A study published by the National Institutes of Health evaluated the efficacy of acupuncture for stimulating or regulating the immune system by comparing the results from several studies that each used different methods of acupuncture. Through the use of electroacupuncture, moxibustion, herbs and acupuncture, the studies concluded Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM, can be helpful for the immune system. The combined studies demonstrated that moxibustion helped repair the gut mucosa of rats suffering from ulcerative colitis, electroacupuncture can increase the number of T cells in the body and that general acupuncture can decrease inflammation, which plays a vital role in the immune system.

Your immune system is what keeps you healthy and helps you ward off pathogens like the flu or a cold. Most of us don’t spend a lot of time worrying about our immune system until we’re sick. Then we reach for the over-the-counter medications to help relieve our symptoms. By looking to TCM instead, we can be proactive about supporting our immune systems in a safe and natural way. If you have any specific questions about how acupuncture can help support your immune system, please feel free to give our acupuncture office a call and speak to our acupuncture specialists.

According to TCM, the body is protected by something known as the Wei Qi (pronounced “way chee”). The Wei Qi, or defensive Qi, is comparable to the immune system in conventional medicine. It acts as the first line of defense when the body is under attack from external pathogens. If the Wei Qi is strong, then the body is capable of fighting off bacteria and viruses. Extreme stress, lack of sleep and a poor diet can all play into how strong the body’s Wei Qi is and how well it performs.

There are multiple tools in the TCM practitioner’s tool box that can assist in keeping the immune system strong and healthy, including acupuncture, moxibustion, electroacupuncture, herbs, cupping and nutrition.

Each of these tools has a similar effect on the body. TCM can regulate immune function, while also treating the underlying causes of the disease. This is done by reducing the symptoms, speeding up the healing, decreasing excess phlegm, decreasing inflammation and boosting the immune-mediated cells in the body that help ward off invasions.

Studies show regular acupuncture treatments can actually increase the number of T cells the body produces. T cells destroy harmful bacteria and viruses in the body. Acupuncture needles stimulate the brain into thinking an invader (virus or bacteria) has entered the body. The brain signals the increased release of T cells and white blood cells to fight off the intruder. The amazing part is the increased cellular response lasts for several days after the acupuncture treatment. Thus, receiving regular acupuncture treatments can actually prevent the body from getting sick. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4540978/

To prevent, to treat acute pain, chronic pain, swelling and spasms, and to address conditions that make athletes vulnerable to re-injury. 

Studies have shown that acupuncture increases blood circulation to specific areas of the body, which not only promotes healing of sports injuries but could also boost athletic performance. 

The acupuncture needles will be placed accordingly on your body, herbs will be used if prescribed, and then there is always the option of electro acupuncture, cupping and guasha if needed. 

These are all tools that an acupuncturist can use to increase blood flow and create more mobility in tissues and  joints.   

Dr. Scott Ling is the Chief Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist and the founder of Sustain Health in Melbourne, Australia. Dr. Ling has a special interest in cancer care and has extensive experience in treating cancer with Chinese medicine and acupuncture.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture have been practiced for more than 3,000 years. In some parts of the world, acupuncture is used to treat many ailments. According to the National Cancer Institute, “acupuncture applies needles, heat, pressure, and other treatments to certain places on the skin, called acupuncture points (or acupoints), to cause a change in the physical functions of the body.” 

There’s a growing body of research on acupuncture and more is being discovered each day. Acupuncture and TCM can be used to treat and help manage chronic health conditions and a number of symptoms. More recently, acupuncture is being considered as an additional pain management option for people with cancer receiving chemotherapy or surgery and for many common side effects after cancer treatment, such as hot flashes, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, and xerostomia (dry mouth).

REDUCING STRESS WITH ACUPUNCTURE A 2013 survey of fertility patients reported that 69 percent of respondents believed acupuncture helped them reduce stress during treatment; 33 percent believed that incorporating this service helped them conceive. (Complementary Medicine Attitudes and Usage Survey. 2012. n=448)

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