Essential Acupoints for Immune Health

This is the first in a series of essential acupuncture points to ensure your immune system is strong as you approach cold & flu season.  Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine have an excellent track record with immune enhancement and the fight against infectious disease.  Without further adieu...

ST36 - One of the most admired and potent of classical acupuncture points because of it’s ability to energize and assist the body to recuperate.  It’s often used to boost energy in general, and is particularly useful in strengthening the immune system. In acupuncture lingo, 'ST' references the channel as being related to the stomach organ, and the number refers to it being the 36th point on the channel.  It is also called Zu San Li, which roughly translates as Leg Three Miles.  As the legend goes, it earned that name as it was used to help soldiers surpass their fatigue and accomplish marching three more miles.  It’s also a unique point in the body, as it’s the only one referred to as the Sea of Water and Grain, which references it as a vast reservoir of energy and substance that can be accessed in times of need.

According to acupuncture theory, ST36 strengthens the spleen (an important organ that supports the immune system) and strengthens Wei Qi, aka the defensive energy that protects the body from external pathogens. Some recent research shows that using this point stimulates the increase of interferon-γ and interleukin levels in the blood, and enhances the expression level of CD4+ T cells in the spleen. Also, these levels were higher in the acupuncture group compared to both the sham and control groups. Other studies show that using this point also boosts natural killer (NK) cell activity, which are the soldiers that do the work in clearing out infectious microbes and tumor cells in our body. Not only that, but the same research showed that blood serum transfused from the acupuncture group to the non-acupuncture group enhanced the latters’ immune systems as well.

Acupuncture serves as an excellent tool in your fight against germs and to ensure a fun and healthy holiday season. For more info, please feel free to contact me by email, or schedule an appointment or free consult.

With qi, Jon

References:

Enhancement of immune cytokines and splenic CD4+ T cells by electroacupuncture at ST36 acupoint of SD rats. Longyun Chen , Anli Xu , Nina Yin, Min Zhao, Zhigang Wang, Tao Chen, Yisheng Gao, Zebin Chen. Published: April 13, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0175568

Jpn J Physiol. 1996 Apr;46(2):131-6.
Acupuncture stimulation enhances splenic natural killer cell cytotoxicity in rats. Sato T1, Yu Y, Guo SY, Kasahara T, Hisamitsu T. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8832330

Image from Deadman, Peter, Mazin Al-Khafaji, and Kevin Baker. A Manual of Acupuncture. Hove, East Sussex, England: Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications, 2008.

Tuning up your immune system, the time is now!

One of the most wonderful herbs to help strengthen our immune system as we approach the cold/flu season is Huang Qi, also commonly known as Astragalus. It can be powerful to stave off infections...so it's fitting that it looks like a tongue depressor.  Huang Qi serves as a qi tonic for two of the most important organs to maintain a strong immune system: the lung and the spleen. It is warm and drying in nature, so it also helps the body maintain homeostatic balance with Portland's notoriously cold and damp falls/winters, keeping our bodies running optimally.  Research shows that astragalus increases white blood cell count in both human and animal trials, and inhibits proliferation of certain bacteria.  It has been gaining increased recognition for it's potential for treatment for antibiotic resistant bacteria such as MRSA. Studies also show effectiveness in the use of it for prevention of cold & flu and other respiratory tract infections, including people with past histories of chronic infection, and children.  If you'd like to know more about how use Astragalus to optimize your immune defenses for the upcoming season, contact us at (503) 288-7668 to schedule an appointment or complimentary consult, or schedule online.  I also have an array of other modalities such as acupuncture and cupping, to keep the germs at bay and help you fully enjoy all the fun of the upcoming holiday season.

With qi, Jon

Acupuncture and Sports Medicine

Please click here for an excellent article from Runner's World magazine on using acupuncture to enhance recovery and performance in athletes.  The author interviews a couple of practitioners who explain how acu helps from a musculoskeletal and physiological perspective, and also touches upon how it can help a person address constitutional challenges to achieve their greatest potential as a whole.

In clinic, I love working with athletes as they often have quick and marked improvements with flexibility, pain, and performance within a few acupuncture treatments.  I've seen it work wonders to help prepare for events, as well as in recovery from acute or chronic injury.  During treatment course, we often discover energy, digestive, or endocrine imbalances that also might be contributing to the issue, and when supported with acupuncture and herbal medicine, further enhances performance.

Please feel free to contact us to schedule a treatment or consultation any time.