Most practitioners of Chinese and Naturopathic medicine would agree that seasonal acupuncture treatments are one of the best methods to protect and enhance the immune system. My patients report increased vitality, less frequent colds and flus, shorter duration of colds and flu, and decreased seasonal allergies with regular acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture has been shown to maintain homeostasis of the immune system by mediating the balance of both helper and suppressor T cells, increasing natural killer cells, and regulating leukocyte numbers.

Acupuncture and Cupping Therapy

At the first sign of a sore throat call your acupuncturist. If you catch it quick enough, your practitioner can stop a cold or flu in its tracks by relieving wind-heat and stabilizing the exterior, thus, keeping pathogens from entering your blood stream that would otherwise make you feel sick.

Based upon the signs and symptoms you present with, the acupuncturist will decide which modality is best suited for your condition.  In addition to acupuncture, one of the most effective ways to stabilize immunity is by a method called cupping. This non-invasive modality involves the placement of glass or plastic “cups” over specific areas of the body to discourage metabolic waste, bacteria, and viruses from entering into the bloodstream.

Chinese Medicinal Food and Phyto-Therapy

A strong vital immune system depends upon what you feed it.  Chinese food therapy is a reliable method and wonderful companion to acupuncture. To keep immunity in tip top shape, be sure to get ample amounts of the following therapeutic foods:

Cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, brocco sprouts, kale, swiss chard, bok choy, and daikon radish increase levels of glutathione and contain DIM (di-indole methane).  Both glutathione and DIM increase immune cells while reducing your chances of developing certain types of cancer.

Enhance T & B immune cells with carotenoids: carrots, goji berries, Rich in beta-carotene, these foods promote new skin cells as well as protecting the mucosal lining of the lungs and digestive system.

Boost your vitamin C levels and immunity with colorful watermelon and cantaloupe, kiwis, strawberries, blackberries, red and yellow peppers.

Jujube fruit, known as the Chinese date provides mucilaginous properties to soothe and lubricate the mucosal lining of the throat.  Jujube fruit can be found in Chinese markets and health food stores.

Loquat fruit with organic honey will act as a natural cough drop soothing scratchiness and hoarseness.  Available in a prepared form found on health food store shelves.