Chinese medicine for immunity

After a period of being unwell it can be difficult to shake off the fatigue that can continue for weeks on end after other symptoms have subsided. This is known as post infection fatigue and is often a reflection of a weakened immune system. Sometimes when symptoms such as muscle aches and heaviness, joint pain, sore throat, headache, cough, and fever seem to have abated and recovery is on the horizon, we can easily be knocked back down with extreme fatigue or exhaustion – a sign that the immune system needs some TLC.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be powerful yet natural methods in strengthening the body’s immune defences.

​According to studies published in the National Centre for Biotechnology Information, acupuncture can help regulate the immune system by increasing the body’s immune cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and T-cells, as well as reducing inflammation in the body. As such, acupuncture is not only a great way to proactively boost your immune system but also help rebuild it after a bout of illness.​

From a Chinese medicine perspective, post infection fatigue is a result of a “lingering pathogen” that has not been completely expelled from the body - hence the persistent nature of intermittent symptoms. With our immune system facing challenges though everyday life, it can be difficult to sustain normal daily activities when your health is not yet up to par. Just like a plant needs water and fertiliser for nourishment, our bodies need its resources consistently replenished to defend against further infections. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help stimulate the immune system to rid the body of lingering pathogens and restore healthy body function.

GUA SHA, CUPPING & MOXIBUSTION FOR IMMUNITY
In addition to acupuncture other Chinese therapeutic techniques such as ‘gua sha’, cupping, and moxibustion can be used to help boost immunity:

• ‘Gua Sha’ is a type of friction massage that is used for many conditions in Chinese medicine. Though the technique is commonly used for musculoskeletal issues - sometimes called instrument assisted soft tissue mobilisation (IASTM) or in recent times trademarked as Graston Technique, and even used as part of cosmetic acupuncture or facials, gua sha has be used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine to stimulate circulation of oxygenated blood and increase lymphatic circulation and drainage to allow the body to more effectively flush toxins.
• Cupping is like an inverse massage which lifts, separates, and stretches the body (as opposed to massage, which pushes into the body) to allow blood and lymph fluid to flow more easily. Like gua sha, cupping is commonly used for musculoskeletal issues, but is also effective in increasing immunity and reducing any lingering congestion or body aches.
• Moxibustion is a technique which involves external use of the herb mugwort (also known as moxa), which facilitates healing and is used to boost low immunity. Moxa helps nourish and rebuild the body especially important when resources are deficient.