The immune system viewed through traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) consists of two parts — the external and internal systems. When the immune system is functioning properly the body should not experience illness. The external aspect of the immune system is related to the body’s natural ability to ward off external pathogens such as colds, flu, allergies and sinus problems. This article will focus on the external immune system.
In TCM, the external immune system is a superficial defense energy called “wei qi.” Wei qi is like a shield that surrounds the body, located in between the layers of muscle and skin. This energy controls the opening and closing of the pores. The air that we breathe and the foods that we eat nourish our wei qi. As a result, air quality and diet can directly affect our protective energy.
The circulation and activation of wei qi is propelled by the energy of the lungs. Poor lung energy can lead to a poor defense against external pathogens and environmental factors such as wind, cold, heat, dampness, or dryness, all of which reach the lungs through the respiratory system, which include the throat, mucous membranes and sinuses. Ultimately, having weak wei qi can lead to an increased susceptibility to illness. Even if we have healthy lungs physically, energetically the lungs are taxed on a daily basis by the pollutants of our environment, as well as emotions such as worry, grief and sadness. For example, someone who lives in a very polluted city, or someone who recently lost a loved one, can have a more compromised “wei qi” energy.
When the body’s wei qi is weak, wind can invade the body. Wind is the primary transporter for most external invasions. Wind can transport pathogens from cold, hot, damp or dry weather. Typically, wind affects the head and neck. Common symptoms felt from a wind invasion may include sore neck, tightness in the shoulders, runny nose with a clear discharge, headache, and general overall weakness of the body. These symptoms may be the first sign of an external invasion. In response to the invasion, the body tightens the muscles in the neck and upper back in an attempt to block the wind invasion. The pores may then open to try to sweat out the invader. External pathogens are often purged through sweating. A wind invasion complicated by cold (wind-cold invasion) usually results in chills, a white nasal discharge and an aversion to cold. A wind-heat condition usually results in a fever, yellow nasal discharge and an aversion to heat.
Exterior conditions are usually acute and have a shorter duration then internal conditions. If the external pathogen is not expelled from the body, the illness may move deeper into the body. As a cold condition moves toward the interior, the cold condition begins to turn into a warm condition, and the body may respond with alternating chills and fever. This is a typical disease pattern of the common cold, either from a wind-cold or wind-heat. When a disease becomes an interior condition it can have a greater impact, affecting the body’s interior energy and the interior immune system. If a person’s immunity is really weak, external pathogens can go straight into an interior condition affecting the body at a deeper level right away.
It is important to understand the difference between exterior and interior conditions. If trying to treat an exterior condition with an interior treatment, one can drive the illness deeper into the body.
A qualified acupuncture practitioner will be able to diagnose and treat in accordance to the proper condition. Acupuncture points and herbal formulas vary according to the disease pattern of the individual. Acupuncture points can specifically work on the lung merdian to strengthen immune function, also taking into consideration other issues that can compromise one’s immune system such as the digestive issues or even stress—we have points for those too! Cupping is also used to release pathogenic influences that can affect the lungs and the immune system. (See the next blog post on cupping!)
Acupuncture is commonly used in TCM to boost the immune system and strengthen the wei qi. If you are susceptible to colds, allergies, sinus problems or other respiratory problems, acupuncture may be a very good choice for you. It is a great way to strengthen your primary defense against illness.
Acupuncturist, herbalist, Maya abdominal practitioner, and reflexologist Christina Morris is the founder of Element Natural Healing Arts. Writing about health and wellness gives her an outlet to express her care and concern for her beloved community. She believes everyone can achieve better health and happiness–emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.