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Immunity and Chinese Medicine

24/3/2026

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As the summer heat begins to fade, our bodies, like nature, go through a seasonal transformation. For many, this transition can bring a dip in energy, vulnerability to colds or flus, seasonal allergies, or a general feeling of imbalance. This is a key time to support and strengthen the immune system.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine offer ways to fortify your immune system naturally. As the external environment changes, these therapies help regulate internal balance, ensuring your body can adapt smoothly, stay resilient, and maintain optimal health.

IMMUNITY & CHINESE MEDICINE
Seasonal change, particularly the shift from summer to autumn, places a unique stress on the body. In Western medicine, this is partly due to:
  • Fluctuating temperatures that impact immune regulation
  • Decreased sunlight, leading to lower vitamin D levels
  • More time spent indoors, increasing exposure to viruses
  • Shifts in sleep patterns, activity levels, and diet

From a Chinese medicine standpoint, autumn is associated with the Lungs — the organ system responsible for respiration and immune defense. In Chinese medicine, the Lung system not only governs breathing and the skin, but also plays a central role in the body’s immune system. As the air becomes cooler and drier, this Lung system becomes more vulnerable, which is why respiratory issues — like coughs, sinus congestion, or asthma — are more common in autumn. It is also considered the ideal season to strengthen the Lungs and build overall immunity in preparation for the colder months ahead.


Acupuncture boosts immunity by:
  1. Regulating Immune Cell Activity. Clinical studies have shown that acupuncture can increase the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, T-cells, and macrophages — white blood cells that identify and eliminate pathogens. This helps your body respond more effectively to viruses and bacteria.
  2. Balancing Inflammatory Response. Inflammation is a natural part of the immune process, but chronic inflammation weakens the body over time. A 2022 study published in ‘Frontiers in Neuroscience’ found that acupuncture helps regulate pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, creating a more balanced immune environment.
  3. Reducing Stress and Cortisol Levels. Chronic stress is a well-known immune suppressant. Acupuncture activates the parasympathetic nervous system (your “rest and digest” state), helping to reduce cortisol levels and support deeper relaxation. A calmer nervous system allows the immune system to function more efficiently.
  4. Improving Sleep and Energy Levels. Restorative sleep is when the body repairs itself and produces immune cells. Acupuncture has been shown to regulate sleep cycles, reduce insomnia, and improve daytime energy — all crucial for keeping the immune system strong.

In addition to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine plays a vital role in supporting the body's internal defenses. Rather than taking a “one-size-fits-all” approach, herbal formulas are selected based on each person’s constitution, lifestyle, and symptoms. These formulas are designed not just to address existing imbalances but also to strengthen the body’s foundational systems. Importantly, Chinese herbal medicine focuses on building long-term resilience — not just fighting off illness when it appears. Many formulas used in autumn aim to gently nourish the body’s vital energy while promoting balance. 

ACUPUNCTURE RESEARCH UPDATE
For those of us that love research, it is exciting news that the most comprehensive review of acupuncture research has recently been published, called: ‘The state of evidence in acupuncture: A review of meta analyses and systematic reviews of acupuncture evidence (update 2017-2022)’. This review builds upon the ‘Acupuncture Evidence Project’ which was published in 2016, with an additional 862 high quality studies assessed.
The review confirms evidence of acupuncture’s positive effect for the following conditions:
  • Chronic pain
  • Postoperative nausea
  • Low back pain
  • Knee osteoarthritis
  • Migraine prophylaxis
  • Tension-type headache
  • Cancer-related fatigue
  • Menopause
  • Female infertility
  • Chronic prostatitis
It also confirms acupuncture’s evidence of potential positive effect for EIGHTY-TWO other conditions, including:
  • Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
  • Bell’s palsy
  • Breech presentation
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Hormone therapy-related effects
  • Hypertension
  • Insomnia
  • Postoperative pain
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Sciatica
  • Urinary incontinence
Importantly, the study also confirmed that acupuncture is a safe treatment when performed by a trained practitioner. We always recommend that people seek acupuncture from degree-qualified and APHRA registered practitioners.
To see the full list of conditions and to read the report: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103149
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Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain

