Acupuncture for immune system
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1. Overview
The immune system is the body's defence against infections, such as viruses. When people have a weakened immune system, they fall ill more often, from things such as colds and the flu.
2. Symptoms
Symptoms of a weakened immune system will be falling ill often, especially in winter time when lots of viruses are circulating around where we live and work.
3. Causes
The causes of a weakened immune system is often a lack of energy, being run down and tired.
4. Diagnosis
A blood test can show if your immune system is working properly, by checking your white blood cells, and the T cells and B cells within them. However, there is no blood test to see if you have enough energy to support your immune system. A person's energy levels can only be measured using a Chinese medicine pulse diagnosis technique.
5. Treatment
To boost your immune system so you are stronger and can fight off viruses so you are less likely to fall ill can be done in several ways:
- Take ginseng supplements
- Have acupuncture treatment
- Use ginger in your cuisine
- Take Huang Qi (astragalus) supplement
- Take Chinese herbs daily
Acupuncture treatment has been shown in several clinical trials to be able to boost the body's immune system and regulate immune factors.
6. Living with a weakened immune system
There are several things you can do to help your immune system so you are less likely to fall ill or catch a virus:
- Wrap up warm and wear a scarf on the back of your head
- Stay out of drafts. To catch a cold is to catch a chill
- Watch your hands regularly
- Wear a mask when in crowed areas
