Why Does Illness Occur?
Communicable illnesses are caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi. When these microbes enter the body, the immune system activates and begins producing immune cells to combat illness. If the immune system is weakened or compromised, it may be unable to bolster a strong enough attack to prevent an illness.
The health of the immune system is based on your overall health, y
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have been turning to acupuncture for thousands of years to help enhance immunity, decrease the effects of negative energy on the body, and promote overall health and well-being.
How Can Acupuncture Help?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Wei Qi, also referred to as the Defensive Qi, is equivalent to the immune system. The Wei Qi is located between the muscles and the skin and acts as a barrier to prevent foreign substances from entering the body. If the Wei Qi becomes weakened, the body cannot fully protect against external pathogens. Acupuncture strengthens and rebalances the Wei Qi.
Acupuncture Stimulates the Immune System
Acupuncture addresses weak Qi levels in the body, boosts energy levels, and strengthens the immune system. When acupuncture points, including ST 36, LI4, LI11, YINTANG, DU20, BL23, RN4, LU6, CV3, GV4, GB10, AND SP6, are activated, the brain increases the production of T cells. Acupuncture helps increase blood flow throughout the body, which increases the amount of oxygen the cells in the body is receiving. Furthermore, acupuncture helps relieve stress and reduces inflammation in the body.
An acupuncture session helps the body boost immunity by increasing its production of natural killer cells. During active flu seasons, many acupuncturists will recommend two to three acupuncture sessions each week to bolster immunity. Inflammation throughout the body will decrease, the blood and lymph circulation will increase, and immunity will be increased following an acupuncture treatment.
When these acupuncture points are addressed, systemic inflammation decreases, as well as the amount of stress in the individual. When acupuncture points are stimulated through the use of acupuncture needles, the body increases norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter produced in the adrenal glands. Furthermore, according to studies, norepinephrine enhances immune cell readiness.
Acupuncture also boosts relaxation. To help improve immunity, you should get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. If you have been suffering from insomnia or stress, it negatively impacts the immune system. During sleep, the body produces essential hormones and neurotransmitters, which increase antibodies and boosts the immune system.
How is Acupuncture Performed To Boost Imunity?
There are more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the body that are located along 20 meridians in the body. The meridians in the body 
conduct Qi throughout the body to promote health. If an acupuncture point is blocked, the Qi cannot flow freely, thus reducing immunity, increasing inflammation, and resulting in an imbalanced body. Each of these can increase the risk of illness and disease.
Regular acupuncture sessions help to correct imbalances in the body so the Qi can flow freely. When the Qi is balanced, improved health and immunity occur.
Call today and talk to our acupuncturist who helps develop a treatment plan to help enhance your immune system and minimize the risk of illness.
