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Strengthen Your Immunity

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the principles of practice are to support the immune system, and to take preventive action toward health. We teach patients how to stay in harmony with nature, and we alert them to specific situations that weaken the immune system, such as transitional states. Examples of transitional states are: The change of season, changing jobs, relationships, or moving out of one’s neighborhood. Another transitional state is when we travel to a place with a different climate or time zone. Ever wonder why it is that people get sick when they fly? It isn’t because there are germs floating around the plane. If it was about the germs, then conceivably people would get ill every time they walked into a pharmacy or a hospital where sick people go. The reason is more likely that they are experiencing a transitional state when they fly.

Experiencing more than one transitional state at a time will be even more taxing to the immune system. For example when you are flying at the same time a season is changing, or at the same time when you are experiencing the death of a loved one. Other situations that weaken the immune system often happen concurrently with transitional states, such as having a sleepless night, or experiencing an emotional upset, or other stressful occurrences. Stress, and fatigue are two of the biggest culprits for weakening the immune system, which many times accompany some of these transitional states. In those circumstances, it is like double jeopardy, and even more important for us to take immediate action to strengthen our immune systems.

Ways that we can strengthen our immune system is to get good rest and eat healthy prior to those times we know that our immune system will be weakened. However, many times transitional states happen suddenly such as when one day as you arrive at work your boss tells you the company has downsized and your job was cut. Another example is when you go home and find a note that your husband or wife has left you, or you get a call that a relative suddenly died. Sudden transitional states are even more detrimental to the immune system.

One way to take quick action and boost immunity is by taking herbs. At the Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine we have used a combination of 4 herbs that are well known for their immune system strengthening qualities. They are Echinacea, Ginseng, Astragalus, and Licorice Root. These herbs have been documented through scientific research to strengthen different parts of the immune system.

ECHINACEA –has anti-biotic, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory properties. The active compounds within it increase the ability of white blood cells to surround and destroy bacterial and viral invaders.

GINSENG – Provides energy to all the body systems, and especially the heart, lungs and spleen. It helps to improve brain function and build up cell through out the body. It regulates blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Ginseng also acts on the free radicals in the body, therefore slowing down the aging process.

ASTRAGALUS –is known for it’s supporting of the T-cell function and overall immune strength at a very deep level (bone marrow reserves). It is known to increase strength, and vitality. It helps in the elimination of toxins and supports liver and spleen functions. It aids in the recovery of illness and surgery. It combats fatigue by nourishing exhausted adrenals. It is also an anti-clotting agent and has vaso-dilating properties, helping to prevent coronary heart disease and improving circulation. It reduces the toxicity in the liver and acts as a heart tonic.

LICORICE ROOT- This herb has been used in China for centuries and is included in many Chinese herbal formulas because of its ability to harmonize the action of the other herbs. It is also known to the Chinese as “The Great Detoxifier”, because of its anti-hepatotoxic effects in the treatment of hepatitis and cirrhosis. It also has multiple other physiologic benefits. It helps to maintain the integrity of the mucous membrane of both the respiratory system and the gastrointestinal tract. Both of these systems have portals of entry for external pathogens so it is very important that there is a strong mucous barrier lining both tracts. A recent study found that licorice root actually stimulates the production of interferon, that critical chemical in the immune system that could be the key to preventing and treating many immune response deficiency diseases. A group of Russian researchers have found that licorice root inhibits the growth of certain tumors.

For many years the Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine has provided regular immune strengthening treatments with Acupuncture and herbs. We call them “Seasonal Tune-Ups”. Patients will schedule appointments approximately one week before the onset of each season. For example Dec. 21 is the first day of Winter, so the winter seasonal tune up is best done in the week preceding Dec. 21. During their visits, we teach patients how to keep their immune system strong, and how to use the principles of Chinese Medicine for preventative health care. We have received many patient testimonials from patients who have observed this practice. Several have reported that since they have come regularly for “Seasonal Tune- Ups” they have not had a cold or flu. In some circumstances, they have gone as many as 5 years without one because they not only came for regular appointments, but they also applied the principles of Chinese Medicine taught to them during their appointments.

For more information on these immune strengthening treatments. Call the Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine at 410-828-3585.

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