16/3/2026

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SHOULDER PAIN
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Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. Two common contributors to shoulder pain are tight muscles and bursitis. Both conditions can lead to significant discomfort, stiffness, and restricted movement, and if left untreated, can impact daily life. While conventional treatments like medication, physical therapy, and surgery are often recommended, acupuncture provides a natural, non-invasive solution to help alleviate pain and promote healing. We often have people come to our clinic for treatment due to shoulder pain that has impacted their usual activities such as playing lawn bowls, gardening, and doing daily tasks such as hanging clothes on the line. Sleep quality also tends to suffer, with them having a difficult time finding a comfortable position to sleep or being woken by pain. 
SHOULDER MUSCLES
The shoulder is a highly mobile joint, with muscles and tendons working together to allow a wide range of movements. When these muscles become tight or overworked, they can often lead to discomfort and pain. Tight shoulder muscles often result from:
  • Repetitive movements: activities such as lifting, reaching, or throwing can overwork the shoulder muscles, leading to chronic tightness and fatigue. This is commonly seen in people with repetitive work or sports and hobbies.
  • Injury: muscle strains or sprains can occur after trauma or sudden movements, causing the shoulder muscles to tighten as part of the body’s natural protective response.
  • Poor posture: sitting at a desk for long hours or slouching can put strain on the shoulder muscles, leading to tightness and pain.
  • Stress and tension: emotional stress can cause muscle tension, especially in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, which can lead to discomfort and pain.
Muscles tightness can lead to pain by: 
  • Reducing blood flow: when muscles are tight, blood flow to the affected area is restricted, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain.
  • Nerve compression: tight muscles can press on nerves in the shoulder, leading to radiating pain, tingling, or numbness in the arm or neck.
  • Trigger points: tight muscles can develop "trigger points", which are knots of muscle that refer pain to other areas, making it feel as though the pain is radiating from the shoulder.
SHOULDER BURSITIS
Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction between the bones, tendons, and muscles around the joints. In the shoulder, the subacromial (below the shoulder “tip”) bursa is the most commonly affected, leading to shoulder bursitis. Common causes of shoulder bursitis includes:
  • Overuse: repetitive overhead motions, such as in sports like swimming or tennis, can irritate the bursa, leading to inflammation.
  • Injury: a direct blow to the shoulder or sudden movement can inflame the bursa.
  • Degeneration: as we age, the bursa may become less flexible, making it more prone to irritation and inflammation.
  • Underlying conditions: conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout can increase the risk of developing bursitis.
Why bursitis causes pain:
  • Inflammation: the primary cause of pain in shoulder bursitis is the swelling and irritation of the bursa, which creates pressure on surrounding tissues.
  • Pain with movement: shoulder bursitis causes pain, particularly during movements like lifting the arm, reaching overhead, or moving the shoulder in certain directions.
  • Limited range of motion: as the bursa swells, it restricts the shoulder's range of motion, making it difficult to perform everyday activities without discomfort.​

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​ACUPUNCTURE FOR SHOULDER PAIN

Acupuncture is effective in treating both muscle tension and inflammatory conditions like bursitis by::
  • Releasing muscle tension: acupuncture can help relax tight muscles by targeting specific points to reduce muscle contraction and promote relaxation.
  • Improving blood circulation: acupuncture enhances blood flow to the affected area, delivering oxygen and nutrients that are crucial for healing while flushing out toxins and metabolic waste.
  • Alleviating pain: acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which helps reduce discomfort. Additionally, acupuncture can alter pain pathways in the nervous system, providing immediate relief from shoulder pain.
  • Releasing trigger points: acupuncture can target specific trigger points in tight shoulder muscles, releasing the knots and relieving referred pain that may radiate down the arm or neck.
  • Reducing inflammation: acupuncture reduces inflammation by stimulating the body’s production of anti-inflammatory substances, which helps reduce swelling in the bursa and surrounding tissues.
  • Enhancing healing: by improving circulation, acupuncture helps accelerate tissue repair, reducing the recovery time for inflamed bursae and promoting faster healing of the shoulder joint.
Restoring mobility: acupuncture can help improve the range of motion in the shoulder by alleviating pain, reducing inflammation, and relaxing the surrounding muscles, which often become tight due to the pain of bursitis.

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