Immunity from TCM’s perspective?
Traditional Chinese Medicine principles look to support immunomodulation. Let me explain easily. Immunomodulation is like deciding to take better care of your car. With this mindset, you would change the oil filter regularly, choose better quality gas, and get timely tune-ups. Then, when you are going on a long road trip, you know your car can peak performance. The key here is harmony: you don’t want an immune system that is overactive or underactive.
How does TCM support the immune system?
According to TCM, the Wei Qi protects the body (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 affect how strong the body’s Wei Qi is and how well it performs.
There are a few simple strategies to fortify and reinforce Wei Qi.
- Optimize your nutrition: Choose nutrient-dense organic food, such as various fruits and veggies, healthy proteins, and beneficial fats. Eat what you can digest, absorb and eliminate well.
2. Sleep like your life depends on it: Many studies show that, a good nights’ sleep can enhance specialized immune cells.
3. Be aware of your emotional wellness: TCM has come to appreciate the closely linked relationship of mind and body. A wide variety of maladies, including stomach upset, hives, and even heart disease, are connected to the effects of emotional stress.
All the modalities in TCM are to restore the body to balance and heal itself, and the immune system is part of that healing. We can use herbs like Astragalus, Cordyceps, and Ginseng to boost the respiratory function and keep the lungs effectively working to keep pathogens out and to the blood circulating well, in case something does get in.