There are several Chinese medical techniques that have been scientifically proven to increase the white blood cell count and reduce inflammation, thereby coaxing your system to effectively fight illness.  There are also many herbal formulas to choose from that effectively strengthen the immune system and others that address the myriad of symptoms that people experience. Here are my absolute favorite techniques that do not involve inserting an acupuncture needle:

Cupping:  placement of suction cups assists in moving blood and fluids, expel phlegm and improve Lung function.  This method is safe for infants, children and adults.

Gua Sha:  This technique is performed by using a smooth tool (I use a porcelain soup spoon) to firmly press along the skin in broad strokes.  For respiratory conditions such as cough, asthma, bronchitis, etc. Gua Sha is done on the back, behind the lungs – from the shoulders to the bottom of the ribs.  This assists in breathing, moving blood and fluids, expels phlegm and improves Lung function.  This method is safe for infants, children and adults.  I have taught families who experience asthma and other recurrent respiratory conditions how to perform this at home.  They have found that this method helps to mitigate an asthma attack when used at the immediate onset of symptoms. 

Sesshokushen:  there’s no other word for this, so let me briefly explain!  With one acupuncture needle, the practitioner quickly taps all over the surface of the skin.  People find this oddly relaxing and children sometimes feel ticklish. This Japanese technique stimulates the production of white blood cells and reduces inflammation.  This method is safe for infants, children and adults.

Moxibustion:  some people are familiar with this from experience, or from seeing it in a movie.  ‘Moxa’ is the shortened term for this procedure of placing a light and fluffy herb at specific points on the body, then lighting it with an incense stick.  It is taken off when the person feels that it is hot, as this is not for burning the skin.  In some cases, the herb is placed on the end of the needle.  However, in order to obtain a strong immune response, it is necessary to burn this herb directly on the skin.  Before and after research has proven an increase in the white blood cell count when performing moxibustion directly on the skin.  This is safe for adults of any age.  Unless a child is very weak, moxibustion is not needed for children.

For those that are more susceptible to respiratory illnesses, I suggest regular treatment to keep the immune system strong.  During these visits I also recommend individual-specific food and/or herbal medicines.

Here are more articles about staying healthy through autumn and winter : 

http://daisylear.com/black-elderberry/

http://daisylear.com/supporting-the-immune-system/

http://daisylear.com/inflammation/

… This last article is not specifically about the immune system, but the suggestions will help keep the immune system strong and our entire system less inflamed.

 

Please feel free to call or write with any questions !