Need A Boost? Acupuncture Can Help Strengthen Your Immune System
At the heart of TCM lies the concept of Qi (chee), the vital life energy that flows through the body along meridians, which are pathways connected to our internal organs. According to TCM, disruptions in this energy—due to stress, poor diet, or other factors—can lead to illness. Acupuncture seeks to restore the harmonious flow of Qi, thereby strengthening the body's resistance and promoting overall well-being.
Scientifically Speaking...
Combining acupuncture with Western medicine is gaining interest, leading to many scientific studies that aim to understand how acupuncture can impact our body's defense system.
Acupuncture naturally works on improving your immune system by triggering the body’s production of natural proteins, and molecules, in addition to prompting the release of immune cells, such as white blood cells and T-cells. All of these compounds play pivotal roles in our body's defense strategies.
When you’re not feeling well and see your PCP, you may be given medication to alleviate your symptoms. However, the treatment you receive is designed to relieve symptoms rather than resolve the root cause of the issue, and it’s here that acupuncture shines. Not to mention, acupuncture can tackle underlying health issues you may not even be aware you have.
Acupuncture and Inflammation: A Balancing Act
Inflammation, whether you've been dealing with it for years or one week, can compromise the immune system. Acupuncture offers a balancing act, reducing inflammatory markers in certain conditions. By minimizing excessive immune responses associated with inflammatory disorders, acupuncture supports a more regulated and efficient immune environment.
The Mind-Body Connection: Acupuncture and Stress Reduction
Stress, the gift that seems to keep on giving, is part of the immunity puzzle. Acupuncture, through its stress-alleviating effects, supports a robust immune response. As cortisol levels—a marker of stress—tip back into balance, our immune system's functionality is enhanced, offering a deeper connection between mental and physical wellness.
Acupuncture and Rehabilitation
After conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy or surgery, the body enters a phase of recuperation that often leaves your immune system more susceptible. Acupuncture's ability to support recovery, expedite tissue repair, and regulate inflammation is invaluable, providing a welcomed path to restoration.
Your Ally in Wellness
Acupuncture treats a variety of conditions, and as you've read, is especially helpful in supporting and boosting your immune system. You don't have to wait until you are unwell to start acupuncture! Getting regular treatments only aids in strengthening your defenses to ward off whatever ailment comes your way.
Ready to jump in? Contact Three Sisters Acupuncture for a new patient consult or follow-up appointment at 207-805-1350 or chris@threesistersacupuncture.
I look forward to supporting you! Chris White, LAc
