How does acupuncture boost your immune system?
- Katie Dittmann
- Nov 9, 2021
- 2 min read
Acupuncture, Immunity and the energy of Fall
As we are deep in the energy of fall, the human body continues to pare down, go inward and settle into the season of focused energy. The days are shorter, the air is cool and colds are plentiful. More and more research has revealed that acupuncture can regulate immunity to enhance anti-stress immune function and exert anti-inflammation effects.
The organs associated with fall are the lungs and large intestines. During this time it is helpful to think about how you can nourish your lungs and large intestines so you can boost your immunity.
The lungs control the circulation of the Wei-qi, which is the defensive qi that protects you from the invasion of colds and flu. This is why you feel chilled when you are sick and why you are told to wear a scarf when it is cold out. Lung qi needs to be strong to ward off pathogens and keep the rhythm of the body regulated.
The large intestine is associated with letting go, excreting waste and moving that which no longer serves you. If you are feeling stuck, you may become constipated. Think about what is not serving you, what are you holding on to, and then move through it. Adding celery juice and fulvic acid to your day supports your large intestine and your liver so it can swifty ward off pathogens.
Traditional Chinese Medicine focuses on the theory that prevention before the onset of the diseases or intervening in an early stage of diseases is much better than treating after the onset. Acupuncture increases the amount of your body’s immune cells, such as the red blood cells, white blood cells, and T-cells. It also enhances the immunity of those with immune-related illnesses by encouraging these cells to reproduce and boost the body’s defenses. As practitioners, we utilize acupuncture points that nourish lung qi, points that have a descending action that support the free flow of the large intestines, points for calming the nervous system and points for inflammation. Acupuncture is cumulative, the more often you come the more positive effects if has on your body.
Lastly, it is just as important to address your mindset as we settle into the season of focused yin energy. Our thoughts are our lens to the world. Make sure your thoughts truly resonate with your body and spirit. It is a great time to take a breaks from all the frivolous noise, tv, news and social media we consume everyday. Try for a week to only consume information that lights you up, inspires you, makes you happy and ignore the rest. This strengthens and supports a positive aligned mindset.
Make an appointment today! https://katiedittmann.janeapp.com/
Foods that support your lungs
Pears
Apples
Cauliflower
Almonds
Potatoes
Sweet potatoes
Foods that support your large intestine
Lemon water
Fulvic Acid
Flaxseed
Magnesium
Fruits
Greens
Probiotics
Sources
Katie Dittmann is a licensed acupuncturist in Boulder, Colorado specializing in autoimmune disease and immune support. She loves sharing her passion for natural approaches to health and wellness through her online articles and at her clinic, Katie Dittmann Acupuncture, at 3080 Valmont Rd.
Call for an appointment at 720-470-3908.
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