Acupuncture and the Immune System

 

At this time of year many of us are doing all we can to prevent catching colds or flu. Most people think of acupuncture as a method of pain relief. Recently studies have also proved it effective in the treatment of infertility. But many hundreds of years ago in Ancient China, an emperor would have acupuncture treatment in order to keep him healthy. It was thought better to keep a person in good health rather than just to treat him in disease. Acupuncture was used as a preventative measure. Today scientific research is now beginning to show how and why acupuncture can boost the immune system. So not only can it help to prevent illness, but it can also help to prevent recurrence of a disease. The National Cancer Institute states that “Human studies on the effect of acupuncture on the immune system of cancer patients showed that it improved immune system response” (www.cancer.gov). Similarly, seasonal allergy sufferers can avoid the onset of symptoms in spring and summer if they begin a regular course of acupuncture earlier in the year, in order to give their immune system a boost.

 

How can acupuncture strengthen the immune system?

 

It is now known that stress can impair the immune system. The balancing effects of acupuncture have a relaxing effect on the body, thus eliminating stress. But acupuncture also works at a much deeper level then this. It basically works on restoring the overall balance of the whole body. When the body is imbalanced, it is therefore weaker. Disturbances in the immune system can cause the body to over react, as in hay fever, asthma and autoimmune diseases (eg. rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders). They can also under react leading to diseases such as cancer.

 

The immune system reaches every cell in the body. There are several different types of immune system cells. They patrol the body, each type on the lookout for different invasive foreign cells that may pose a threat to health. Potentially dangerous cells are then destroyed. The holistic nature of acupuncture includes keeping the balance of the different types of white blood cells and other immune system cells, so they can communicate and work effectively together.

 

 

If you would like to know more about acupuncture and how it can help you contact Linda Colclasure here at the Earlsdon Practice by completing the form on our contact page