Maintaining a strong immune system is important to our overall health
The immune system is our body’s defense against infection and illness, so to stay in good physical and mental condition we must assist it in any way we can. It has been proven to be useful for those trying to either avoid getting sick, or those trying to hasten their recovery.
The causes and effects of a weakened immune system
A compromised or dysfunctional immune system is a major component of most chronic diseases. Poor nutrition, stress and exposure to harmful agents all lead to a declining immune system. Once compromised, a weak immune system results in frequent colds, allergies, and reoccurring infections.
Immunity related disorders include:
- Common colds
- Coronavirus
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Chronic fatigue
- Hepatitis
- AIDS
- Autoimmune disease
- Cancer
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Psoriasis
- Immune deficiency syndrome
Acupuncture can help regulate immune function and treat the underlying cause of diseases by reducing symptoms, speeding up healing and stabilizing our body’s responses to illness. Acupuncture is believed to enhance resistance to disease and illness by assisting in defense, homeostasis and surveillance functions of the immune system. This is why acupuncture is considered to be true preventative medicine, as the needle points as chosen to strengthen wei qi (bodies immunity) so as to reduce the chance of succumbing to a virus or bacteria. We tend to get sick more easily when our protective surface energy, i.e., wei qi, is compromised such as when we are stressed or tired.
In traditional Eastern medicine, Vitamin C has a place as an element of spleen qi. The connection between the Spleen and the Lung is also highlighted by vitamin C, as Vitamin C’s role in immune function and its role in wound healing both point towards the Lung. Due to its sour nature as an acid, Vitamin C likely helps to gather and contain wei qi.
One of the best ways to boost our immunity is through Vitamin C consumption. Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient for humans, and it contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions. Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, cannot be produced by the body naturally so we need to acquire it from foods and supplements in our diet. This doesn’t normally present as a problem, as Vitamin C is present in most plant foods, as well as in various glands and organs of animals.
Pure Vitamin C has been shown to stimulate the production and function of white blood cells, helps to produce antibodies, acts as a powerful antioxidant and cofactor of various enzymes. As well as this, Vitamin C helps your body to produce collagen which assists in repair, growth and healing. It is also used by our adrenal glands when stress is triggered. Vitamin C is also considered necessary for the synthesis of numerous compounds, such as neurotransmitters, collagen, hormones and steroids. It helps to increase the absorption of iron from the gastrointestinal tract by reducing iron ions, thus helping to prevent anemia.
At Release Health and Wellness Clinic, we are able to provide you with:
- Acupuncture can regulate immune function and treat the underlying cause of the disease by reducing symptoms, speeding up the healing of infection and normalizing the body’s immune response.
- We will stimulate specific portions of the autonomic nervous system through selected acupuncture points to help the immune system.
- Acupuncture can cause a rise in levels of interferon, of the immune system’s messenger hormones.
- Regular acupuncture therapy can be effective in treating asthma, allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, colds and infections.