A strong immune system is extremely important to prevent or limit diseases and complaints. People with a strong immune system are less susceptible to bacteria and viruses and generally feel energetic and balanced. In this blog, we will tell you all about acupuncture and the immune system.
How does our immune system work?
The immune system is a defense system against bacteria and viruses. The internal immune system has the ability to learn, it learns what needs to be cleaned up and what doesn't. The immune system can be distinguished into a specific defense and a general defense. The specific defense develops throughout a person's life and targets a specific pathogen. The general defense system targets all pathogens present in the body.
Intestines and the immune system
The intestines are very important for the immune system. They are closely in contact with the outside world. What you eat, drink and the air you breathe affects the intestines and lungs and therefore the immune system. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the intestines and lungs are linked and together responsible for our defense. A large part of our immune function falls under 'Wei Qi' or 'protective Qi'. When Wei Qi is strong, it serves as a shield that protects us from various types of diseases and infections.
Why is a strong immune system so extremely important?
As we have already written, the immune system is essential for protection against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. Our immune system is also important in clearing up in case our developed cells, think of cancer cells and cells that cause tumors. In older people, the immune system sometimes doesn't work as well, resulting in obesity and other diseases. In addition, a good immune system contributes to a general sense of well-being. When the immune system functions well, this is noticeable by a good skin, sufficient energy, and a good general mood.
Acupuncture as prevention of diseases and complaints
Prevention is better than cure. Healing takes a lot of energy and the treatments (medication) can also be harmful or contra productive. A healthy lifestyle is therefore essential for a good immune system. Acupuncture brings balance to the body, allowing all organs to get enough energy to perform their important tasks. This results in good health without complaints. Disease-causing factors such as poor nutrition, stress, intense emotions, and lack of exercise unbalance the organs. Our acupuncturists always look at the specific individual. Everyone is different and has different health challenges and pitfalls.
How acupuncture addresses the cause of the complaint
We always first look at the cause of a poorly functioning immune system. Does someone sleep poorly? Then we will treat that. Is it due to stress? Then we tackle stress. Stress is the result of an imbalance between the parasympathetic (Yin) and sympathetic (Yang) nervous system. With too much stress, you are constantly on and body and mind have no chance to recover. Acupuncture can restore the balance between Yin and Yang. If the organs that are important for defense are out of balance, we work directly on these organs. We address the energy distribution over the different organs again. For example, the balance between stomach and spleen. Suppose the liver energy dominates due to a lot of stress, it thereby extracts important energy from, for example, the lungs or intestines. When we calm the liver, we give energy back to these organs important for defense.
What can you do yourself to strengthen the immune system?
The following tips will help you to strengthen your immune system yourself:
- Exercise. This ensures a good flow of lung energy and also provides relaxation.
- Eat healthily. This is important for the spleen and stomach energy and therefore for a good defense.
- Tackle recurring emotions. Emotions can cause energy blockages and disturbances in the energy distribution between the different organs. For example, sadness belongs to the lungs. If emotions are not properly processed by the lung and the corresponding large intestine, complaints arise.
- Regularly engage in meditation, Qi Gong, Yoga or Tai Chi for a good balance between Yin and Yang.
- Visit an acupuncturist if you suspect you are suffering from a poorly functioning immune system. We can help you in so many ways!
Do you have questions about this topic? Contact us here or easily make an appointment online at one of our locations in Breukelen, Hoofddorp, Nieuw-Vennep, Rijswijk / Delft, Voorburg or Wassenaar.
