Immunity and Chinese Medicine

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