The immune system protects the body from potentially harmful substances by recognizing and responding to antigens (molecules on the surface of) cells, viruses, fungi, or bacteria, as well as nonliving substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles. This complex system involves specialized cells (such as T-cells, B cells, macrophages and others) that recognize and destroy these foreign entities or antigens. Unfortunately the lifestyle of most American’s today does not support proper immune function because of lack of sleep, poor nutrition/diet, too much stress, not enough rest/relaxation, AND exposure to germs and viruses in crowded places like schools and offices. There are a number of alternative ways to increase immunity, especially in cold/flu season. Naturopathy offers great solutions, and acupuncture is also an effective way to enhance immune function.
How does it work?
Acupuncture uses needles to stimulate the flow and movement of qi (energy) through the body’s energy pathways or meridians. When there is a blockage of any kind, the body is not in balance and can’t function properly (i.e. digestion issues, pain or impaired immunity). The needling of specific acupuncture points and their subsequent effect on the nervous system relax the body, help a person sleep and promote healthy digestion all of which support a healthy immune system.
According to a paper presented at the 5th World Congress of Acupuncture in 2002, acupuncture affects immunity in the following ways:
– Acupuncture elevates levels of white blood cells, specific hormones, prostaglandins, gamma-globulins, antibodies and opsonins – all of which support the immune process.
– Acupuncture constricts and dilates blood vessels, promoting the body’s release of vasodilators (known as histamines) that increase the inflammatory response that protects the body
– Acupuncture elevates the levels of neurotransmitters, specifically serotonin and noradrenaline that support sleep, mood, and cell regeneration – all of which balances our bodies communication systems.
– Acupuncture activates the secretions of endorphins, specifically enkaphalins that ask as pain killers
In addition, a group of scientists recently did a study on acupuncture’s effectiveness to attenuate stress and stimulate lymphocyte proliferation (white blood cells, specifically T-cells that are responsible for cell-mediated immunity) in the elderly (Neuroscience Letters, 2010). The result showed that acupuncture was able to significantly reduce depression, anxiety and stress. The intervention also increased T-cell proliferation, directly increasing the amount and action of white blood cells.
Moxibustion is also a powerful tool in the acupuncture repertoire that aids in immunity support. Moxibustion is a heat therapy that involves the use of mugwort, an herb that is applied topically on acupuncture points. Moxibustion has been shown in studies to increase white blood cell count in chemotherapy patients and other cases of immune weakness. For patients with recurring infections and colds, moxibustion is an excellent technique for naturally bolstering immunity.
In conclusion, acupuncture and its accompanying techniques are powerful forces for supporting the immune system as well as fighting illness and disease.
