Build Your Immunity with Acupuncture

In a fast-paced world, it is easy to overwork yourself, take on too many commitments, and extend yourself to the point of exhaustion. This energy imbalance weakens the immune system. If we take care of ourselves by eating properly, getting enough rest and exercise, and practicing techniques that release tension and balance our bodies – then our resistance to illness is strong. If, on the other hand, we abuse our bodies, push ourselves too hard, eat poorly, don’t exercise, and fail to release tension, our immune system weakens, and we are more prone to illness. Acupressure and deep breathing strengthen the immune system and can help you ward off disease.

The use of acupuncture and moxibustion to increase the body’s defence mechanism has been used for thousands of years. The diagnosis techniques that acupuncturists use can pick up when the immune system is out of balance. Treating the immune system at this time of imbalance is crucial to overcome a sickness bearing down on you.

The way is which acupuncture increases the immune response has been documented in studies through the use of moxibustion. Moxibustion is the burning of small amounts of plant material on the skin (read more about moxibustion here).

“In the 1920s, Dr. Hara’s research on changes in the blood chemistry with direct moxibustion was a valuable contribution still applicable today. His conclusive findings are part of the explanation of the therapeutic effects of moxibustion, and they are as follows:

There is an increase in white blood cells.
The phagocytic activity of the white blood cells increases
There is an increase in red blood cells and hemoglobin.
The sedimentation rate of red blood cells increases.
Platelet count increases.
The speed of blood coagulation increases.
Blood glucose count increases.
Blood calcium increases.
Serum complements increase.
The capacity to produce antibodies increases.”

When we get sick, however, it is most commonly the result of our immune system becoming overwhelmed. Either the invading virus, bacteria, or parasite, proliferate at such a rapid rate that our immune response is unable to match the onslaught, or our standard immune response has been compromised/altered….. either by the invading cells/antigens themselves or by some other factor such as prolonged stress.

Here at Haynes Acupuncture we will tailor a specific program for your immune deficiency and get you back on the road to wellness. You can’t afford to get sick this winter.

1. Mizutani, J., July 1996, Practical Moxibustion Therapy (part 7), North American Journal of Oriental Medicine, Canada

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Build Your Immunity with Acupuncture