Acupuncture and the Immune System

Acupuncture and the Immune System: Preparing for Cold & Flu Season

As the seasons change and temperatures drop, our bodies naturally become more vulnerable to colds and flu. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this is a time to strengthen the body’s Wei Qi—our energetic defense system that functions much like the immune system in Western medicine. By supporting this protective layer through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle choices, we can prepare ourselves to meet the challenges of cold and flu season with resilience.

Understanding the Immune System in TCM

In Chinese medicine, health is seen as a dynamic balance between the body’s internal and external environments. When this balance is disrupted—by stress, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, or sudden weather changes—our Wei Qi can weaken, making us more susceptible to illness.

The Lung and Spleen systems play a central role in immune defense.

• The Lungs govern the skin and respiration, acting as the first line of defense against external pathogens like cold and wind.
• The Spleen transforms food into vital energy (Qi), which fuels the immune system.

When these organs are functioning well, we’re better protected against seasonal viruses. When they’re depleted, we may experience fatigue, congestion, or lingering coughs.

How Acupuncture Supports Immunity

Acupuncture works by promoting balance in the body’s energy systems and improving the circulation of Qi and blood. Research shows that acupuncture can help regulate immune responses and reduce inflammation, which supports the body’s ability to fight infections naturally.

At Integrative Acupuncture, we often use acupuncture treatments to:

• Strengthen Wei Qi and build resilience against colds and flu.
• Relieve sinus pressure, cough, and sore throat.
• Support recovery after illness to prevent relapse.
• Address underlying imbalances, such as stress or poor digestion, that weaken the immune system over time.

Many patients notice they get sick less frequently or recover more quickly when they receive regular acupuncture during the fall and winter months.

Research Spotlight: How Acupuncture Influences Immune Function

Scientific studies continue to explore how acupuncture supports immunity at the cellular and systemic levels.

A 2023 review published in Frontiers in Immunology found that acupuncture can modulate both innate and adaptive immune responses, affecting cells such as macrophages, T-cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. The researchers concluded that acupuncture “regulates systemic inflammation and enhances immune homeostasis” through neuro-immune communication pathways.

Similarly, a 2021 article in QJM: An International Journal of Medicine reported that acupuncture has a bidirectional effect on the immune system—it can boost immune response when low (as in infections or cancer) and reduce overactivity when high (as in allergies or autoimmune conditions). The authors describe acupuncture as helping the body “restore and maintain immune homeostasis”.

Together, this growing body of research helps explain why acupuncture can be effective both for preventing illness and for supporting balance during chronic immune-related conditions.

Lifestyle Tips for a Strong Immune System

Small, consistent lifestyle habits can make a big difference in maintaining immunity through the colder months.

1. Prioritize Rest and Routine
   The body’s defenses are strongest when we live in harmony with the seasons. Fall invites us to slow down, get adequate sleep, and honor consistent daily rhythms. Try to wind down earlier in the evening and create a bedtime routine that supports deeper rest.

2. Keep Warm and Layer Wisely In TCM, Wind is considered a primary cause of seasonal illness. Protect your neck and upper back from drafts, especially after sweating or showering, by wearing a scarf or high collar when going outdoors.

3. Manage Stress
   Chronic stress depletes Qi and weakens the immune response. Mindful breathing, gentle movement, or a regular acupuncture session can help regulate the nervous system and restore calm. One effective intervention for reducing stress is called square breathing. You can watch a video of Acupuncturist Kerry Boyle practicing square breathing here.

Dietary Support for Seasonal Wellness

Nourishment plays a crucial role in keeping your immune system strong. In Chinese medicine, seasonal eating helps us stay in rhythm with nature’s cycles.

1. Choose Warm, Cooked Foods
   Raw and cold foods can tax digestion in cooler weather. Opt for soups, stews, and lightly cooked vegetables to support your Spleen Qi. Bone broth, miso soup, and congee are particularly nourishing. 
2. Include Immune-Supporting Ingredients
   Garlic, ginger, scallions, mushrooms, and daikon radish help dispel external pathogens and boost circulation. Citrus peels and pears can moisten the lungs, easing dry coughs and sore throats. 
3. Moderate Sugar and Alcohol
   Excess sugar and alcohol weaken immunity and create internal Dampness, which can lead to congestion or sluggish digestion.

For more ideas on eating with the seasons, see our post on Seasonal Eating with Chinese Medicine.

Herbal Allies for Cold & Flu Prevention

Chinese herbal medicine offers gentle, effective ways to strengthen the immune system and ward off illness. Formulas are tailored to each individual’s constitution, but here are some commonly used examples:

• Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Formula): A classic preventive blend that strengthens Wei Qi and helps reduce susceptibility to colds.
• Gan Mao Ling: Often used at the first sign of a sore throat or sniffle to help shorten duration of illness.
• Astragalus (Huang Qi): A popular herb known for enhancing immune defense and energy.

If you’re already coming down with something, it’s important to consult with a licensed acupuncturist or herbalist for guidance—certain tonics can actually trap pathogens in the body if taken at the wrong time.