For those with strong pathogenic factors, dispelling these factors becomes a priority. Tonifying aims to strengthen the individual’s immune function to enhance resistance, while dispelling involves eliminating external factors that disrupt immune balance.
Proper TCM treatment considers the individual’s condition, timing, and constitution. It involves selecting immune-modulating herbs that match the individual’s characteristics. The goal is to shift pathological immune responses towards physiological ones, adhering to the principle of treating immune-related disorders. For instance, treating a flu virus infection with Chinese herbal medicine would depend on factors such as constitution, immune capacity, and the timing of treatment.
TCM clinics to enhance immunity near you
Shanghai Medical Clinic is a local Chinese medicine clinic in Dubai providing services such as acupuncture, Tuina massage, cupping, and herbal medicine treatments. The physician specialize in personalized disease diagnosis and TCM adjustments, contributing to the enhancement and maintenance of immune defenses. The clinic proudly offer the certificated herbs in Dubai.
Always keep in mind that formulations and dosages may vary from one patient to another, depending on the severity of the symptoms, and whether they are being consumed for prevention purposes or as treatment. So, always seek the advice of a qualified TCM physician to create a treatment plan for you.
