Exposure to someone or something carrying a virus may lead to transmission of disease. However, exposure alone does not always lead to illness - a weak immune system together with the exposure could do so.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is able to boost your immune system the natural way through acupuncture and or Chinese herbs. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine is the oldest form of alternative medicine, with written records dating back nearly 3,000 years.
The TCM basis for boosting immunity lies in the concept of the Zheng Qi or “healthy energy”. The Zheng Qi is the body's natural resistance against diseases and its repair abilities are described as a flow of energy that circulates throughout the body. The concept of Qi is very similar to the one of energy in the west. Energy gives us power to do things. In Chinese medicine, immunity comes from Qi. The immune system protects you from invaders, like viruses and bacteria. The Zheng Qi is the integral manifestation of the human body's immune functions. Hence, energising the Zheng Qi becomes the key to boosting our immunity.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a powerful tool for regulating the immune system. It helps make people feel energetic, and in China, many have used it as part of their programme for maintaining good health. National Cancer Institute of Bethesda has conducted many clinical trials showing that acupuncture can help to increase the number of white blood cells, one of the key indicators of the strength of human body’s immunity system. It has also reported that acupuncture can help to enhance white blood cell activities and functions.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Although there are many herbs that boost immunity, three are especially noteworthy:
- Huang Qi
Used for thousands of years, certain healing properties of the Chinese herb (astragalus membranaceus root) are being confirmed by western medical science methods. Recent research has confirmed that astragalus contains antioxidants and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It lowers blood pressure and increases endurance in some situations. The chemical properties of astragalus have been studied and the herb shows promise in enhancing immunity, even in HIV sufferers who generally have very poor immunity systems.
- Ginseng, Chinese Ren Shen
A common root enhances healing and rejuvenation. It helps to replenish body fluids and depleted energy. Ginseng also helps to remove toxins from the body.
- Astragalus
Very well known for its powerful capacity to stimulate "non-specific" immune system, it increases the numbers and activity of roving white blood cells. According to a study conducted at the University of Texas Medical Center in Houston, astragalus extracts were able to completely restore the function of immune cells in cancer patients. The immune system can certainly be tonified, or even completely restored, by using this herb.