Acupuncture and Wei Qi: Understanding the Connection for Optimal Health and Wellness

Chinese Medicine believes that strengthening wei qi, the body’s protective energy, is key to overall health. When wei qi is strong it helps to strengthen the immune system and protect against illnesses. We qi is an ancient Chinese concept of energy that is closely related to how the body’s immune system functions. It forms a protective shield around us, protecting us from external forces such as pathogens, stress, and other environmental factors. This concept has been used for centuries to promote health and well being, and has recently gained more attention in western medicine as well.

Chinese medicine has developed various approaches to strengthen Wei qi in order to enhance the body’s ability to ward off disease. These techniques include herbal remedies, dietary changes, moxibustion, acupuncture and other forms of traditional medicine that have been proven to be beneficial for the physical and mental wellbeing of individuals. By strengthening Wei qi, Chinese medicine can help people achieve a better balance between their energy levels and the environment around them.

To boost your immune system using Chinese Medicine, there are several tips and practices that can be incorporated into your daily routine. By following these tips and incorporating Chinese Medicine practices into your daily routine, you can effectively boost your immune system and promote overall health and well-being.

Keep your neck covered when you are outside. To protect yourself from cold weather-related illnesses, wearing a scarf and hat is essential. Chinese Medicine believes that the back of the head, just below the occiput is particularly vulnerable to wind, which is why many people experience headaches or aches in their joints and neck when they start to get sick. Keeping your head warm and neck covered can help avoid such ailments. Remember, that cozy scarf in your closet is not just a winter accessory, but also a tool to protect yourself from external pathogens and maintain a strong immune system.

Keep your feet warm with socks and slippers. Chinese Medicine teaches us that the foundation of our immune system lies in the health of our kidneys, which is closely connected to the lower portion of our body, including our feet (where the kidney meridian begins). Keeping our feet warm with thick socks and slippers can prevent heat loss and protect our kidneys from the cold. This simple act can make a significant impact on our overall health and well-being. Not only does it prevent cold from affecting our kidneys, but it also supports the balance and vitality of our immune system. This small step is easy to incorporate into your daily routine and can make a big difference in your overall well-being.

Cover up during and after a sweaty work out. Keeping your skin covered and protected is crucial when exposed to the elements, as open pores from sweating can leave you more susceptible to illnesses. Sweating is not always a bad thing, but it can open the pores and make it easier for cold wind to penetrate and affect your body. Additionally, if you find that you sweat consistently and easily, it could be an indication that your wei qi is weak and unable to keep the pores closed. In this case, taking extra care to cover up and protect your skin is essential. 

Get enough sleep (and rest). Getting enough sleep is essential for a strong immune system, and while it may seem obvious, it can be a challenge for many, especially for parents of young children. Adequate sleep allows our bodies to recover physically and mentally from the day. Winter is an ideal time to prioritize self-care and focus on what’s important. Nature’s own rhythm encourages us to slow down and take time to appreciate our surroundings. While modern conveniences can make our lives easier, it’s also important to honor natural cycles. Consider adjusting your sleep schedule by going to bed a little earlier in the winter and waking up later in the summer for a more balanced approach to health and well-being.

Avoid cold and raw foods. In the winter, it is important to prioritize eating warm, cooked foods instead of raw foods. This helps maintain the digestive fire and increases the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Chinese Medicine advocates for warm meals as a way to support digestion. Our digestive system works more efficiently when foods are cooked. Eating the right foods can have a positive effect on our health, especially when it comes to strengthening the wei qi and avoiding illness.

Supporting the Wei Qi during the winter months by increasing certain vitamins and taking herbs is a great option. We’re going to highlight our favorite herbal formula for strengthening Wei Qi and our favorite way of getting a strong vitamin immune boost. 

Back to School by Five Flavors Herbs – This formula combines the classic TCM formula for strengthening Wei Qi (Jade WindScreen), with herbs popular in Western traditions to give a strong and effective immune system boost. Adaptogenic astragalus provides a healthy stress response, Elderberry is added for immune support, and Lemon Balm and Catnip are included to support a calm and focused mind. We carry this formula in our in-office herbal pharmacy! 

In addition to Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, we love the Integrative Medicine Company ivee as a complementary therapy that can provide an extra layer of protection and support for the immune system.

The Complete Supplement by IVEE – We love a vitamin IV, especially to support the immune system. Did you know that oral supplementation of vitamins only offer 30-80% absorption? IV vitamin therapy delivers nutrients directly to the bloodstream and makes them instantly accessible by the body for use, offering almost 100% absorption. This IV supplement is packed with  B12, L-Glutathione, Lysine, Magnesium, Myer’s Cocktail, Tri-amino Acid Blend, Vitamin C, Zinc.

Chinese Medicine is a powerful tool that can help us to tap into the innate healing power of our own bodies, and boost our immune system in a natural and holistic way. From the art of acupuncture, to the wisdom of Wei Qi, to the simplicity of everyday tips and practices, Chinese Medicine offers a wealth of resources that can help us to strengthen our bodies and protect ourselves from the illness’s of today. So let us embrace the ancient wisdom of Chinese Medicine, and use it to empower ourselves and our communities.