Improving Your Immune System With Acupuncture

With flu season upon us, it’s a good time to pay more attention to our immune systems. It’s extra important to watch out for any signs that it might be flagging and to look for ways we can support and improve immunity. The immune system is vital to our health. When it is not functioning optimally, we suffer frequent bouts of illness or infections. Sometimes, it isn’t obvious that our immune system is the cause of our health problems.  

Every day, we come into contact with bacteria and viruses that have the potential to make us sick. The reason why we don’t actually succumb to them is our immune system. It’s a complex system of specialized cells, tissues, and organs working together to contain and remove harmful invaders from our bodies. As our immune system encounters harmful invaders, it learns new methods of neutralizing them in the future. This is also referred to as acquired immunity. 

The lymphatic system is the powerhouse of our immune systems. It’s a network of lymph nodes and vessels present throughout our bodies. The nodes are where white blood cells, which are responsible for trapping invaders like bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells, are stored. When we get sick, these nodes swell and become painful as more white blood cells are created. You’ve probably experienced swelling of the nodes in your neck just under your jaw whenever you’ve had a cold or throat infection.  

Since our immune system is spread throughout our bodies, rather than located in one specific place, it can be easy to mistake symptoms of a weak or impaired immune system for something else. The following are some of the common signs that your immune system is struggling: 

Frequent colds and flus 

On average, a healthy adult might get sick between one and three times a year. This is because past exposure to viruses and bacteria can provide protection from future exposure. However, some people will get sick more often. This can be the result of an immune system disorder, where your immune system is weakened or in some cases overactive. It can also be a sign that you are being over-exposed to new viruses and bacteria. 

Frequent or recurring infections 

If you’re prone to infections or are struggling with an infection that keeps coming back, this can be a sign that your immune system is not strong enough to overcome the infection as it should. People with impaired immune systems are more likely to contract infections like pneumonia or bronchitis. 

Digestive issues 

Our digestive tract is home to thousands of different bacteria that aid in the breaking down and absorption of nutrients. The reason that digestive issues may be a symptom of a weakened immune system is that these bacteria are usually kept in check by our immune systems. Otherwise, an overgrowth of certain bacteria can disrupt digestion and even move into other surrounding organs. 

Delayed wound healing 

Our immune systems play an important role in healing damage to our skin. When immune function is compromised, this slows healing and causes what’s called delayed wound healing. Wounds that heal slowly are more prone to complications like scarring and infection. 

Fatigue 

Fighting off colds, flus, and infections takes a lot of energy. When your body is constantly combating some illness or another, it becomes much harder to restore depleted energy reserves, which leads to a state of fatigue. Even if you aren’t experiencing many acute symptoms of illness, you’re likely to still feel run down more often. 

As previously mentioned, our immune systems are complex. They span throughout our bodies and are constantly working. As with anything that has a lot of moving parts, there are many things that can throw a wrench in the works, so to speak. Below are some of the conditions and factors that can contribute to a weakened or impaired immune system. 

Age 

There are two distinct stages in life when our immune systems are not at full capacity. Young children are still developing their immune systems. This means they haven’t yet been exposed to much, as well as still learning proper hygiene. Additionally, once we reach old age, many of our bodies’ systems don’t work as well as they used to. This includes our immune systems and is why the elderly are considered to be more vulnerable to both getting sick and experiencing complications from illness. 

Chronic stress 

Consistently elevated levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in our bloodstream is known to make our bodies less resilient. This is why people who are under a lot of stress are more prone to getting sick and may be sick for longer. 

Experiencing a big shock 

The psychological shock caused by traumatic events is known as acute stress disorder. This is the reaction we experience after an unexpected or traumatic event like a car accident or the sudden loss of a loved one. Acute stress can temporarily suppress your immune system, making you more susceptible to getting sick in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event. 

Asthma 

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes your airways to narrow and swell, and may produce extra mucus in the lungs, all of which result in difficulty breathing. Asthma attacks can be triggered by a variety of things, such as exercise, allergies, or other environmental factors. There is no cure for asthma, but with treatment, symptoms can be managed. 

Allergies 

Allergies are your immune system’s reaction to the presence of a foreign substance that it deems harmful. In a lot of cases, allergies develop to relatively benign substances, such as pollen, animal dander, or foods. Allergy symptoms range from minor irritations like sneezing and runny nose to the more life-threatening anaphylaxis. 

Autoimmune disorders 

Autoimmune disorders are a category of diseases where your body’s defensive system isn’t able to tell the difference between your own cells and foreign cells. This causes your body to essentially attack itself. Common symptoms of autoimmune diseases are fatigue, joint pain and swelling, skin problems, digestive issues or abdominal pain, recurring fever, and swollen glands. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), defensive Qi, or Wei Qi, is our first line of defense against sickness. Imbalance, stagnation, and blockages will weaken Wei Qi, and prevent it from being distributed evenly throughout your body. Acupuncture is designed to improve the flow of Qi by removing blockages and stagnation and restoring balance. Stimulating the meridians that correspond with the lungs, kidneys, stomach, and spleen strengthens the source (Yuan) Qi and the middle (Zhong) Qi, while improving the circulation of defensive Qi. This helps strengthen immunity and reduces reactivity to allergens. The treatment can also relax or release the overreactive smooth muscles that cause bronchial constrictions. 

Maintaining a healthy immune system is especially important during the winter when cold and flu viruses are rampant. The following are some things you can do to support your immune system between acupuncture treatments: 

• Eat a balanced diet 
• Exercise regularly 
• Ensure you are getting enough sleep 
• Wash your hands frequently 

• Avoid stress when possible 

If you haven’t already booked your winter tune-up, now is a great time to do it. Acupuncture has benefits year-round, but when it comes to winter and flu season it helps keep your immune system working optimally.