Chances are if you are reading this article, that you probably already know how amazing acupuncture is. I don’t need to tell you that it involves using thin needles to stimulate and increase the flow of chi or energy throughout the body. But you may be surprised to learn that those same acupuncture needles can assist our immune systems to reach there full potential and help keep us healthy throughout the upcoming flu, cold and covid season. In this article we will discuss how acupuncture helps maintain optimum health, which chronic diseases you can avoid with prevenative acupuncture care, and where you can go to find the best care in Western North Carolina.
How Acupuncture Aids the Immune System
Acupuncture, a hallmark of traditional Chinese medicine, offers more than meets the eye. Clinical studies suggest it's not just a treatment but a proactive shield against ailments like colds, potentially reducing infection spread and illness duration.
In Chinese Medicine, it is believed that illnesses often emerge when our organ systems are imbalanced, making us vulnerable to germs and viruses. Therefore, it is imparitive to keep your immune system strong. By stimulating specific body points, acupuncture harmonizes the immune system. By increasing vital components, like red and white cell counts, T-cell levels and both cellular and humoral immunity in those who suffer from immune-related illness or disease.
Cause and Effect: The Weakend Immune System
From the cold, winter weather, to exposure to toxins, lack of immune boosting vitamins like Vitamin D, poor choice in diet and even stress can all impact your immune system. Any one of these can lead to a weakened or dysfunctional immune system which unfortunately is a major component behind most all chronic disease. Sadly, once the immune system is compromised, it is no longer able to fight against things that healthy immune systems have no problem fighting off. Things like frequent colds, reocurring infections and allergies all stem from a weakened immune system.
The following list includes compromised immunity related disorders:
AIDS
Asthma
Autoimmune disease
Cancer
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis)
Multiple sclerosis
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Keeping Your Immune System Strong with Acupuncture
If you or someone you know suffers from an immune disorder, you may be wondering how you will find relief from your symptoms and rejuvinate your immune system. Well, acupunture may very well be the answer you have been searching for. Acupuncture does more than just treat the symptoms. It targets the root cause of disease which in turn stregthens your immunity.
By harnessing the power of the autonomic nervous system, acupuncture targets select acupoints to elicit potent immune responses. The result is a notable rise in interferon levels. Interferons are proteins that are a part of your bodies natural defenses. These interferons act as the immune system's messenger hormones. Basically they report to the immune system when germs or cancer cells are present in the body. So when your interferons are strong and working as they should they help keep the body from succumbing to things like colds, ultimately keeping you from developing one of the many diseases related to a compromised immune system, as mentioned above. One of the best ways to keep your interferons and overall immunity strong is through regular acupuncture treatments.
Acupuncture Vs Immune Diseases and Inflammation
Inflammation is a common thread linking numerous diseases. This inflammatory process can alter our body's immune responses, notably in conditions like cancer. Here's where acupuncture steps in with its anti-inflammatory effects, offering a potential key to its effectiveness in treating various ailments. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes a proactive approach - believing it's better to prevent or intervene early in diseases rather than treating them after they've taken hold. This idea of "preconditioning" with acupuncture – using it as a preventative measure – isn't new. It's been a trusted practice from ancient times to today, suggesting a promising avenue for disease prevention.
The Best Acupuncturist In Asheville
Whether you are looking for an acupunturist to boost your immune system or aid the body for other reasons, Dr. Krystal Kinnunen has been utilizing the ancient practice of acupuncture for over 12 years to help many people with many different aches, pains, and other ailments. Certified through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, and Traditional Oriental Medicine, with a clinical focus on treating women’s health issues, chronic pain, and digestive health issues Dr. Kinnunen also specializes in the treatment of infertility, pregnancy symptoms, and postpartum care. Dozens of client testimonials praise her as they share their stories about how Dr. Kinnunen helped improve their lives!
Through Asheville Integrative Acupuncture, Dr. Krystal Kinnunen can help you, too, just like the countless others who have walked through her doors before you. Call (or text) 828-739-0345 or Click Here to schedule your appointment today and get started on your path to overall health and wellness.