Acupuncture and Immunity
- Posted on: May 15 2020
Acupuncture for over 3000 years has been used for all types of issues, from relieving back pain to treating stroke. As the years advanced, a protocol becomes needed especially in todays age of evidence based practice, thus although there are 3000 years of acupuncture clinical treatments in treating and boosting the immune system, we have not known exactly how and why this may work. An experimental study was done to show how Acupuncture may benefit the immune system by the Evidence based institute.
The study involved using Electro-Acupuncture, a form of acupuncture where a mild and comfortable electric current is run thru the needle into the Acupuncture point. In classical Acupuncture texts, the Acupuncture point known as ST-36 has been used for centuries to boost immunity and ward off colds. The researchers attached two needles on the ST-36 point, which is located under the knee; then an electric current was run for 20 minutes. After running the treatment, the researchers took blood samples and noticed many interesting things. Firstly, there was a decrease in TNF which is tumor necrosing factor. They also noticed an increase in several blood cells that are responsible for keeping our immune system strong. Finally, they found that the stimulation of Acupuncture point ST-36 was able to suppress inflammation, and also communicate with the Vagus nerve which is a very important nerve involved in our bodies parasympathetic response.
The previously mentioned study was able to confirm what hundreds of generations of Acupuncturists were already aware of, the power of Acupuncture points, particularly St-36 to boost the immune system and lessen the effects of colds. I have used it with great success not only on my patients but myself as well and the research to back up the Chinese classical acupuncture techniques is all the reason why to consider Acupuncture for a treatment for any immune disorder, or even to help prevent or shorten the effects of a cold.
Posted in: Acupuncture
