Amanda Gawrysz, L.Ac., MSOM
When we talk about the immune system in Chinese medicine, our focus is on the energy of the lungs. The lungs in Chinese Medicine, however, are more than just a respiratory system. It is our defensive energy known as Wei Qi or “protective” qi. This layer of qi or energy is the most exterior level of our bodies which is mobilized to help fight off exterior pathogens. Think of it as an invisible bubble or force field encircling your body protecting you from the outside world. The strength of our Wei qi determines whether or not we fully succumb to getting sick.
What determines the strength of our Wei Qi? The lungs are deeply related to the large intestines in Chinese Medicine. Think yin and yang of each other. The body’s defensive energy is directly dependent on the strength of the lung and colon. This protective energy force is therefore determined by the strength of our digestive system. By enhancing our digestive system we strengthen our immunity. Think about it. Generally, outside pathogens most easily enter through the respiratory and digestive systems.
Grief, sadness, and worry are the emotions associated with the lung and digestion. Spending time in meditation or journaling is beneficial in bringing awareness to these emotions and allowing them to flow out. When we hold onto unprocessed and negative emotions we are allowing them to build up within us which eventually will manifest in physical form as a disease or condition.
There are a number of ways that we can help nourish the lungs and colon.
Acupuncture. Acupuncture is known to boost the immune system’s production of natural killer cells for up to 3 days after each treatment. This very relaxing treatment also improves the circulation of the blood and lymph which are both very important in keeping toxins flushing out of the body. Inflammation, especially chronic systemic inflammation, is another concern when it comes to immunity. Acupuncture helps reduce inflammation.
Acupressure. Acupressure is a great way to boost your immune system on your own and can be done anywhere. Apply firm pressure on the points shown below in the videos for 30 seconds and release, repeating this process 3 to 5 times. You can perform this as needed throughout the day. Both sides can be done at the same time or one side at a time. The points include ST36, KD27, and LU7.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ES8YOKWp2uk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYqgaqiVSjE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdLcBp_zjYo
Sleep. Sleep is always important, but especially when we need to keep our immunity strong. Allowing yourself to get at least 7 to 8 hours is the single most impactful action you can take to boost immunity. Additionally, it is best to get to sleep before 11pm for most benefits.
Nutrition. The health of our digestive system determines the health of our immune system. Keeping away from inflammatory foods such as gluten, corn, soy, cow dairy, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine will prevent gut irritation and allow for better nutrient absorption.
Chinese medicine and years of research show that cold and raw foods and drinks are damaging to the digestive system. Our guts need warmth to do its job well. Introducing colder foods into our body’s is forcing it to work even harder in the breaking down and absorption processes. Eating at consistent meal times gives additional support to your digestive system. Being mindful while we eat and focusing on chewing and the meal in front of us prevents sluggish digestion.
Foods to focus on that benefit both the lung and colon include leafy greens, sprouted seeds and grains. White foods like cauliflower, turnips, parsnips, daikon radish, almonds, apples, pears, rice, oats, onion, garlic, sesame seeds. Yellow foods like squash, pumpkins, yams, ginger, turmeric, and apricot. Also, ginseng, garlic, onion, guava, black dates, walnuts, oats, chicken, and lamb.
Always keeping in mind to prepare meals that are warm and nourishing by sauteing, baking, slow cooking, or steaming.
Herbs. The lungs are closely related to breath and the first sign of energy/life at the time of birth. Energy strengthening herbs are also for strengthening the lungs. Ginseng root, astragalus, cordyceps mushroom, and schisandra all help nourish the energy of the lungs.
Supplements. Vitamin D3, zinc, curcumin or turmeric, echinacea, elderberry, fire cider, ginseng, cats claw, japanese knotwood, astragalus, andrographis, omega-3’s, medicinal mushrooms such as shiitake, reishi, maitake, and cordyceps, Vitamin C, and probiotics have all been shown to strengthen immunity in different capacities.
Qi Gong. Qi Gong is a form of Chinese meditative exercise that has been practiced for thousands of years. The practice focuses on cultivating energy in both the body and the surrounding environment through breathing, focused intention, postural techniques and other movements. Recent studies have evaluated the long-held belief that qi gong improves immune system functioning – a characteristic that can be measured and quantified. One study showed that qi gong practice increased the quantities of monocyte and lymphocytes – two white blood cell types that make up the majority of the lymphatic immune system.
YouTube is a great resource for qi gong practices. Here are a few you can begin with.
Qi Gong to Boost Immunity and Lower Stress