Immunity & Traditional Chinese Medicine: Strategies for Sickness

Discover ancient methods for boosting immunity

Traditional Chinese Medicine was a born in a time before microscopes and petri dishes; a simpler age when the elements themselves were beneficial or harmful for all human beings alike. The ancient Chinese keenly observed the ways in which our bodies would react to extremes in temperature devising a working theory on immunology that is practical and used clinically today.

Lets talk about Wei Qi

 Wei or Defensive Qi circulates over the ‘exterior’ aspect of the body called the Cou Li Space, or the space between the skin and muscles. Wei Qi warms the Cou Li and in tandem with the Lungs, controls body temperature by regulating the opening and closing of the pores. The Pores are known as the ‘Doors of Qi’; this is important in terms of sweating. Sweating helps to keep us cool when temperatures soar. But if our pores are too slack, they can let out too much sweat which in turn releases too much moisture and minerals (potassium, calcium and sodium). If the pores are too tight, that means nothing is getting out, including toxins. Healthy Lung and Wei Qi ensure balance; we sweat when appropriate and therefore fend off pathogens and keep our body temperature optimal. Wei Qi is called Defensive Qi because it protects us. When it is strong, getting caught in the rain without an umbrella or being improperly dressed on a windy day won’t phase us one bit.

 Here’s a formula to illustrate what I mean:

 Strong Pathogenic Factor (Wind, Cold, Heat or Dampness) + Weak Wei Qi = Sick

 I’m sure some of you reading this are thinking to yourself, this is based on old wives’ tales. But the old wives were wise, my friends, because people can and do get ill from extreme drops in temperature. I experienced it myself in September. I went out for a sunset bike ride by the water with only a light jacket. As soon as the darkness fell, the cool damp air coming off the water cut right thru my clothes. By the time I got home, my ears were burning with cold and ringing. The next morning, my right ear was blocked, my throat sore and I had chills. Due to the times we live in, I did get tested for COVID, but knew I was sick because I didn’t dress properly. Test came back negative, in the meantime, I did whatever I could to release this cold from my body.

 Here are the tried-and-true strategies acupuncturists and herbalists will use to combat common cold and flues, i.e. NOT COVID-19! I highly recommend seeking out the advice of a professional as I’m only going to outline strategies and not concrete answers, because individuality counts for something and no two people are alike.

 First off, a practitioner such as myself will feel your pulse and look at your tongue. We’ll ask you what your symptoms are and whether you are sweating or are you not? Is your nose runny or do you have a sore throat? Are you experiencing alternating chills and fever or are you just burning up? The answers will help us to form a pattern, and this pattern is what we will base our diagnosis and treatment strategy upon.

Now here’s the exciting part; treatment time.

Depending upon the diagnosis, acupuncture will be employed to ‘Release to the Exterior’, it’s our way of saying we will expel the pathogen from your body by either making you sweat with TCM herbs or not. Our acupuncture point protocols will simultaneously purge the pathogen while boosting your Wei Qi. I like to use flash cupping and/or Moxibustion where appropriate. To seal the deal, I will typically prescribe a herbal formula to my patient. If they aren’t sweating, I give them a formula that will allow them to do so allowing the pathogen to exit the body via the pores. If they are sweating, I give them a formula to release the pathogen, while preserving the precious fluids that are getting lost. I will also make dietary recommendations based on their diagnosis. Typically, no caffeine, no sugar, no dairy, no raw or frozen foods. Well-cooked, easily digestible foods are encouraged with plenty of fluids along with plenty of rest.

Autumn is Cole & Flu Season

 The November air is chilly, so dress warmly, eat foods that heat you up from the inside, stay well hydrated and ensure you’re getting all your essential micro and macro nutrients.

Balance out stress with self-care and make sure you’re sleeping, because the best way to deal with colds and flues is not getting them in the first place.

 As some very wise men once said, “You best protect your neck”…