5 Immune System Boosters for This Winter

5 Quick and Effective Immune System Boosters

In Chinese Medicine, Winter is governed by the Kidney, which is also the Water element of the body.  This makes Winter an essential time to contemplate, restore and nourish the body physically and energetically so it is better able to handle whatever may arise in the coming year.

Another way to view this, is to say that Winter is the perfect energetic time to strengthen the immune system.  Indeed, when treating allergies or asthma in particular, it is essential to tonify or strengthen your Qi during the off season (commonly Winter) to prepare for the on season of the worst symptoms (typically Spring).

Instead of getting overly deep into theory, however, and I have to warn you that “long-winded” runs in my family and did NOT skip me, let me share with you my 5 favorite immune system boosters for the Winter months:

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5 Quick and Effective Immune System Boosters

1. Meditation - research shows that meditation can significantly boost immunity.  Indeed, a study in 2003 showed that after 8 weeks of instruction in mindfulness meditation, the participants immune system response to a flu vaccine was significantly stronger that the non-meditating control group.  This suggests that meditation can significantly improve your immunity.  Try it! 
2. Acupuncture - There is some compelling research showing that Acupuncture creates a blood mediated positive immune response. A 2007 study in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine showed that the immune response peaked approximately 72 hours after treatment, and after 10 sessions (a typical course of treatment in China) some of the results were still measurable a full month later!  In Chinese Medicine, the focus of Acupuncture for immunity is on strengthening the Spleen, Lung and Kidney Qi. Try it! 

1. Astragalus - Astragalus is an herb used to tonify the Qi, especially to improve immunity in Chinese Medicine.  It has been widely researched for its anti-aging and anti-cancer properties as well.  My favorite formulation is called A.S.R. by People’s Herbs - it contains not only Astragalus, but also Reishi and Shitake mushroom extracts, which are also used as longevity tonics and Qi boosters in TCM.  I have found this combination especially good for patients with fatigue and chronic digestive issues - especially MTHFR. Email me if you want to order some!
2. Probiotics - If you haven’t supplemented any probiotics in the past 3-6 months and especially if you have taken any antibiotics of late, a 3 month course of probiotics could really give your immunity a boost.  The gut is kind of like your body’s gateway to interacting with the world and your gut microflora is its keeper.  If your gut microflora is off you won’t detoxify efficiently or process and absorb nutrients effectively.  Then everything can get out of wack.  I love the Probiotic Pearls from Integrative Therapeutics - they are shelf stable (no refrigeration necessary!), small, easy to swallow and reasonably priced! Order online. 
3. Hydrotherapy - hydrotherapy is a fancy term for using water to improve health, and usually refers to hot/cold alternating therapy - sometimes called a “contrast shower.” As you might guess, this means alternating hot and cold in the shower several times in a row.  Contrast showers can improve circulation, and have also been proven to increase white blood cell count and decrease pain! Try alternating 2-3 times and end on the cold - you’ll be amazed how warm the bathroom feels when you step out from under the water! 

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Immune System Boosters and Acupuncture for Immunity - try them!

Now that you have the facts, pick at least 1-2 things off this list to try out this winter and see what Spring brings.  You may be surprised at the increase in health and vitality you feel at the end of the season!

If you have any further questions, want to order supplements or book in please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime or book online 24/7!

Yours in Health,
~Rebecca