One of 2020’s hottest topics is “how to boost the immune system” — naturally! And with so many different products and approaches touting immune-strengthening benefits, it’s not always easy to know where to start. Fortunately, Kailua Wellness Center has you covered.
Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) techniques have been shown to strengthen immunity by boosting white blood cell count, increasing natural killer cells, reducing inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increasing antioxidant expression in our bodies. These traditional techniques (often combined with Western medicine) are actively being used in China to fight COVID-19 infection and transmission, and people are getting better faster than those taking Western medicines alone.
The theories of TCM can also be applied at home through diet and acupressure. Licorice root, which makes a delicious *tea, has been shown to inhibit replication of SARS-associated coronaviruses (1). Acupressure at acupoint Stomach 36 (zusanli) may enhance CD4+ T-helper cells, which are active in the immune system’s defense against microbes — including viruses (2).
Make an appointment today with our expert acupuncturist and herbalist Dr. Diane to learn more about how you can strengthen your immune system!
Dr. Diane Hartenstein, DAOM, L.Ac.
*Licorice is contraindicated in high blood pressure
Sources:
1. Licorice and SARS-related Coronaviruses:
2. Acupuncture and Immunity:
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