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Your immune system is your body's security system. It is the job of the immune system to deter foreign invaders like bacteria, parasites and other microbe causing infections. Disorders of the immune system range from common conditions such as mild seasonal allergies to more serious illnesses like leukemia. Stress, lack of sleep, and other common lifestyle and environmental conditions can contribute to a weakened immune system, which can make you vulnerable to infections.

 

Good news! Acupuncture therapy can treat a wide range of health conditions, including immune deficiency, by stimulating and balancing the immune system. Acupuncture can strengthen a weakened immune system by increasing red and white cell counts, T-cell count and enhancing humoral and cellular immunity. Acupuncture can regulate immune function and treat the underlying cause of the disease by reducing symptoms, speeding up the healing of infection and normalizing the body’s immune response.

 

Acupoints for Immune Health

Stomach 36

Stomach 36 (ST 36) can be found on the anterior (front) aspect of the lower leg. To identify the acupressure massage point, measure roughly four fingers below the kneecap on the outside edge of your shinbone. You will know you’re in the right place by flexing your foot back to feel the muscle below (the tibialis anterior muscle) begin to flex.

Performing acupressure on Stomach 36 is like a Vitamin C shot for your body. It is one of the most effective acupuncture points for strengthening the immune system, recovering from fatigue and boosting endurance.

Large Intestine 11

Large intestine 11 (LI 11) is located on the tip of the elbow. The easiest way to find this point it is to bend your arm, look down the outer side of your forearm to the elbow, LI 11 lies there where the elbow crease meets the joint.

This point runs along the Large Intestine meridian, traveling up the index finger, through the arm, shoulder, and neck, into the face and nose. This point acts as a fever-reducing point, but it is also used to help prevent the flu and other immune-compromising conditions. It is known to be one of the strongest points in the body for clearing heat. Think of LI 11 as a great vent for the body to release a little steam whenever it's needed.

Kidney 27

To locate this point, place your hands on either side of the depression on the lower clavicle bone. From here (with your fingers below the clavicle) separate hands approximately 1-2in horizontally (outward toward shoulders).

An excellent immune-boosting point used for common colds, influenza and for people that have compromised immune systems. Kidney 27 is known to open the chest, descend lung and stomach Qi, and stop coughing.

Lung 7

Lung 7 (LU 7) is located on the inside arm above the wrist. To find this point interlock your fingers (palms snuggly together) and direct your attention to your lowest thumb. On the outer edge of your thumb, you will find the crease of your wrist. The point lies roughly one inch down toward the elbow, in a depression between the sinew and the bone.

This is a very common point to use for systematic relief of cough, headache and/or stiff neck. As the Luo point of the Lung channel, this point is used to treat anything related to the lungs (asthma, wheezing, bronchitis, cough, congestion etc.) and can help symptoms associated with a weakened immune system.

 

Immune Enhancing Acupressure Routine

Get into a comfortable position so that you can easily access all points.

Begin with Kidney 27 and work your way down the body:

Kidney 27

Large Intestine 11

Lung 7

Stomach 36

 

• Stimulate each of the points on both sides of the body at the same time
• Spend 30-60 seconds on each point and apply firm pressure while breathing steadily into your lower abdomen
• Strive to complete this routine at least once in the morning and once before bed

 

Apply finger pressure in a slow, rhythmic manner to enable the layers of tissue and the internal organs to respond. Never press any area in an abrupt, forceful, or jarring way. Keep track of the results of your self-acupressure practice to pay close attention to your progress and well-being.