Have you ever wondered why some people rarely get sick while others seem to catch every cold that goes around? In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this difference often comes down to the strength of your Defensive Qi (Wei Qi). Think of Defensive Qi as your body’s natural shield, protecting you from illness and helping you recover quickly when you do get sick.
As an acupuncturist, I love helping people boost their Defensive Qi to feel healthier, more energized, and more resilient year-round. Let me share how TCM can support your immune system naturally and effectively.
Defensive Qi: Traditional Chinese Medicine and Your Immune System
In TCM, Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the energy that flows through your body, giving you vitality. Defensive Qi is a specific type of Qi that circulates just beneath your skin, acting as your body’s first line of defense against pathogens like viruses and bacteria.
For your Defensive Qi to stay strong, certain TCM Organs need to work in harmony. Your Spleen helps turn the food you eat into usable Qi, your Lungs distribute that Qi to your body’s surface, and your Kidneys provide the reserves of energy you need to stay healthy. That’s why what you eat, how you breathe, and even how you care for yourself day-to-day all play a big role in supporting your immune system.
Acupuncture for Immune System Support
Acupuncture is a gentle, natural way to strengthen your Defensive Qi and enhance your immune system. By stimulating specific points on your body, acupuncture helps:
- Reduce stress (which is a huge factor in immune suppression!)
- Improve blood circulation to distribute immune cells more effectively
- Regulate inflammation and keep your immune system balanced
And there’s science to back this up! A review in Frontiers in Immunology (Liu et al., 2023) found that acupuncture stimulates both innate and adaptive immune responses, helping the body stay balanced and resilient. Another study from Harvard Medical School highlighted how acupuncture reduces inflammation by activating specific neural pathways, showcasing its potential to calm an overactive immune response and support overall health.
Moxibustion Benefits: Immune Support from TCM
One of my favorite ways to support the immune system is by combining acupuncture with moxibustion on the Stomach 36 (ST36) point, also called Zusanli. This point, located just below your knee, has been used for over a thousand years to boost energy, digestion, and immunity.
Moxibustion, the practice of burning dried mugwort near or on the skin, is particularly powerful when applied to ST36. Research published in Chinese Medicine found that moxibustion enhances immune function by increasing white blood cell production and promoting T cell activity, which are essential for fighting infections. It’s a relaxing and time-tested way to strengthen your body’s natural defenses.
Ginger and Scallions: TCM Superfoods
In TCM, food isn’t just fuel; it’s medicine. Fresh ginger is considered a warming herb that helps your body dispel cold and improve circulation. I always recommend it at the first signs of a cold—it invigorates your Defensive Qi and helps you bounce back faster.Scallions, or green onions, are another powerful immune-supportive food. They’re also warming and help your body fight off early symptoms of a cold like chills or nasal congestion. Adding ginger and scallions to your meals or teas is a simple, delicious way to support your health.
Here’s one of my favorite recipes:
Honey Lemon Ginger Tea
Ingredients:
- 1 inch of fresh ginger, grated
- 12 oz of water
- 1 slice of lemon or 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp raw honey
To Prepare:
- Place water and ginger in a small saucepan and bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Strain through a fine sieve into a mug.
- Add lemon and honey, stir, and enjoy!
This tea is comforting and soothing—perfect when you’re feeling a little off or need a quick immune boost.
Book Your Acupuncture Appointment in Montpelier Today
Ready to naturally boost your immune system? Acupuncture, moxibustion, and mindful lifestyle choices can help you feel strong, healthy, and resilient all year long.
Book your appointment at my Montpelier clinic today and take the first step toward strengthening your health with Traditional Chinese Medicine.
References:
Arranz, L., Guayerbas, N., & De la Fuente, M. (2007). Effect of acupuncture treatment on the immune function impairment found in anxious women. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 62(1), 1–9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17265549/
Liu, S., Wang, Z., Su, Y., Qi, L., Yang, W., Fu, M., ... & Ma, Q. (2023). The immunomodulatory mechanisms for acupuncture practice. Frontiers in Immunology, 14, 1147718. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1147718/full
Lee, M. S., & Ernst, E. (2011). The effectiveness of moxibustion: An overview during 10 years. Chinese Medicine, 6(1), 20. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3136359/
Pesheva, E. (2020). Quieting the Storm. Harvard Medical School News. https://hms.harvard.edu/news/quieting-storm
Danielle Murphy
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