Boosting immunity has become the buzzword of the last two years of the pandemic as everyone has examined ways to keep their immune systems strong to repel Covid-19. And most people understand that our immune systems are like the guards of the body’s cells, tissues, and organs. A strong immune system will repel the worst of bacterial or viral invaders so infection can be avoided at all costs.
Immunity issues can range from the irritating seasonal allergy outbreak to more serious issues like leukemia. Our immune systems can become weakened with increased stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep. Acupuncture can help treat a wide variety of conditions that could weaken the immune system by balancing the system itself. Acupuncture can increase red and white cell counts, T-cell counts and enhance cellular function for overall wellness.
What the Research Says
According to a 2010 study on Acupuncture and Immune Modulation, “in addition to the analgesic effect of acupuncture, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that acupuncture treatment can control autonomic nerve system functions such as blood pressure regulation, sphincter Oddi relaxation, and immune modulation. Although only a limited number of controlled studies have assessed the efficacy of acupuncture, increasing clinical evidence support that EA treatment is effective for various immunological diseases including allergic disorders, infections, autoimmune diseases and immunodeficiency-syndromes.”
Treat the Cause
Most mainstream health care professionals treat the symptoms rather than the underlying cause of the disease. Immune issues can be related to lifestyle choices (poor nutrition, lack of exercise), or an exposure to toxins or chronic viral infections. Conventional medical treatment for an autoimmune disease such as allergies or something more severe such as arthritis typically involves prescription medication aimed at suppressing the immune system. While this can be helpful in managing the pain, it does not cure the issue. And let’s not forget the side effects that can come with prescription medication.
How Acupuncture Can Help
Acupuncture can help the immunocompromised by regulating immune function and treating the underlying cause of the disease. Your acupuncturist will accomplish this by reducing the symptoms and normalizing the body’s immune response. Your autonomic nervous system is stimulated through specific acupoints, which leads the immune system to respond appropriately. Regular acupuncture treatments can be beneficial for those suffering from a variety of immune issues including allergies, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and also for colds and infections.
If you struggle with immune deficiency and haven’t found complete relief through medications or other lifestyle changes, talk to your acupuncturist about your symptoms. They can help determine the underlying cause of your issue through a thorough health history and then work with you to develop a treatment plan that could include acupuncture as well as herbal therapy.
